Modern Policing
Associate in Science Degree Criminal Justice · Golden West College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Associate in Science in Modern Policing degree is required for employment as a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of California. Satisfactory completion of this degree allows for application to, or employment with, California law enforcement agencies defined in section 830.1 of the California Penal Code. In addition, sworn officers concurrently employed can satisfy this requirement for continuing employment. This degree program also allows for transfer and continued education at the California State University level or equivalent.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify how culture, gender and ethnicity help develop community identity.
- List the Six Pillars of Character.
- Explain how ethics assist in creating public trust with law enforcement.
- Analyze view points of law enforcement in America from different prospectives.
- Appraise how psychology and sociology impact citizens during severe stress.
Potential Careers
- Police Officer
- Parole Officer
- Deputy Sherriff
REQUIREMENTS
Review Graduation Requirements, General Education, and Program Maps.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ G140 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ G137 | Community Relations And Special Issues In Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ G141 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ G110 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| orCJ G123 | Juvenile Law | |
| orCJ G128 | Criminal Procedure and Evidence | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4-6 |
| orENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMST G255 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3-6 |
| orSTAT C1000E | Introduction to Statistics | |
| orPSYC G140 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
| orECON G160 | Statistics for Business and Economics | |
| orSOC G125 | Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | |
| PSYC G260 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| ART G128 | Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North America | 3 |
| PHIL G120 | Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL G121 | Leadership and Ethical Reasoning in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| SOC G111 | Social Justice and U.S. Ethnic Communities | 3 |
| PSYC G130 | Critical Thinking in Psychology | 3 |
| orPHIL G125 | Critical Reasoning and Writing | |
| SOC G160 | Sociology of Criminology | 3 |
| Major Total | 46-51 | |
| GE Pattern (Local or Cal-GETC) | 24-34 | |
| Electives (as needed to reach 60 units) | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |