Administration of Justice: Police Science

Program Description

The Administration of Justice: Police Science Associate in Arts Degree program provides practical and technical instruction to meet the requirements of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. The program is designed for those who are interested in careers in law enforcement with responsibilities of ensuring the security of human rights and maintaining social order according to the democratic system. Some responsibilities of law enforcement officers include enforcing laws, detecting, and arresting violators of the law, crime prevention, and protecting life and property.

To qualify for the Associate in Arts Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AA degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
   2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
   3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
   4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
   5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units
2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major
3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan that addresses all transfer 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. Identify and summarize the Constitutional Amendments of Special Significance to the American System of Justice
2. Summarize the historical development of policing in America and the characteristics of each stage/era.
3. Explain and employ chain-of-command and paramilitary management structure.
4. Analyze the issues and challenges faced in policing including but not limited to police subculture, stressors, civil liability, professionalism, and ethics.