Criminal Justice

Associate in Arts
Transfer Preparation* (Major Code: 01250)

Students who wish to major in the Administration of Justice program and plan to go on to a four-year institution are encouraged to pursue an associate in arts degree in criminal justice. The coursework is designed to offer the student a two-year degree program while preparing the student for typically required courses at a college offering a bachelor’s or higher-degree program. Criminal Justice majors may complete all of their lower-division requirements at Southwestern College.

The associate in science degree in administration of justice and the associate in arts degree in criminal justice differ in that the A.S. is designed to offer those skills required for immediate employment in the areas of corrections and law enforcement, while the A.A. is intended to meet the needs of transferring students with long range educational goals in the criminal justice field.

Program Student Learning Outcome

  • Demonstrate ability to observe objectively and to collect data and facts in order to make an informed judgment.
Program Requirements
AJ 111INTRODUCTION TO ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE3
AJ 151CONCEPTS OF CRIMINAL LAW3
AJ 156LEGAL ASPECTS OF EVIDENCE3
AJ 188COMMUNITY RELATIONS3
AJ 161PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM3
or AJ 252 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
PS 102INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS3
SOC 101INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY3
SOC 110CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS3
MATH 119ELEMENTARY STATISTICS3-4
or PSYC/SOC 270 STATISTICS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Total Units27-28
*

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete courses specific to the transfer institution of choice. University requirements vary from institution to institution and are subject to change. Therefore, it is important to verify transfer major preparation and general education requirements through consultation with a counselor in either the Counseling Center or Transfer Center. See catalog Transfer Courses Information section for further information.

 To earn an associate degree, additional general education and graduation requirements must be completed.
Note: For Police Academy, see Law Enforcement Training Academy.