Administration of Justice
The Administration of Justice discipline examines the structure, functions, laws and procedures, and decision-making processes of agencies that deal with crime management, such as police, prosecutors, courts, and correctional facilities. Students take administration of justice courses to prepare for a criminal justice, criminology, or law enforcement major, to fulfill general education requirements, or for professional development. Career options include work in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, correctional agencies and institutions, and private security agencies.
Contact Information
|
Chair: Patrick Connolly Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Administration of Justice Office: Building OC4800, 760.795.6811 |
Full-Time Faculty
|
Patrick Connolly |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
The degree programs include the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer Degree
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be prepared for further study and/or employment in entry-level positions in the criminal justice system.
Law Enforcement Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be prepared for further study and/or employment in entry-level positions in the criminal justice system.
Associate Degrees
Associate in Arts Degree
Law Enforcement
Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees
). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Associate in Science Degree
Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer Degree
Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a criminal justice/criminology degree, an emphasis or option within a criminal justice/criminology degree, or a degree considered similar to criminal justice/criminology at a participating California State University (CSU) campus. Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor's degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a criminal justice major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.
To complete the degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete 60 semester (90 quarter) CSU transferable units
- Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or better
- Complete the CSU-GE or CSU-IGETC general education pattern
- Achieve a minimum CSU transferable GPA of 2.0
- Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.
| Required Core (6 units): | ||
| ADM 100 | Introduction to the Administration of Justice * | 3 |
| or ADM 100H | Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors) | |
| ADM 200 | Concepts of Criminal Law * | 3 |
| List A: 6 Units. Select two courses. (It is recommended you select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at your intended transfer university.) | 6 | |
| Criminal Procedures | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Policing in a Diverse and Multicultural Society | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Criminal Investigation | ||
| List B: 7 units. Select two courses. | 7 | |
| Introduction to Sociology * | ||
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) | |
| Statistics for Behavioral Science * | ||
or PSYC 104H | Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | |
or SOC 104H | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Honors) | |
or MATH 103 | Statistics | |
| Total Units | 19 | |
* To insure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that double count with the CSU-GE or CSU-IGETC general education pattern. These courses are noted with an asterisk above. Students are also strongly advised to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
Law Enforcement
As the criminal justice system responds to the increasing complexities of our society, education becomes even more essential for those seeking careers as peace officers as well as for law enforcement personnel seeking advancement within the field. The law enforcement certificate includes courses covering the most significant knowledge, skills, and abilities that better facilitate a student's success in acquiring and being successful in law-enforcement related jobs. In addition, successful completion of the certificate requirements provides an excellent foundation for transfer and the pursuit of higher degrees in law-enforcement related fields.
| Required courses: | ||
| ADM 100 | Introduction to the Administration of Justice | 3 |
| or ADM 100H | Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors) | |
| ADM 200 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| ADM 210 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| ADM 220 | Criminal Evidence | 3 |
| ADM 230 | Policing in a Diverse and Multicultural Society | 3 |
| ADM 240 | Written and Oral Communication in the Administration of Justice | 3 |
| Select at least 9 elective units from the following: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Computer/Digital Forensics | ||
| Police Field Operations | ||
| Organized Crime, Gangs, and Terrorism | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Criminal Investigation | ||
| Introduction to Justice Studies | ||
| Total Units | 27 | |
Courses
ADM 100: Introduction to the Administration of Justice
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ADM 100H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course explores the roots of our current justice system and the interaction of its various subsystems (law enforcement/prosecution, judicial, and corrections). It emphasizes the organizational structure and legal consideration relevant to each subsystem. Topics include the origin of law, theories of crime causation, criminal procedure, and sentencing philosophies and alternatives. The course also introduces students to sources of criminal justice information and statistics. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for ADM 100, ADM 100H, or SOC 105.
ADM 100H: Introduction to the Administration of Justice (Honors)
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in ADM 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course explores the roots of our current justice system and the interaction of its various subsystems (law enforcement/prosecution, judicial, and corrections) to each other and to the overall social system. It emphasizes the organizational structure and legal consideration relevant to each subsystem. Topics include the origin of law, theories of crime causation, criminal law, criminal procedure, and sentencing philosophies and alternatives. The course also introduces students to the research methodology and sources of information/statistics relevant to the discipline. As an honors course, it provides a rigorous and enriched opportunity for highly motivated students to lead seminar-like discussions and to conduct in-depth research and interviews about criminal-justice-related issues. UC CREDIT LIMIATION: Credit for ADM 100/ADM 100H or SOC 105. C-ID AJ-110.
