Administration of Justice - Associate of Applied Science (Major Code - AJS)

The Administration of Justice Associate of Applied Science degree is designed to prepare the student for a career in the criminal justice profession or for transfer to a university Bachelor of Applied Science degree program. Furthermore, core courses provide additional training to certified law enforcement and corrections professionals.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to do the following:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and analyze the history, development, philosophy, ethics, constitutional parameters, organization, and terminology of the criminal justice system and legal sanctions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and analyze deviance and society's role in defining behavior, and the development of juvenile justice theories, procedures, and institutions.
  • Explain the theories, procedures, and methods of operation of public police, criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, case preparation, interviewing, and basic investigative techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and analyze major court holdings, procedural requirements that stem from these holdings, and their effect on daily operations of the criminal justice system.

Degree Map

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 18-19 CREDITS

Composition 6 credits

ENG 101Composition**

3

ENG 102English Composition**

3

Mathematics 3-4 credits

MAT 142College Mathematics**

3

or higher (3-4 credits)

Liberal Arts 6 credits

POS 220, PSY 101, PSY 270, SOC 101, and SOC 160 are recommended.

Technology Literacy 3 credits

CIS 116Computer Essentials*

3

OR

CIS 120Introduction to Information Systems**

3

CORE CURRICULUM 30 CREDITS

Select from the following options or see an AJS advisor for evaluation of certified training.

AJS 101Introduction to Administration of Justice**

3

AJS 109Substantive Criminal Law*

3

AJS 212Juvenile Justice Procedures*

3

 

AJS 225Criminology*

3

OR

AJS 275Criminal Investigations

3

 

AJS 230The Police Function*

3

AJS 240The Correction Function*

3

AJS 260Procedural Criminal Law*

3

 

COM 102Essentials of Communication*

3

OR

COM 204/AJS 204Elements of Intercultural Communication**

3

 

CHM 128Forensic Chemistry*

4

OR

FOR 105Forensic Science: Physical Evidence*

4

 

Physical Education

2

Based upon AJS Department evaluation, certified law enforcement training such as POST Academy, FLETC Academy, and COTA can be used to fulfill all or part of the core curriculum and elective requirements.

DEPARTMENT APPROVED ELECTIVES (AS NEEDED TO COMPLETE 64 CREDITS)

Electives may include, but are not limited to, the following: AJS 204, AJS 225 (or AJS 275), CHM 128 (or FOR 105), PSY 101, PSY 240, non-English language and laboratory science courses.

TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 64 CREDITS

Students pursuing a BAS degree must meet with an advisor to determine the appropriate general education and core curriculum requirements. Additional credits required in the general education block for BAS transfer may be used to fulfill core curriculum or elective requirements.