Administration of Justice
Overview
The administration of justice program at Folsom Lake College applies analytical learning to understand the broad dimensions of the administration of justice and its impact on people. It is designed to prepare students for entry into the field of law enforcement/corrections employment, as well as transfer to four-year universities.
Career Options
- Community Service Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Identification Technician
- Parole Agent
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- A variety of support service occupations
Potential employers include local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies:
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- California Highway Patrol
- Department of Justice
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigations
- Police Officer
- Sheriff's Deputy
Some career options may require more than two years of college study.
Highlights
- Emphasizes a social justice lens that allows students to explore justice at many different levels.
- Faculty members foster an inclusive environment of learning for all students and are committed to educating traditionally underrepresented groups and increase diversity in the administration of justice workforce.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Division Dean John Skellenger
- Department Chair Stephanie Karas
- Meta-Major Public Service, Health, and Education
- Phone (916) 608-6927
- Email skellej@flc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.S.-T. in Administration of Justice
The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Administration of Justice at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.
This program has the following completion requirements:
This program has the following completion requirements:
(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) Cal-GETC Requirement.
(B) The required number of units in the major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P†(Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| List A: Select two courses from the following: (6 units) | ||
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 322 | Criminal Procedures (3) | |
| ADMJ 323 | Legal Aspects of Evidence (3) | |
| ADMJ 330 | Criminal Investigation (3) | |
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| List B: Select two courses from the following, or any course not used in List A. (6 units) | ||
| ADMJ 301 | Investigative Report Writing (3) | |
| ADMJ 333 | Computer Crime and Digital Evidence (3) | |
| ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| or STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics (4) | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the purpose, authority, and relationship between law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections in the local, state, and federal levels.
- evaluate various local, state, and federal law enforcement career options and design a viable career path strategy.
- define and apply the ethical and leadership standards placed on administration of justice professionals.
- describe the complex interaction between criminal investigations and criminal justice system procedures.
- analyze cause in fact and proximate cause in relation to criminal activity and describe how they apply to criminal statutes, case law, and constitutional law.
- identify diverse cultural groups and unique crime related problems they face, and describe strategies law enforcement professionals can use to eliminate or reduce those problems.
- apply effective written and oral communication skills.
Career Information
Police Officer; Deputy Sheriff; Crime Scene Investigator; Identification Technician; Community Services Officer; Corrections Officer; Parole Officer; Probation Officer and a variety of support service occupations. Potential employers include: Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies (Sheriff, Police, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice, Crime Scene Investigations, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation). Some positions, however, require a four-year degree for which FLC’s program is an excellent foundation for transfer.
Associate Degrees
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Interdisciplinary Studies in Social and Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to academic studies. The purpose of the program is for students to gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of various social and behavioral sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)
It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2026
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines. | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 319 | Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3) | |
| ANTH 323 | Introduction to Archaeology (3) | |
| ANTH 330 | Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3) | |
| ANTH 341 | Introduction to Linguistics (3) | |
| BUS 300 | Introduction to Business (3) | |
| BUS 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| or ECON 320 | Concepts in Personal Finance (3) | |
| BUS 330 | Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3) | |
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 341 | Organizational Communication (3) | |
| COMM 351 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Child Development (3) | |
| ECE 314 | The Child, the Family and the Community (3) | |
| ECE 330 | Infant and Toddler Development (3) | |
| ECE 430 | Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3) | |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON C2001 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 307 | Global Issues in the Political Economy (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 320 | Introduction to African American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 321 | African American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 330 | Introduction to Asian American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 331 | Asian American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 350 | Introduction to Native American Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 351 | Native American Policy and Law (3) | |
| ETHNS 360 | Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3) | |
| ETHNS 361 | Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Policy and Law (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| HIST 301 | History of Europe and Mediterranean World to 1550 (3) | |
| HIST 302 | History of Europe Since 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 (3) | |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 (3) | |
| HIST 314 | Recent United States History (3) | |
| HIST 319 | American Environmental History (3) | |
| HIST 331 | Women in American History (3) | |
| HIST 344 | Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3) | |
| HIST 368 | History of France (3) | |
| JOUR 310 | Mass Media and Society (3) | |
| KINES 308 | Women in Sport (3) | |
| KINES 416 | Psychology of Sport (3) | |
| NUTRI 310 | Cultural Foods of the World (3) | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics (3) | |
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 320 | Social Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 335 | Research Methods in Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Behavior (3) | |
| PSYC 356 | Human Sexuality (3) | |
| PSYC 368 | Cross Cultural Psychology (3) | |
| PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| PSYC 390 | Psychology of Death and Dying (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems (3) | |
| SOC 310 | Marriage and the Family (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| SOC 379 | Making Social Change (3) | |
| SWHS 300 | Introduction to Social Work & Human Services (3) | |
| SWHS 302 | Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).