ADM 107: Introduction to Computer/Digital Forensics
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course introduces students to computer/digital crime and abuse and the methods used to properly conduct a computer/digital forensics investigation. Designed for law enforcement investigators, corporate security officials, and network and computer security administrators, the course includes an overview of computer/digital forensics as a profession; the computer investigation process and related legal issues; the type and frequency of computer/digital-related crime; a basic overview of the Internet, networks, and network infrastructure protection; operating systems, data and disk structures, data acquisition and analysis, and technical writing; and a survey of computer/digital forensics tools.
ADM 200: Concepts of Criminal Law
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
The course explores the basic concepts of criminal law, including its philosophy and development, relationship to the U.S. government's structure, elements of a crime, inchoate offenses, and capacities and defenses. The course covers specific violations and legal issues related to crimes against persons, property crimes, organized crime, white collar crime, environmental crime, public safety and terrorism offenses, alcohol and drug offenses, and offenses against justice and public administration. C-ID AJ-120.
ADM 210: Criminal Procedures
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
The course explores the basic concepts of criminal procedure with special emphasis on constitutional principles that apply to investigative techniques involving search and seizure, electronic surveillance, temporary detention, arrest, identification procedures, and interrogation. The course also covers legal issues that relate to initial entry into the judicial system, pre-trial, trial, sentencing, punishment, appeal, and post conviction relief. C-ID AJ-122.
ADM 220: Criminal Evidence
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course focuses on the various types of evidence and the rules governing admissibility in criminal proceedings with an emphasis on the Federal Rules of Evidence and the California Evidence Code. Topics include relevance, materiality, witness testimony, hearsay, impeachment, competence, chain of custody, and privileges. The course also addresses admissibility of evidence related to confessions, searches, in/out of court identifications, and other investigative techniques, including the criminal processes where admissibility is determined. C-ID AJ-124.
ADM 230: Policing in a Diverse and Multicultural Society
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course examines how diverse populations and multicultural communities affect the organization of law enforcement agencies and the relationships between police and the communities they serve. It emphasizes the history, issues, and challenges associated with policing in communities of diverse and multicultural populations, considering such factors as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, social class, and culture. The course also explores strategies for improving communication skills and relationships between police and the community.
ADM 240: Written and Oral Communication in the Administration of Justice
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course focuses on the written and oral communication skills necessary for success in the criminal justice system to include the application of relevant legal considerations. It emphasizes incident report writing, interview/interrogation documentation, and note-taking. The course also identifies and develops oral communication skills related to voluntary citizen contact, crisis intervention, custodial situations, and testimony.
ADM 250: Police Field Operations
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course focuses on the duties, responsibilities, and ethical considerations of patrol officers during field operations. It emphasizes the different types of patrol and investigations, commonly encountered situations, techniques employed to address those situations, and the legal authorities related to such actions. Topics include written and oral communication skills, interview/interrogation, report writing, use of force, trial preparation and testimony, and the officer's role in community policing practices and the criminal justice system in general.
ADM 260: Organized Crime, Gangs, and Terrorism
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course traces the origins and evolution of domestic and transnational organized criminal and terrorist enterprises. It emphasizes their illicit activities, including drug trafficking, vices, gangs, and international and domestic terrorism. The course explores the impact such activities and enterprises have had on society, law enforcement, homeland security, and U.S. transnational relations.
ADM 270: Crime and Delinquency
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course focuses on the nature and extent of the most significant types of criminal and delinquent behavior of juvenile offenders as well as the major theories and factors that may explain such behavior. The course also explores the origin and development of the juvenile justice system and examines the relevant crime control strategies, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and the criminal justice processes applicable to juvenile procedures. C-ID AJ-220.
ADM 280: Criminal Investigation
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course focuses on the fundamentals of criminal investigations, including investigative techniques relevant to particular types of crime (e.g., fingerprint/DNA collection, other scientific evidence, surveillances, eyewitness identification, interviews, interrogations, and searches) and the relevant legal and ethical considerations related to such techniques. The course reviews crime scene management and processing, including chain of custody issues and available scientific tests, with an emphasis on recording, collecting, and preserving physical evidence. Students also learn the importance of documentation and preparation for testimony at various legal proceedings. C-ID AJ-140.
ADM 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
ADM 296: Topics in Administration of Justice
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (2105.00)
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Administration of Justice that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
ADM 298: Directed Study in Administration of Justice
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (2105.00)
This course provides an opportunity for students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
ADM 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
