The goal of the research was to learn about the opinions of Texas college students on the death penalty and to determine the impact that prior interaction with the criminal justice system through incarceration or employment had on their opinions. A sequential, explanatory mixed methodology was implemented during the data collection, analysis, and interpretation phases. During Phase I, a convenience sample of college students who were enrolled in a criminal justice course in Texas voluntarily participated in the study by answering questions on a modified Death Penalty Survey. Phase II explored results from Phase I further by virtually interviewing volunteer Texas residents who were also enrolled in a criminal justice course at different collegiate institutions in Texas. Using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, independent sample t-tests, and inductive thematic analysis, it was discovered that the study participants largely identified as abolitionists and viewed life without parole significantly different from participants who identified as retentionists. The study revealed a need for more investigation into the participants' perspectives on the death penalty if they imagined themselves as hypothetical offenders or victims, rather than separated from the crimes, and how, or if, a hypothetical direct involvement may affect their decision. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]