Criminal Justice
Associate in Arts School of Allied Health and Public Safety · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Criminal Justice program is multifaceted and serves the educational needs of both pre-service and law enforcement professionals as well as individuals interested in learning about the field. The program leads to an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and transfer to Baccalaureate degree programs and or a Certificate of Achievement. Additionally, the first two of three modules of the Modular Police Academy are offered to qualified students. These courses meet the State of California, Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) requirements.
The Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice is available upon satisfactory completion of the graduation requirements and complete the following required courses with a minimum grade of a “C” (or P) in each course in the degree and maintains a 2.0 GPA.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Demonstrate at the entry level an understanding of the fundamental principles, laws, and processes related to the American judicial system and individual constitutional rights.
B. Demonstrate at the entry level effective written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills.
C. Demonstrate at the entry level critical thinking skills, the ability methods using critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze and solve problems using logical and creative methods.
D. Recognize at the entry level the social, political, economic, and cultural context within the criminal justice system and responsibilities to the community.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (24 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CRIM-02 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIM-03 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| CRIM-04 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CRIM-05 | Community and Human Relations | 3 |
| CRIM-06 | Introduction to Evidence | 3 |
| CRIM-10 | Writing for Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIM-37 | Communication and Ethics in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| Plus three units from the following electives: | ||
| CRIM-01 | Criminology | 3 |
| CRIM-08 | Introduction to Investigation | 3 |
| CRIM-30 | Juvenile Procedures | 3 |
| CRIM-33 | Violence in the Family | 3 |
| CRIM-35 | Narcotics | 3 |
| CRIM-39 | Police Tactics | 1 |
| CRIM-42C | Reserve Officer Module Level 3 | 7 |
| CRIM-42D | Reserve Officer Module Level 2 | 10 |
| Total Total | 24 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (12 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)