Administration of Justice: Corrections
Certificate of Achievement Administration of Justice · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Description
The Administration of Justice: Corrections Certificate of Achievement program provides preparatory instruction necessary for persons who wish entry into four-year institutions for careers as Correctional Officers, Counselors, or Probation and Parole Officers with federal, state, and county agencies. Entry-level employment may be available after satisfactory completion of the certificate requirements.
A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the 37-38 units specified for this certificate. The completion time for this certificate program is generally 4 semesters.Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.
Career Opportunities
The program prepares students for positions such as correctional officer, deputy sheriff, state or county probation officer, state or federal parole agent, correctional aide, juvenile institutional officer, group home counselor, reentry counselor, 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)
- Recall, list, and define common terms used in the field of corrections
- Compare and contrast the various historical efforts and contemporary trends in corrections as they apply to punishment and reduction of recidivism
- Articulate the purposes and importance of the ethical application of laws, policies, procedures, and operational techniques to the investigation, detection, rehabilitation, or punishment of criminal offenders.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 37-38 | |
| Core Courses: | 18 | |
| ADJUS 21 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| ADJUS 22 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| ADJUS 23 | Principles and Procedures of the Justice System | 3 |
| ADJUS 24 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| ADJUS 25 | Community Relations | 3 |
| ADJUS 63 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| Choose One: | 4-5 | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | 5 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 10 | Psychology and Life: Basic Principles | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| SOC 001 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 2 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Choose Three: | 9 | |
| AFRAM 16 | The Prison Industrial Complex: African American Incarceration | 3 |
| ADJUS 51 | Juvenile Law and Procedures | 3 |
| ADJUS 056 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| COSER 10 | Community Resources and Social Policy | 3 |
| COSER 16B | Communication: Families in Crisis | 3 |
| COSER 22 | Social Psychology of Substance/Drug Abuse | 3 |
| COSER 41 | Substance Abuse and the Law | 3 |
| COSER 42 | Counseling Skills and Substance Abuse | 3 |