Administration of Justice (ADMJ) Courses
ADMJ 300 Introduction to Administration of Justice
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 110
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the American criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on examining due process, U.S. constitutional rights, criminal activity, crime causation and criminology, domestic and international criminal threats, law enforcement response to criminal activity, and future trends for law enforcement. Students will explore the components of the American justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and correctional services with an emphasis on ethics and leadership.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the purpose, authority, and relationship between law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections at the local, state, and federal levels.
- differentiate crime classifications and various legal definitions.
- recall due process and protections provided by the U.S. Constitution.
- explain criminological theory and why it is important in understanding crime and criminality.
- demonstrate ethical decision making and leadership ability.
ADMJ 301 Investigative Report Writing
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGL 301 and C1001
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides a study of the techniques of preparing written investigative reports in a clear, comprehensive, concise, ethical, and logical manner. Emphasis is placed on administration of justice terminology, use of English and organization of information, note taking and report writing, and presentation of testimony in court.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and compile data for use in report writing.
- write an investigative report communicating facts in a clear, comprehensive, concise, and logical manner.
- define and demonstrate an understanding of vocabulary commonly used in the criminal justice system.
- understand how to compile notes from an interview or interrogation in a logical and organized manner.
- demonstrate an ability to take field notes and transpose those notes into a document that can be offered as evidence in a court of law.
- recognize the consequences of failing to write accurate and factual reports.
ADMJ 302 Community Relations: Multicultural Issues
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 160
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the complex relationship between communities and the law enforcement, judicial and correctional institutions of the justice system. The course addresses the role that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, culture and the role criminal justice professionals play in shaping these relationships. The course will explore new strategies, skills, tools, and cultural knowledge necessary for personnel engaged in all aspects of the criminal justice system. Special topics include how terrorism and the need for homeland security have changed the dynamics of police-community relations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the history and evolution of multiculturalism in the U.S. and the challenges presented by a multicultural society.
- identify and explain key issues that pose potential conflict between diverse communities and the courts, police and corrections.
- identify and describe strategies for the administration of justice in a multicultural society.
ADMJ 320 Concepts of Criminal Law
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:Local GE L4
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 120
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the philosophy, history and structure of criminal law in the United States. 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 studies to introduce students to criminal law and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. The course will also include discussion of the U.S. Constitution, prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss the goals and characteristics of criminal law;
- Explain the adversary system and sources of criminal law;
- Discuss the philosophical and historical evolution of criminal law, noting the role of the judiciary in its development;
- Know the basic terminology, definitions, and theories of criminal law;
- Identify elements of offenses against the person, property, morals, and public welfare;
- Classify crimes according to severity;
- Explain the concept of lesser included offenses;
- Explain capacity to commit crime, causation, and culpability;
- Critically analyze various components of our system of criminal law;
- Explain and discuss criminal defenses, legal justifications, and burdens of proof.
