Administration of Justice - Law Enforcement, Associate in Science
The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice - Law Enforcement degree prepares students for a career in the field of the administration of justice and public safety. Students are prepared to enter the workforce as officers and deputies in the field of law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. Students learn basic policing, patrolling, search and seizure laws, report writing skills, and inmate management policy, which will prepare them for the common duties and challenges of federal and state public safety officers.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Differentiate and evaluate the requirements and limitations of justice professionals, including critical thinking, problem-solving skills in real time.
- Articulate the justice system’s objectives, the crime picture, role expectations of criminal justice professionals, and the various functions of each subsystem within the system.
- Describe the system’s responsibilities to victims, the community, theory and factors in crime causation, the social implications of crime, and communication barriers between system professionals and multicultural communities.
- Identify and apply definitions and concepts related to constitutional law, legal codes, and case law at the federal and state levels.
- Analyze and apply legal concepts and make rational decisions about case processing.
- Apply basic investigative proficiency to produce field notes, compile and analyze data, write accurate reports, and prepare formal reports suitable for court presentations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of evidence, including legal definitions and concepts of evidentiary law, and apply basic investigative proficiencies.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| Select one of the following Options: | 20-25.5 | |
| Option 1: General (20-25.5 Units) | ||
| Introduction to Administration of Justice | ||
| Community and the Justice System | ||
| Concepts of Criminal Law | ||
| Legal Aspects of Evidence | ||
| Criminal Court Process | ||
| Criminal Investigation | ||
Select 2-3 units of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Corrections | ||
| Juvenile Procedures | ||
| Citizens' Academy | ||
| Career-Focused Work Experience | ||
| Option 2: Extended Basic Academy (25 Units) | ||
| P.O.S.T. Basic Academy III | ||
| P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Modular II | ||
| P.O.S.T. Basic Academy I | ||
| Option 3: Intensive Basic Academy (24 Units) | ||
| P.O.S.T. Intensive Basic Academy I | ||
| P.O.S.T. Intensive Basic Academy II | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 20-25.5 | |
| Additional Requirements | 34.5-40 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Graduation Requirements
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence
Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement: AS Option 1: General
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AE | College Composition or College Composition: Enhanced | 3 |
| LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
| ADMJ 2 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| ADMJ 3 | Community and the Justice System | 3 |
| MPC GE Area E (COUN 10, COUN 59, COUN 71, or COUN 50 or 51 recommended) | 3 | |
| Electives | 2 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ADMJ 4 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| ADMJ 51 | Criminal Court Process | 3 |
| MPC GE Area A2 (MATH 16 recommended) | 4 | |
| MPG GE Area F | 3 | |
| Electives (ENGL 2 recommended) | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ADMJ 6 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| ADMJ 66 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| Electives (SPCH 1 recommended) | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| MPC GE Area B & Lab | 4 | |
| MPC GE Area C | 3 | |
| Electives | 4-5 | |
| Select 2-3 units from the following: | 2-3 | |
| Introduction to Corrections or Juvenile Procedures or Citizens' Academy or Career-Focused Work Experience | ||
| Units | 13-15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.