How Blinn College and the Forensic Science Academy prepared Ashley Gallardo for a career in criminal justice

For Ashley Gallardo, the path to a career in criminal justice was driven by a passion for forensic science and hands-on learning experiences.

February 28, 2025

As a student in Blinn College’s Criminal Justice Program, Ashley has taken full advantage of the unique opportunities offered through Blinn’s partnership with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). With her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology set to be completed in May and her Level-1 Certificate in Forensic Science already in hand, Ashley is well on her way to making an impact in the field.

Discovering Blinn and the TEEX Advantage

Originally from Round Rock, Ashley first heard about Blinn College during her junior year of high school. However, it wasn’t until she learned about the TEEX Forensic Science Academy that she seriously considered enrolling.

“The TEEX program is what really caught my interest,” Ashley said. “I was looking into forensic science and criminal justice programs, and when I found out Blinn partnered with TEEX, it seemed like the perfect fit.”

Blinn’s partnership with TEEX provides students with 16-17 weeks of intensive hands-on training using actual law enforcement and forensic investigation equipment, making it one of the most practical and immersive programs available. Through this collaboration, Ashley gained critical forensic skills while advancing her academic studies.

Hands-On Experience

Beyond the classroom, Ashley has further honed her skills through an internship with the College Station Police Department’s (CSPD) Criminal Investigations Division. As the only Blinn College student interning alongside five interns from Texas A&M University, she has embraced the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional law enforcement setting.

“I work directly with detectives, handling case evidence, creating suspect IDs, and reviewing case files,” Ashley said. “It’s incredible to see the process firsthand and get to apply what I’ve learned in class to real investigations.”

Her internship has even provided opportunities to work with specialized units, including the SWAT team and K-9 division. She has participated in ride-alongs, conducted research for active cases, and helped with crime scene documentation.

A Passion for Forensic Science and Future Goals

Ashley’s interest in forensic science began in high school, fueled by her fascination with real-life cases. That curiosity has only deepened through her coursework and hands-on training at Blinn and TEEX.

“Through TEEX, I got to do latent fingerprint processing, forensic photography, and crime scene reconstruction,” she said. “It was an amazing experience to get that level of training while still in college.”

Following graduation from Blinn, Ashley plans to transfer to Tarleton State University at RELLIS to pursue her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice Administration. She hopes to work in crimes against children investigations, a field that has become increasingly important to her during her internship.

“I’ve had the chance to work on cases involving children, and it’s made me realize how much I want to help those who need it the most,” Ashley said. “It’s a tough field, but knowing you can make a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile.”

Encouraging Future Students

As she approaches graduation, Ashley encourages others to consider the Criminal Justice Program and the TEEX Forensic Science Academy.

“I highly recommend Blinn, especially for students who want more hands-on learning and smaller class sizes,” she said. “The professors truly care, and the TEEX program gives you real-world skills you can use immediately in your career.”

Degree and Certificate Options

Blinn’s Criminal Justice Program offers extensive pathways to careers in law enforcement, forensics, corrections, and more. With degree and certificate options available on multiple campuses and online, students can tailor their academic experience to their career goals, whether they aim to transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce upon graduation. Program options include:

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice - Field of Study
  Designed for students aiming to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
  Offers hands-on training in criminal justice technology to prepare students for immediate entry into the field.
• Certificate Level-1 in Corrections
  Provides foundational skills and knowledge for careers in correctional facilities and the corrections industry.
• Occupational Skills Award in Judicial Practices
  Ideal for students interested in judicial administration and courtroom procedures.
• Certificate Level-1 in Basic Peace Officer
  Prepares students to pursue careers in law enforcement and policing through in-depth training at the RELLIS Campus.
• Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology
  Focuses on developing practical skills for careers in law enforcement technology and operations.
• Certificate Level-1 in Forensic Science
  Offered through Blinn’s partnership with the TEEX Forensic Science Academy, this certificate prepares students for careers in forensic science and criminal investigation.
• Occupational Skills Award in Criminal Justice
  Introduces students to core concepts in criminal justice, providing a fast-track option for career exploration or entry-level employment.

Blinn also offers co-enrollment partnerships that provide seamless bachelor’s degree pathways to criminal justice degrees at Tarleton State University at RELLIS, the University of Houston-Victoria, and Sam Houston State University.

For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/criminal-justice.