The Associate of Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer degree prepares students for upper-division coursework for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. By design of curriculum, students will be able to describe the individual functions and components of the modern criminal justice system; use technology concepts of legal research to locate, and discuss the content of statutory and case law; analyze criminology factors that contribute to the cause of criminal behavior, reoccurrence of recidivism,  and strategies and practices established for the control of crime. In addition, this program encompasses ethical practices, standards and expectations within the entire criminal justice system.

Proper selection of curriculum electives further allows students to study other academic disciplines, such as chemistry or biology, psychology, sociology, public administration and computer science. For example, if you have an interest in forensic anthropology, you may choose chemistry or biology as important electives to consider.

To earn this AA-T degree, students must meet the following Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer requirements (pursuant to SB 1440 law):

🗸 Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University.
🗸 The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education Breadth Requirements.
🗸 A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
🗸 Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
🗸 Earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Students who complete this program should be able to:

🗸 Effectively use language and non-verbal communication consistent with and appropriate for application in the Criminal Justice System through classroom discussion, exercises and written assignments.
🗸 Demonstrate respect and acceptance for differing opinions, feelings and, values of others through the development of listening skills that promote ethical and equitable application of Criminal Law through classroom discussion, exercises and written assign
🗸 Evaluate and analyze information when addressing issues within the criminal justice system, draw reasonable conclusions that encompass criminal law, social expectation and ethical standards through classroom discussion exercises and written assignments.