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Value of a Minor

Are you interested in enhancing your studies with a minor? In addition to major areas of study, UTSA offers a variety of programs that provide valuable contributions to students' academic careers. While pursuing an undergraduate minor, students have the opportunity to explore personal interests and passions outside of their major program or complement their current major, helping them further stand out in the job market.
Students taking a picture while volunteering in UTSA Criminology program

Why Pursue a Minor in Criminal Justice?

Adding a Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a great way to enhance your degree, particularly those in political science, psychology, sociology, social work, business, cyber security, and history. This versatile minor will teach you skills in the fundamentals of law, policing and criminological theory.

What You'll Study

Students pursuing the Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice will take the following courses:

  • The American Criminal Justice System
  • Criminological Theory

Students must also complete 9 hours of elective courses chosen from the following sub-areas:

  • Policing
  • Courts and Law
  • Corrections

Adding a Minor


Though not required, declaring a minor is an excellent way to enhance your major area of study. A minor typically consists of 6 courses (18 semester credit hours), and may have additional requirements depending on the minor selected. After being admitted to UTSA and registered for classes, students can meet with their assigned academic advisor to discuss the addition of a minor to their degree plan.

Please note, students can add a minor as long as they have earned less than 75 credit hours. However, the addition of a minor may or may not delay graduation. All requirements for the minor must be met at graduation; a minor cannot be added to a student’s degree program once they graduate. Students should meet with their assigned academic advisor to understand the impacts of adding a minor to their degree plan.

Interested in Majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice?

UTSA offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice! Visit our major page to further explore this field and see if this program is the right fit for you.

View Major Page