The A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice prepares men and women for a career of public service as a police officer, deputy sheriff, criminal investigator, or supervisor at local, state, and federal levels as well as transfer to a four year college or university. A great need exists for intelligent, well-educated personnel with a commitment toward professional growth in the justice system. The principles of criminal justice are enhanced by the range of courses in the general education pattern.
A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Criminal Justice A.S. Degree will:
- Demonstrate an ability to write clearly and accurately about the administration of justice process using an appropriate vocabulary.
- Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking about issues in the administration of justice system.
- Demonstrate a comprehension and appreciation of the connections, contributions, experiences, and potential conflicts of various ethnic groups, races, and genders as they interact with the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate an awareness of sciences and emerging technologies as it impacts the administration of justice.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| AJ 101 | Introduction to the Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 102 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJ 103 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| AJ 109 | Criminal Court Process | 3 |
| AJ 112 | Community and the Justice System | 3 |
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | ||
| Criminal Investigation | 3 | |
| Juvenile Procedures | 3 | |
| Death Investigation | 3 | |
| Introduction to Probation and Parole | 3 | |
| Introduction to Corrections | 3 | |
| Control and Supervision in Corrections | 3 | |
| Correctional Interviewing and Counseling | 3 | |
| Legal Aspects of Corrections | 3 | |
| Introduction to Forensics | 3 | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4-5 |
| STAT C1000 or STAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics or Introduction to Statistics - Honors | 4 |
| AJ 101 | Introduction to the Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 112 | Community and the Justice System | 3 |
| Units | 14-15 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| AJ 102 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJ 103 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| AJ 109 | Criminal Court Process | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 1A: English Composition | 4 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 1C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| AJ 105 | Criminal Investigation or Juvenile Procedures or Death Investigation or Introduction to Probation and Parole or Introduction to Corrections or Control and Supervision in Corrections or Correctional Interviewing and Counseling or Legal Aspects of Corrections or Introduction to Forensics | 3 |
| POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H | American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 3A: Arts | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 5B: Biological Science with Lab | 4 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 or United States History to 1877 - Honors or United States History since 1865 or United States History since 1865 - Honors or African-American History to 1876 or African-American History since 1876 or History of Women in the United States | 3 |
| Cal-GETC Area 5A: Physical Science without Lab | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| Citrus GE Area E: Personal Health and Wellness | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 61-62 | |
The map for the Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice uses the Cal-GETC pattern. Students who are not planning to transfer may use the Citrus College Local General Education pattern. Please meet with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan that supports your educational and career goals.
By completing this map, students may earn the Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice, the Associate Degree for Transfer in Administration of Justice, and the Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.