About the Administration of Justice Program (Criminal Justice)
Pursue Your Passion for Criminal Law, Launch an Administration of Justice Career
Santa Monica College’s Administration of Justice program prepares students for careers
in local, state, and federal law enforcement; security; and courtroom operations.
Our courses familiarize you with the American justice system. Learn about crime causes,
the role of administration of justice practitioners, the role of law enforcement,
evidence procedures, juvenile procedures, and criminal law. Apply principles of the
justice system; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting an arrest and
search and seizure; human relations; and concepts of criminal law.
Students completing this program will be prepared to transfer and major in criminal
justice. Start and grow in your career in administration of justice and criminal law,
and access a broad range of job opportunities.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students
planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses
completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.
Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Certificate of Acheivement - Administration of Justice (Criminal Justice)
15 units + General Education Requirements
This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing an entry‐level
job in the criminal justice field and need a working knowledge of the fundamental
concepts in this area. This certificate comprises courses in the introduction to the
administration of Justice, criminal law, evidence, criminal investigation and community
and the justice system.
Associate in Science for Transfer - Administration of Justice (Criminal Justice)
18 units + General Education Requirements
This AS-T degree is geared toward students who want to transfer into an upper-division baccalaureate
program at a California State University (CSU). This degree will prepare you for an
entry-level position as a police officer, police assistant, community service officer,
or a police reserve officer. Other options include positions in private security,
parole, or federal law enforcement agencies.
You will be educated in critical thinking and communication skills, as well as the
concepts of criminal law and the fundamentals of administration of justice.