ADMJ 322 Criminal Procedures
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 122
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines criminal procedures and how they are applied in the American criminal justice system. Topics include fundamental concepts of law, exclusionary rule, bail, extradition and rendition. Additional topics will include laws and procedures of arrest, order of trial procedures, motions, writs and appeals, limitations of prosecution, rights of the accused, prosecution and defense strategies, judgment, sentencing and the U.S. Constitution.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the steps in the adjudication process from arrest through conviction.
- explain the due process protections in the Bill of Rights and how they are protected through the criminal court process.
- explain the roles of the prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge and their roles in the criminal court process.
- explain significant criminal procedure cases and how they apply to admissibility of evidence.
- explain the various types of evidence and how they are used in court.
- explain the effect of cultural influences in who will be arrested, charged, convicted, and what sentence they will receive.
ADMJ 323 Legal Aspects of Evidence
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 124
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course examines the constitutional foundation of the rules of evidence as applied in United States law. Emphasis is placed on the types of evidence and the laws governing admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the role of evidence in the criminal court process.
- explain different types of evidence and whether or not they are admissible in court.
- explain the constitutional rules for how evidence can and cannot be used in court.
- explain, evaluate, and apply the rules of evidence to specific case facts.
- explain legal precedents and case law that justify the admissibility or exclusion of evidence.
ADMJ 330 Criminal Investigation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID AJ 140
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course introduces students to basic investigative responsibilities and procedures used during criminal investigations. Topics include crime scene management, forensic and physical evidence handling, search and seizure, property crimes, violent crimes, organized criminal enterprises, gangs, and domestic/international terrorist organizations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate basic investigative responsibilities, to include note taking, photographic documentation, preserving and processing evidence, and crime scene sketching.
- demonstrate knowledge of search and seizure protections under the fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, to include legal exceptions.
- demonstrate knowledge of the differences between property crimes and crimes against persons.
- be able to articulate the criminal elements required to legally define a criminal enterprise, a criminal gang, and a terrorist organization.
- demonstrate ethical decision making.
- demonstrate leadership abilities.
ADMJ 333 Computer Crime and Digital Evidence
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:CISC 310; Students should have basic computer user skills prior to enrolling in this course.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of computer crime investigation, including the role of computer devices in various types of criminal activities, computer related criminal law, methods of collecting digital evidence and how digital evidence can assist in solving crimes. The student will learn how to properly perform and document digital evidence collection. The student will learn about court presentation and emerging case law related to computer crimes.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding regarding the operation of computer systems and the role of computers in crime and investigations.
- demonstrate an understanding of computer related criminal laws.
- articulate knowledge of Internet related crime.
- articulate an understanding of digital evidence and collection methods.
- explain obstacles to the enforcement of computer crime laws.
- describe the intersection of computer crimes and civil rights.
ADMJ 494 Topics in Administration of Justice
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
Designed to deal with current problems or specific topics concerning the administration of justice. The particular subject to be covered each semester will be determined by the Administration of Justice staff. May be taken two times for credit.
ADMJ 495 Independent Studies in Administration of Justice
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
ADMJ 498 Work Experience in Administration of Justice
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals, and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L7B
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment in their major field of study or advancement within their career. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing career readiness skills and workplace competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. This course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Federal regulations allow students to receive financial aid for a total of two times when repeating the same course that was previously passed.Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of study or career as written in the minimum 3 learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- manage personal career plans and decision making by developing an awareness of own strengths, seek out opportunities to learn, incorporate feedback, and foster relationships with those who can help one professionally.
- exhibit effective communication, build and maintain collaborative teamwork relationships, and demonstrate professionalism with consideration to workplace dynamics, equity and inclusion.
- demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace, proactively anticipate needs, and prioritize action steps.
- demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new and unfamiliar technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and decision-making.
ADMJ 499 Experimental Offering in Administration of Justice
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2026
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
This program is part of the Public Service, Health, and Education Meta-Major.
Check Out Degree Planner
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