Two of West Texas A&M University’s security degree programs are among the most affordable in the nation, according to an independent rankings site.

Security Degree Hub placed WT at No. 9 in its recently released list of the Top 25 most affordable security degree programs, citing both WT’s criminal justice degree program and its emergency management administration degree program.

“SDH is only interested in reputable programs that provide a real education and a real return on investment,” said Jenny Lee, SDH marketing director. “Placement on our list shows students that your program is a leader in the field, and a career opportunity like no other.”

WT’s criminal justice program offers flexibility, with 100 percent–online options as well as on-campus and mixed options. The program offers career opportunities for police officers, fish and game wardens, federal law enforcement officers, probation or parole officers, court investigators, crime scene technicians and correctional officers, and it also offers preparation for law school or graduate school.

The online criminal justice program was recognized with 12 other degree programs when U.S. News & World Report ranked WT’s online bachelor’s programs as the best in Texas.

WT’s emergency management administration program prepares firefighters, emergency responders, military personnel, police officers, private sector and other emergency services professionals for advanced levels of administration and management within the emergency services professions. The program is 100 percent online, as well.

The program also was one of those cited by U.S. News & World Report, and it also has been lauded as best online bachelor’s program by Best Colleges and best online degrees and most affordable by College Choice.

“We are proud of the persistent and pervasive national recognition our criminal justice program continues to garner,” said Dr. Brandon Bang, program director. “This is no doubt thanks to our dedicated faculty, excellent students and our continued dedication to providing a top-notch but affordable education to current and future criminal justice practitioners. It is our privilege to continue to serve Texas Panhandle by providing a sound social science education to the criminal justice community.”

Providing a nurturing yet rigorous educational environment that emphasizes opportunity is WT’s focusing purpose, as laid out in the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

-West Texas A&M University