2018-19 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-19 Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]

Administration of Justice - AAS ∞


The Administration of Justice degree program is an interdisciplinary program of study which prepares students for a broad range of employment opportunities including law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole officer, and social services in the courts or community agencies.

In addition to preparing students for entry-level employment, this degree program is appropriate for individuals already employed in the justice field who are seeking skill upgrade and promotional opportunities, and individuals preparing to transfer to a four-year college/university with a major in Justice Studies.

Arizona State University, Arizona State University-West, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona all offer baccalaureate degree programs in Justice Studies/Administration of Justice.

Credit Hours Required: 61

Note: This program can be completed entirely online. Not all general education options or program electives are offered online, however there will be a variety of online classes from which to choose in order to meet the requirements.

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Visual Pathway AAS AJS

General Education Requirements


  1. Foundation Studies (12 credits)
    1.   Credits: 6
    2.   Credits: 3
    3. AJS 123  (Critical Thinking) Credits: 3
  2. Area Studies (7 credits)
    1.   Credits: 4
    2.   or   Credits: 3

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Administration of Justice Degree program, the learner will be able to:

  1. Explain the historical development of American criminal law from its English common law roots to the present. (AJS 101)
  2. Analyze criminal conduct in the context of historical, social, political and legal developments. (AJS 101, AJS 109)
  3. Identify the organization and jurisdiction of local state and federal law enforcement, courts and correctional systems. (AJS 101, AJS 230, AJS 240)
  4. Describe the relationships between the three components of the criminal justice system. (AJS 109, AJS 230, AJS 240)
  5. Summarize the philosophy of legal sanctions and corrections and the historical development of theories of punishment and rehabilitation. (AJS 109, AJS 240)
  6. Analyze the intersection of law, morality and ethics in our modern society. (AJS 123)
  7. Summarize the modern scientific tools used in criminal investigation. (AJS 170)
  8. Analyze current issues and trends in crime rates, criminal behavior, and social trends as they impact the criminal justice process. (AJS 200)
  9. Identify and analyze specific problems which relate to police-community relations and seek possible solutions. (AJS 270)
  10. Identify and summarize the various theories of the causes of criminal behavior. (AJS 225)
  11. Analyze the role of the US Supreme Court in defining the Constitutional protections and procedural due process safeguards in the criminal justice system. (AJS 260)
  12. Describe the economic and psychological impact of crime on society. (AJS 225, AJS 240)
  13. Define investigation and describe the goals of criminal investigation. (AJS 275)
  14. Identify the key provisions of the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution that pertain to civil liberties and civil rights, and explain various competing theories of constitutional interpretation and judicial review. (AJS 290)