Administration of Justice

Program Description

The Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree in Administration of Justice is for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree at a California State University (CSU) or another four-year college or university. Successful completion of this degree allows students to fulfill lower division major requirements and guarantees transfer with junior status to a college within the California State University (CSU) system. Students are guaranteed a pathway to finish their baccalaureate degrees in 60 semester units and enter into an Administration of Justice program or a similar major such as Law Enforcement, Correctional Administration, Social Science, and Pre-Law.

The program is for those preparing for a career in criminal justice. It is also for those currently employed in an administration of justice agency who seek training for career advancement. A set of core courses provides knowledge of the criminal justice system and the training necessary to enter various careers in the criminal justice sector, including jobs in public law enforcement agencies, municipal police, probation officers, county deputy sheriffs, correctional offices, game wardens, state parks, and private security.

This AS-T degree program requires students to meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the CSU system, including the following:
   1. The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
   2. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
   3. A minimum of 12 semester units earned at Merritt College.
2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
3. Obtainment of a minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.

The completion time for this AS-T degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

See the Transfer Information section of this catalog for more information on Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and Cal-GETC requirements.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for positions such as police officer, deputy sheriff, state or federal patrol and investigative officer, correctional aide, security specialist, community service officer, police cadet, and reserve officer, as well as manager and supervisor in these individual fields. Placement may depend on job availability and the successful completion of an entrance examination.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Demonstrate an understanding and ability to analyze crime, policies, procedures, and the people that shape the justice system.
2. Bridge policies and procedures with practical knowledge and apply that knowledge to prospective careers in the criminal justice sector.
3. Demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary to effectively evaluate problems in the criminal justice system and provide solutions to these problems nationally and locally.
4. Create and contribute to an environment conducive and accepting of in-depth analysis and critique of social policy and social justice issues as it relates to socioeconomic status, race, gender, ethnicity, and culture.