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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Administration of Justice

Administration of Justice

Overview

ARC's Administration of Justice program offers both Associate's and Associate's for Transfer degrees. The Associate's degree covers the prevention, discovery, control and treatment of crimes, criminals, and criminality. Students desiring to enter a career concerned with the administration of justice will find that this curriculum has flexibility that allows them to prepare for specific fields included in that broad category. The Transfer degree provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.S.-T. in Administration of Justice
  • A.S. in Administration of Justice
  • Homeland Security Certificate

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Administration of Justice

The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

All ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Core:
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice 3
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law 3
List A:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
ADMJ 322 Criminal Procedures (3)
ADMJ 323 Legal Aspects of Evidence (3)
ADMJ 330 Criminal Investigation (3)
ADMJ 340 Introduction to Correctional Services (3)
List B:
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
Any courses from List A not already used or
ADMJ 301 Investigative Report Writing (3)
ADMJ 309 Career Preparation for Law Enforcement Occupations (3)
ADMJ 331 Patrol Procedures (3)
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3)
   or PSYC C1000H Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
   or POLS C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
   or SOC 480 Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate various local, state, and federal law enforcement career options.
  • research the law enforcement application and hiring processes.
  • critique the ethical philosophy of the American justice system.
  • analyze crime causation, criminal statutes and elements of particular crimes.
  • describe the various levels of punishment and corrections.
  • evaluate the legal aspects of criminal investigations, constitutional law, and case law.
  • identify various controlled substances and interpret their impact on society and law enforcement.
  • apply laws and procedures for the collection and use of evidence.
  • identify ethical standards placed on law enforcement professionals.
  • communicate effectively in written and oral formats.

Career Information

Police Officer; Deputy Sheriff; Crime Scene Investigator; Identification Technician; Community Services Officer; Corrections Officer; Parole Officer; Probation Officer and a variety of support service occupations. Potential employers include: Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies (Sheriff, Police, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, Crime Scene Investigations, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation).

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Administration of Justice

This degree covers the prevention, discovery, control and treatment of crimes, criminals, and criminality. Students desiring to enter a career concerned with the administration of justice will find that this curriculum has flexibility that allows them to prepare for specific fields included in that broad category. The program also provides courses to prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution. Opportunities for graduates include positions as federal and state parole officers, probation officers, and correctional administrators.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice 3
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues 3
ADMJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency 3
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law 3
ADMJ 322 Criminal Procedures 3
ADMJ 323 Legal Aspects of Evidence 3
ADMJ 330 Criminal Investigation 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ADMJ 301 Investigative Report Writing (3)
ADMJ 309 Career Preparation for Law Enforcement Occupations (3)
ADMJ 331 Patrol Procedures (3)
ADMJ 340 Introduction to Correctional Services (3)
Total Units: 24

The Administration of Justice Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate various local, state, and federal law enforcement career options.
  • research the law enforcement application and hiring processes and develop an effective career strategy.
  • critique the ethical philosophy of the American justice system and all participants.
  • analyze crime causation, criminal statutes and elements of particular crimes and criminal procedures.
  • recognize the complexities of punishment, corrections, community and human relations.
  • evaluate the complex legal aspects of criminal investigations, procedures, constitutional law, and case law.
  • identify various controlled substances and interpret their addictive properties, influences, and impact on society and law enforcement.
  • apply laws and procedures for the collection and use of evidence.
  • identify and adapt to ethical standards placed on law enforcement professionals.
  • communicate effectively in written and oral formats.

Career Information

Police Officer; Deputy Sheriff; Crime Scene Investigator; Identification Technician; Community Services Officer; Corrections Officer; Parole Officer; Probation Officer and a variety of support service occupations. Potential employers include: Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies (Sheriff, Police, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, Crime Scene Investigations, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation).

