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Catalog Description Hours: 54 lecture Description: Covers career pathways in Administration of Justice. Includes educational planning of available degree programs, labor market research, and the hiring process: development of a resume, background investigations, Personal History Statements, interview dynamics, and hiring examinations. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Compare and contrast the various careers within the criminal justice system. CSLO #2: Complete an employment application packet and Personal History Statement accurately and thoroughly. CSLO #3: Develop and create a career-specific cover letter and resume in preparation for participation in an oral interview. Effective Term Fall 2025 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives 1. Outline, describe, and explain areas of interest within the criminal justice career field; 2. Compare academic programs related to personal goals; 3. Distinguish between possible career paths in private industry and government; 4. Analyze results of career research; 5. Compare and contrast various hiring processes; 6. Outline the typical hiring process for a Peace Officer and other criminal justice professionals in the state of California; 7. Prepare a Personal History Statement; 8. Investigate careers using technology, personal contacts or printed materials; 9. Develop a personal resume; 10. Develop a student educational plan for transfer; 11. Summarize educational requirements for various criminal justice professions; 12. Compare academic programs related to personal career goals; 13. Differentiate between peace officer requirements established by the State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST); Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) and Federal peace officer standards requirements; 14. Participate in Field Trips to various Criminal Justice agencies to learn about their daily operations within the criminal justice system. 15. Conduct research and write an analytical paper comparing and contrasting the hiring standards and requirements of various criminal justice departments. 16. Establish a hiring-interview plan; 17. Demonstrate proficiency while preparing for and participating in a mock oral interview. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable Methods of Evaluation Reports Example: Students will write a 3-5 page research paper on the hiring process for various criminal justice agencies. Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will participate in a mock oral interview in front of a guest panel of criminal justice professionals. Other Example: Resume will be evaluated based on format and content. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: Instructor will present an overview of a "Personal History Statement" and its required use in the background-check phase of the hiring process for law enforcement agencies. Students will print out and begin to develop their own PHS as follow-up. Distance Learning Instructor will present lecture slides and videos related to the oral interview process; students will participate in Discussion Board related to best ways to prepare for interviews. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Identify a specific administration of justice agency related to your career goals and read the specific hiring requirements to be employed by that agency. List the requirements for a classroom presentation. 2. Read the chapter from the text and identify the traits of a peace officer and the civil service process to be hired. Be prepared to discuss your findings in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Research and prepare a report on the basic employment requirements to enter a selected entry level position in the administration of justice field. 2. Identify specific educational and job specific information in your background and write a personal resume. 3. Research and prepare a POST/STC Personal History Statement. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Give an oral presentation to the class, including your opening statement for an oral interview. 2. Participate in a mock oral interview in front of a panel of guest interviewers. Required Materials Careers in Law Enforcement Author: Coy Johnston Publisher: Sage Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Careers in Criminal Justice Author: Coy Johnston Publisher: Sage Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Careers in Criminal Justice and Criminology Author: Ronald Burns Publisher: Routledge Publication Date: 2023 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Overview The Administration of Justice program offers students an Associate Degree for Transfer which prepares students for transfer into the California State University system. In addition, there are three associate degrees offered with specific areas of concentration. Each concentration has specific core courses that are required of all students. Courses are available in law enforcement, specializing in police activities that promote public safety and service to the community; courts, specializing in responsibilities to the public through the trial system of adjudication; and corrections, where sentenced individuals are subjected to society's effort to provide accountability and correct the deviant behavior. The Administration of Justice program also offers a number of POST certified peace officer training courses, including PC 832 Arrest and Firearms, as well as Modules III and II of the POST Regular Basic Course (Law Enforcement Academy). Successful completion of the two modules allows students to be hired as Level III or Level II Reserve Peace Officers in California. The Department also offers some in-service POST training courses for continuing professional development. TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Administration of Justice are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Administration of Justice are qualified for career pathways in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Faculty Ralph McGill Professor, Administration of Justice B.A., New College of California