The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) involves studying the functions and roles of the police, courts, and corrections. This course of study provides students with the opportunity to acquire skills in research, information gathering, observation, analytical and critical thinking, and written and verbal communication. This major may lead to a career in law enforcement, private security, corrections, forensics, and related areas.
Upon completion of the Associate in Science in Administration of Justice (AS-T), students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper-division baccalaureate study. Completing the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into an Administration of Justice program for many California State University system campuses.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will be able to evaluate complex issues in criminal justice from varying perspectives.
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate an understanding of the functions of the police, courts, and corrections.
- Upon completion of the program, students will be able to analyze the influence of new technology and how it will impact the criminal justice system.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education
-
Appropriate for Intersession
-
Available Online
-
Global Citizenship
NOTE: This transfer and/or degree program utilizes Cal-GETC as the required General Education pattern. If you started college before Fall 2025, you MAY be able to use either CSU GE or IGETC. You should meet with a counselor to discuss which general education pattern is appropriate for you.
Semester 1
15-17 Units
This course provides students with an overview of the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. An emphasis is placed on examining the structure and functions of the police, courts and corrections. The following additional topics are explored: the origins of criminal law, theories of crime, the adjudication of a criminal case, measurement of crime, the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system, the social impact of crime, sentencing policies and related subject areas.
COM ST 16 or 21 recommended
Cal-GETC Area 2 Course 3-5 units
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
15 Units
This course examines the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States. It covers topics which include the sources of law, the elements of a crime, the classification of crime, the nature of credible evidence, the adversary system, criminal defenses and related subjects. The course utilizes case studies to ascertain and analyze the concepts of criminal law. It also provides a foundation for upper division criminal justice courses.
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
SOCIOL 1 recommended
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
- Prerequisite: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
Cal-GETC Area 3A Course 3 units
US HIST course recommended for CSU graduation requirement
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 3B Course
Semester 3
13-14 Units
Cal-GETC Area 5C Course 4-5 units
POLS C1000 ( or POL SC 1) recommended for CSU graduation requirement
See the full list: Cal-GETC Area 4 Course
Cal-GETC Area 6 Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Semester 4
14-16 Units
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 2-3 units
List A
This course explores types of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in a criminal court proceeding. A special emphasis is placed on examining the key rules pertaining to witness competency, privileged communications, confessions, hearsay statements and identification procedures. Case studies and judicial decisions interpreting the evidence rules are also included.
This course examines the basic principles, procedures and ethical challenges involved in criminal investigation. The topics covered include the organization of the investigative process, scientific analysis of physical evidence, crime scene management, documentation of evidence, interviews and interrogation, sources of information, surveillance, and the role of the investigator in the trial process.
This course provides an overview of the development and organization of the juvenile justice system in the United States. The course explores topics such as the history of this system, the measurement of juvenile delinquency, California laws relating to delinquency and dependency, constitutional protections afforded through case decisions, juvenile court proceedings and related subject areas.
This course provides students with an overview of the role of forensics in criminal investigations. This course explores topics such as crime scene analysis versus crime scene processing, examination of pattern evidence, principles of fingerprint identification, analysis of firearm and tool mark evidence, collection and preservation of DNA evidence, evaluation of questioned documents, and related subjects.
This course analyzes the dynamic relationship between the justice system and the community in addressing crime. Special attention is focused on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population as well as strategies for resolving conflict. Additional topics covered include the evolving nature of multiculturalism, demographics of interest communities, community policing, courts and the community, among others.
List B
This course surveys the principles and techniques of current and evolving business communication as a process in a variety of business situations. The course emphasizes planning, organizing, composing, and revising business documents using appropriate utilization of a variety of technological platforms, business related internet writing contexts, and web resources. Also, this course will incorporate a variety of internet-based communication tools relevant to doing business in today's world. This course is designed for students who already have college-level writing skills.
- Prerequisite: BUS 31 or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- A3 - Critical Thinking
This course introduces students to information systems and their role in business. Topics include information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems, hardware systems, and application software (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics). In this course, students develop computer-based solutions to a variety of business problems.
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches.
