Did you know there are over 75 different jobs waiting for you in the criminal justice field, such as law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, homeland security, private security, and academia? If you are looking for a career in a noble, fast-paced profession, the administration of justice program is for you!
Allan Hancock College's enhanced administration of justice program offers a wide array of classes specifically designed to prepare students for professional and academic careers in law enforcement and policing; the courts and the law; and state, local, and private corrections. The available transfer degree program prepares students to transfer to any CSU or UC campus that offers bachelor's degrees in administration of justice or criminal justice for further study.
Students interested in administration of justice may also be interested in Hancock’s Law Enforcement Academy where students will train in a state-of-the-art law enforcement facility.
This program will help you to:
- respect constitutional and human rights
- respect the dignity and humanity of victims, perpetrators, and wrongfully convicted persons
- understand the fundamental theories and values of the criminal justice system
- analyze and compare current and historical societal responses to crime victims
- analyze and apply basic legal principles and rules to factual situations
- identify and implement the principles and procedures utilized in legitimate scientific and criminal investigation
- apply the ethical components of decision-making in the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections
- understand the impact that ethics, emotions, and prejudices have on discretionary decision making
- practice and assess the application of forensic techniques to the analysis of evidence
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U.S. justice system, particularly the structure and function of U.S. law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents.
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13.5-16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
Advisories: eligibility for ENGL 101
This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
To satisfy both area 4B: Comm and Analytical Thinking and the math competency, take one of the following courses:
- MATH 321 First Year Geometry
- MATH 100 Nature of Modern Mathematics
- MATH 105 Mathematics for Teachers
- MATH 123 Elementary Statistics
- MATH 135 Calculus with Applications
- MATH 181 Calculus
or choose a course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15-17
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Origin, development, philosophy and constitutional basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest; search and seizure, kinds and degrees of evidence and rules governing admissibility; and judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics covered may include crime prevention, restorative justice, conflict resolution, and ethics.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 -16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the Juvenile Justice System as it evolved in the American Justice System. The course explores the theories that focuses on Juvenile Law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles administered in the American Justice System.
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course provides a critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the Criminal Justice System. A Critical examination of the types of Correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution.
Advisories: ENGL 514 or eligibility for ENGL 101
This course provides an introduction to the role of forensics in criminal investigations. It examines the methods utilized in the forensic analysis of crime scenes, pattern evidence, instruments, firearms, questioned documents and controlled substances.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 27 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
AJ 102 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
AJ 103 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
AJ 104 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
AJ 105 | Community Relations | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 12 units selected from Administration of Justice courses. Students are encouraged to discuss additional course choices with a member of the department and to focus their work upon their area of interest.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 106 | Police Patrol Procedures | 3 |
AJ 120 | Juvenile Law and Procedures | 3 |
AJ 111 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
AJ 115 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 |
AJ 130 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
AJ 149 | Cooperative Work Experience | 1 - 8 |
AJ 150 | Introduction to Forensics | 3 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U.S. justice system, particularly the structure and function of U.S. law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Choose one of the following courses:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking,
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication,
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15 TO 16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from area C1: Arts or from area C2: Humanities
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Total Units:
15 to 16
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 18 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses (6 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
AJ 103 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
Plus four courses (12 units) from the following
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 102 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
AJ 104 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
AJ 105 | Community Relations | 3 |
AJ 111 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
AJ 120 | Juvenile Law and Procedures | 3 |
AJ 130 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
AJ 150 | Introduction to Forensics | 3 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces which have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the U.S. justice system, particularly the structure and function of U.S. law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Select one course from this list.
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Choose one of the following courses:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication
- SPCH 106, Argumentation and Debate
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15-17
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a total of 12 units from this list:
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Criminal Procedures |
3 |
|
Legal Aspects of Evidence |
3 |
|
Community Relations |
3 |
|
Criminal Investigation |
3 |
|
Juvenile Law and Procedures |
3 |
|
Introduction to Corrections |
3 |
|
Introduction to Forensics |
3 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Select one course from this list.
Some courses in GE categories Area 5A: Physical Science and Area 5B: Biological Science have lab components that also fulfill this requirement. If the course you chose in either of these categories has a lab component, you have completed this requirement. You can verify whether it has a lab component by checking these lists:
If not, you can fulfill this requirement with either of these courses:
- ANTH 110: Biological Anthropology Lab
- GEOG 115: Physical Geography Lab
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ASL 120: American Sign Language 1
- ASL 121: American Sign Language 2
- ASL 124:
- FRCH 101: Elementary French I
- FRCH 102: Elementary French II
- SPAN 101: Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 102: Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 103: Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 104: Intermediate Spanish II
- SPAN 105: Advanced Composition and Grammar
- SPAN 112: Advanced Spanish Conversation
Total Units:
15 - 18
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 18 units is required for the degree.
Required core courses (6 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
AJ 103 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
Plus four courses (12 units) from the following
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
AJ 102 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
AJ 104 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
AJ 105 | Community Relations | 3 |
AJ 111 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
AJ 120 | Juvenile Law and Procedures | 3 |
AJ 130 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
AJ 150 | Introduction to Forensics | 3 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
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Contact Information
Associate Dean: Mitch McCann, ext. 3800
Director: David Whitham, ext. 5800
Department Chair: Leonard Champion ext. 3807
Faculty Coordinator: Kurt Kruse, ext. 3801
Administrative Assistant: Yvette Dorado, ext. 3309
LOCATION
- Santa Maria campus, Bldg. H 105
- Public Safety Training Complex, Lompoc Valley Center Bldg. 5