Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AS Associate in Science Degree Program: Administration of Justice (60 units)
• AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer: Administration of Justice (60 units)
• CA Certificate of Achievement: Basic Police Academy (AJPS) (22 units)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Identify and classify the various components and goals of the Criminal Justice System, and explain how the components function as a team.
• Recognize and discuss the development and practical application of law in society.
• Explain and demonstrate the importance of developing interpersonal and written communication skills necessary to function within the Criminal Justice System and society at large.
• Describe and demonstrate the value and necessity of ethics, integrity, and professionalism in law enforcement careers.

Related Programs

• POST (California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training)

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. Transfer majors may be listed as Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law and Society, or other listings. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

The Administration of Justice Program prepares students for jobs in the field of criminal justice. The program at CSM is designed to educate students on the many aspects of justice administration – from the human, social and moral problems to the larger scope of justice systems.

Through the expertise of the faculty and the exposure to professional personnel from the criminal justice system, students can expect to be prepared for a career in various fields including criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, social services, probation, and law.

The criminal justice system offers employment in various municipal, county and state agencies in California, to individuals who have the ability to work well with all types of people, observe details others might miss, and make sound decisions in times of crisis.

The two-year degree covers a broad range of information and professional skills in criminal law, corrections, and the American justice system. While this degree is intended for transfer, it also may lead to employment or advancement within the justice system. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should complete the Associate Degree.

Program Overview

Program Requirements

Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 18 units
  • ADMJ 100: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3 units)
  • ADMJ 102: Principles and Procedures of the Criminal Justice System (3 units)
  • ADMJ 104: Concepts of Criminal Law (3 units)
  • ADMJ 106: Legal Aspects of Evidence (3 units)
  • ADMJ 120: Criminal Investigation (3 units)
  • Completion of IGETC GE requirement under Area 1, Group A: English Composition (3 units)
• Required Selective Courses: 6 units from the courses listed below:
  • ADMJ 108: Community Relations and the Justice System (3 units)
  • ADMJ 125: Juvenile Procedures (3 units)
  • ADMJ 185: Introduction to Forensic Science (3 units)
• Total Required Units: 24

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Administration of Justice Program (AOJ) at the College of San Mateo (CSM) is designed to prepare students for careers in the justice field, educating them on the various aspects of justice administration, ranging from human, social, and moral issues to the intricacies of justice systems. By engaging with faculty experts and interacting with professionals working in the criminal justice domain, students can expect to develop a robust understanding and preparation for pursuing jobs in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, social services, probation, and law sectors. Employment prospects in the realm of criminal justice are promising, with diverse opportunities offered by municipal, county, and state agencies in California for suitably qualified individuals with proven abilities for problem-solving, attention to detail, and critical decision-making in unpredictable environments. The duration of the AOJ program is two years and provides a comprehensive curriculum of professional skills in legal principles, correctional operations, and the broader US justice system. While primarily designed with a transfer emphasis, the degree holds value beyond that, facilitating employment or promotion within the justice system. Students anticipating transfer are encouraged to pursue an Associate Degree. It is imperative to schedule a meeting with a CSM counselor to map one’s academic plan and develop an educational framework tailored to one's specific pursuits.

Objectives:

Foster student understanding of the foundational components and goals of the Criminal Justice System, explaining how these components interlink within the team. Impart a solid awareness and critical comprehension of the historical growth and practical applications of the Law in society. Highlight the critical and multifaceted value of cultivating both oral and written communication skills that are essential for working effectively in criminal justice roles at various levels.

Careers:

The Administration of Justice Program offers several employment pathways upon graduating to work: Criminal Justice:

• Encompasses a myriad of roles in agencies safeguarding and serving our communities.

Law Enforcement:

• A traditional route for graduates seeking a hands-on job with patrol duties at the local, state, or federal level.

3. Corrections:

• Opportunities with this sector involve working in settings such as prisons, jails, or probation services, ensuring the safe, humane treatment of individuals in conflict with the law.

Social Services:

• Graduates working within social services can utilize their understanding of justice, criminology, and social factors to advocate for vulnerable populations and implement intervention programs.

Probation:

• Graduates can apply their knowledge and practical skills to supervise offenders placed on probation, facilitating their successful reintegration into society while mitigating risks that could lead to re-offending.

Law:

• With appropriate further preparation, graduates can explore legal pathways as paralegals, legal administrators, or attorneys.
These roles involve providing essential support or legal representation within the court system.