- 1C: Oral Communication
- A1 - Oral Communication
This course focuses on the development of persuasion in rhetorical perspective, with an emphasis on balancing logic, emotion and credibility in public speaking. The history of classical rhetoric in Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as great speakers in American history, are emphasized.
- Skills Advisory: COM ST 11 or
- 1C: Oral Communication
- 3B: Humanities
- A1 - Oral Communication
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This course focuses on the identification and analysis of processes and challenges of communication as affected by small group interactions. This course helps students develop competence and confidence as a group member and leader through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of small groups in everyday life. The course focuses on the principles of communication theory as they apply to the small group setting with an emphasis on practical application through study and practice in various group activities.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 1C: Oral Communication
- A1 - Oral Communication
Principles of argumentative discourse applied to contemporary issues are studied in this course. An analysis of the relationship between evidence and the process of reasoning is included.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 1C: Oral Communication
- A1 - Oral Communication
- A3 - Critical Thinking
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This advanced writing course is intended especially for English majors and other students desiring to develop rhetorical skills beyond those practiced in English 1. It stresses critical analysis and argument, and focuses on style in effectively communicating with various audiences.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area III: Humanities
This course presents an overview of historians’ methods of research, critical analysis, and written argumentation and introduces historiography and historical theory. Students will apply these methods through a variety of written assignments, including a properly-documented academic research paper. This course’s research component will further students’ information competency skills.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 4F: History
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- D6 - History
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
An intensive preparation for calculus. This course is intended for computer science, engineering, mathematics and natural science majors. Topics include algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions and their inverses and identities, conic sections, sequences, series, the binomial theorem and mathematical induction.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 32
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This first course in calculus is intended primarily for science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives and integrals of algebraic and trigonometric functions, with mathematical and physical applications.
- Prerequisite: MATH 2 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 3 and
- Prerequisite: MATH 4
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This is a terminal mathematics course for liberal arts and social science majors. Topics include sets and counting, probability, linear systems, linear programming, statistics, and mathematics of finance, with emphasis on applications.
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course is intended for students majoring in business or social sciences. It is a survey of differential and integral calculus with business and social science applications. Topics include limits, differential calculus of one variable, including exponential and logarithmic functions, introduction to integral calculus, and mathematics of finance.
- Prerequisite: MATH 26
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
A course in general logic emphasizing its applications to practical situations. The course covers both inductive and deductive techniques.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- Area III: Humanities
This is a beginning course in modern logic covering symbolic notation and translations, and decision procedures for validity and invalidity of arguments in sentential logic and predicate logic.
- A3 - Critical Thinking
This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4H: Political Science, Government & Legal Institutions
- D8 - Political Science, Government, and Legal Institutions
- US2
- US3
This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, culture, socialization, deviance, social change and social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 prior to enrolling in other sociology courses.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
By relying heavily on the instructional method of service-learning, this course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, cultural development, the process of socialization, social structure, social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender--and social change. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 or 1s prior to enrolling in other sociology courses. This course requires students to engage in learning outside the classroom in conjunction with various community-based organizations.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course involves a sociological analysis of social problems on the local, national, and international level. Critical inquiry and analysis are conducted into issues such as global inequality, environmental destruction, urban deterioration, economic and political power distribution, poverty, racism, sexism, and problems of work, family, education, drugs, and crime. Theoretical perspectives of sociology and current sociological research are explored.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
By relying heavily on the instructional method of service-learning, this course involves a sociological analysis of contemporary social problems on the local, national, and international level. Critical inquiry and analysis is conducted into issues such as global inequality, environmental destruction, urban deterioration, economic and political power distribution, poverty, racism, sexism, and problems of work, family, education, drugs, and crime. Theoretical perspectives of sociology and current sociological research are explored. This course requires students to engage in learning outside the classroom in conjunction with various community-based organizations.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and methods of sociological research design and implementation. Students examine the key varieties of evidence--including qualitative and quantitative data, data-gathering and sampling methods, logic of comparison, and causal reasoning. The work of several scholars is evaluated and students create their own research project related to a sociological issue.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- Skills Advisory: SOCIOL 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)