Program Overview

Administration of Justice, Associate of Science (AS): Legal Studies Emphasis

Overview

This course of study is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in municipal and county law enforcement agencies (i.e. police or sheriffs departments), and/or to transfer to Bachelor’s degree programs in Criminal Justice or related fields to prepare for federal or state-level law enforcement positions (i.e., FBI, DEA, INS, etc.)

Requirements

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

• Complete all of the following:
  • All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
  • A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F)
  • A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
  • A total of 12 units through SBCC.

Course List

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the American Criminal Justice system and the scope of responsibilities of the various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies beginning with arrest through parole.
• Articulate the system’s objectives, the crime problem, and role expectations of criminal justice personnel, and describe the various agencies and each subsystem within the system.
• Analyze legal concepts and make rational decisions about case processing. Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of evidence, legal definitions, and concepts of evidentiary law. Apply basic investigative proficiencies.
• Analyze the role of the Constitution and judiciary in shaping society, the criminal justice system, and our system of government.
• Examine the issues of judicial review and incorporation of the Bill of Rights and evaluate and assess the effect of the political process on Supreme Court interpretations.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills acquired in the social sciences in preparation for continuance of college-level education.

Recommended Sequence

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.