Certificate

Homeland Security Certificate

This certificate examines the roots of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, intelligence analysis, response methods, natural disaster incidents, threat mitigation, crisis negotiation, and conflict resolution. It explores topics directly associated with border security and security for transportation infrastructure, including: seaports, ships, aircraft, trains, train stations, highways, bridges, rail lines, pipelines, and bus systems.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
HLS 300 Introduction to Homeland Security 3
HLS 302 Intelligence Analysis and Security Management 3
HLS 304 Transportation and Border Security 3
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • construct a historical time-line reflecting significant terrorist threats and events in the United States and globally.
  • classify the roles, functions of, and interdependency among local, federal and international law enforcement and military agencies to counter and combat terrorism.
  • differentiate between ethical and unethical attitudes and actions regarding the execution of homeland security practices.
  • identify the characteristics, ideologies, motives and behaviors of various extremist and terrorist groups that foster and support terrorist, criminal activities.
  • explain operational knowledge of intelligence gathering and analysis processes pertinent to homeland security.
  • identify and describe threats to national and international security.
  • outline the primary federal, state, and local agencies in the United States that are affiliated with border and transportation security and the ethical parameters in which they operate.
  • discuss differences in dealing with security threats for passengers versus freight/cargo transportation systems and border security.
  • describe the impact of technology on countering threats to transportation systems and border security.

Administration of Justice (ADMJ) Courses

ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the characteristics of the American criminal justice system, U.S. Constitutional Rights, criminal activity, crime causation, domestic and international criminal threats, law enforcement response to criminal activity, and future law enforcement trends. It emphasizes the components of the American justice system, due process, courts and correctional services, ethics, and leadership.

ADMJ 301 Investigative Report Writing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides techniques of writing facts, information, and ideas effectively in a simple, clear, and logical manner in the various types of criminal justice system reports. It emphasizes criminal justice terminology, organization of information, investigative note taking, and thorough documentation of witness statements and evidence.

ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (ADMJ 302 and ADMJ 304 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 160
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the institutions of the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse, multicultural population. It addresses the role that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, culture, and the criminal justice professional play in shaping these relationships. It also examines new strategies, skills, tools, and cultural knowledge necessary for personnel engaged in all aspects of the criminal justice system. Special topics include how terrorism and the need for homeland security have changed the dynamics of police-community relations.

ADMJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (ADMJ 302 and ADMJ 304 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • General Education:Local GE L4
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 220
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines juvenile delinquency from a variety of perspectives including the concept of delinquency, theories of delinquency, social and environmental influences on delinquency, and the history of the juvenile justice system. It also explores the nature and extent of delinquency relative to gender differences, family dynamics, peer groups and gang affiliation, schools, drug use, and the juvenile justice courts.

ADMJ 309 Career Preparation for Law Enforcement Occupations

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for students who are pursuing careers in law enforcement and corrections. It covers employment and career search techniques, application processes, resume development, and cover letter writing. This course prepares students for pre-employment testing, interviews, background investigations, polygraph examinations, medical screening, conditional job offers, and hiring processes.

ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: ADMJ 320, LA 332 and LA 334 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the philosophy and structure of criminal law in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. It utilizes case studies to introduce students to criminal law and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. It also includes discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.

ADMJ 322 Criminal Procedures

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 122
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an in-depth study of criminal procedures used to enforce substantive law at both the federal and state level. Every step of the criminal process, from arrest to appeal, is thoroughly explored.

ADMJ 323 Legal Aspects of Evidence

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 124
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the origins, development, philosophy, and constitutional foundations of the rules of evidence as applied in United States law. Emphasis is placed on the types of evidence and the laws governing admissibility of evidence into criminal procedures. Topics include search and seizure, hearsay evidence, witness competency, and direct and circumstantial evidence.

ADMJ 330 Criminal Investigation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 140
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces basic investigative responsibilities and procedures as applied to criminal investigations. Topics include crime scene management, forensic and physical evidence handling, search and seizure, property crimes, violent crimes, organized criminal enterprises, gangs, and domestic and international terrorist organizations.

ADMJ 331 Patrol Procedures

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the early development and present-day role of patrol operations and techniques used by local law enforcement agencies. Major topics include community policing, effective patrol strategies, gang awareness, and key factors affecting deployment of patrol resources, such as community involvement and meeting department objectives.

ADMJ 340 Introduction to Correctional Services

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID AJ 200
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an overview of the history and trends of adult and juvenile corrections including probation and parole. It focuses on the legal issues, specific laws, and general operation of correctional institutions. The relationship between corrections and other components of the judicial system is examined.

ADMJ 498 Work Experience in Administration of Justice

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s employer. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses. Students are advised to consult with the Administration of Justice Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are work assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability in the field of administration of justice. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved worksite, and developing workplace skills and competencies.

During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units.

Students new to Work Experience will be required to engage weekly while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. All students are required to attend the first course meeting.

Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times. Students are encouraged to develop new or expanded learning objectives in consultation with the employer when the course is repeated. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

ADMJ 499 Experimental Offering in Administration of Justice

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog