# Administration of Justice: Police Science (Certificate of Achievement)

Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Administration of Justice

Source: https://mc.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/48441/48769/49120/49121/49122/49151/49156

##### Program Description

The Administration of Justice: Police Science Certificate of Achievement 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.

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the 31-32 units specified for the certificate.

##### 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 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.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses:** | | 31-32 |
| **Core Courses:** | | 21 |
| 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 57 | Report Writing for Public Safety Personnel | 3 |
| HLTED 1 | Exploring Health Issues | 3 |
| **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 One:** | | 4-5 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 4 |
| ENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | 5 |
| ENGL C1002 | Introduction to Literature | 4 |