Associate of Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections (AS)

Division: Social Sciences

This degree prepares students for entry-level employment in the field of Administration of Justice - Corrections, through the study of sentencing, jails, prisons and community corrections. Students will acquire skills in theoretical, philosophical, and practical applications of topics related to corrections and will acquire skills appropriate for beginning paraprofessional or professional employment in criminal justice.

Program Outcomes

  • Analyze ethical dilemmas encountered in the corrections and law enforcement fields and identify the correct ethical choice.
  • Explain the “corrections umbrella” by applying definitions, concepts, and principles to the three branches of the corrections system.
  • Exhibit strong and effective writing skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge/ability to listen and engage in verbal communication with a variety of people, taking into consideration cultural customs, beliefs, and lifestyles.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be prepared for careers or employment in the following fields: county jails, halfway houses, group homes, crisis centers, juvenile hall and victim service agencies. At the state level, employment opportunities exist with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Each corrections, probation and parole agency has specific employment and training requirements.

Note

This degree is not designed for transfer; however, the courses included in this degree may be transferable and apply to other degrees designed for transfer.

 Program Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION AND SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS25
College of the Sequoias' Associate Degree General Education (COS-GE) *
+
REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES21
AJ 011Introduction to Criminal Justice * 3
AJ 014Criminal Law 13
AJ 111Criminal Justice Communication **3
AJ 117Correctional Counseling **3
AJ 121Introduction to Corrections **3
AJ 123Ethics in Criminal Justice3
AJ 130Correctional Law **3
+
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES - LIST A3
Select one of the following courses:
AJ 113Juvenile Laws & Procedures3
AJ 114Juvenile Delinquency *3
+
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES - LIST B6
Select a minimum of two additional courses from either List A or List B or a combination of both lists (for a minimum of nine units):
AJ 025Constitutional Law *3
AJ 045Terrorism and Freedom3
AJ 115Criminal Law 23
WEXP 193JAdministration of Justice Work Experience – First Semester1-4
WEXP 194JAdministration of Justice Work Experience - Second Semester1-4
WEXP 195JWork Experience Administration of Justice - Third Semester1-4
WEXP 196JWork Experience Administration of Justice - Fourth Semester1-4
+
ELECTIVES8-14
Select additional degree-applicable courses numbered 1-299 to achieve 60 units. Recommended courses for electives include:
CHLD 039Child Growth and Development3
CHLD 042Child, Family, and Community3
CHLD 134Understanding Child Abuse3
SOC 043Sociology of Deviance3
=
TOTAL60
*

Courses meet General Education requirement and 3-9 units may double count above in COS-GE.

**

This course has a prerequisite

The Associate Degree requirements include completion of the:

  1. Required major courses and restricted elective courses with a "C" or better grade in each course (required and restricted elective courses may be substituted with the approval of the Division Chair),
  2. General Education Requirements,
  3. Subject requirements including PE, Health & Wellness, and American Institutions, and 
  4. A minimum of 60 units of degree-applicable courses numbered 1-299, at least 12 of which must be taken in residence at College of the Sequoias, with a "C" (2.0) average (see Associate Degree Requirements for additional details).