Associate in Science Degree in Court Personnel/Pre-law
2025-2026 Map
Total Units: 61 - 68
Term 1
16.00 - 18.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| AJ 1: Criminology | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of criminological theories and their application within diverse societal contexts, examining the interaction between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through a critical lens, students will explore the philosophy of law, the organizational structures of law enforcement at various governmental levels, and the dynamic interrelationships between these entities. Special emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinnings of criminology, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. The course critically addresses the influence of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and culture on crime and criminal justice responses. Through an analysis of contemporary issues, historical developments, and comparative criminology, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to understand the complexities of crime in a global context, fostering a deep appreciation for the contributions and perspectives of diverse groups. Graded only. |
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| AJ 2: Administration of Justice | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
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 principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (C-ID AJ 110). |
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| Select one: Meets Area 1A | 4.00 | ||
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| Area 2 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 5.00 | ||
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| Area 6 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 | ||
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Term 2
14 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| AJ 3: Legal Research | 2.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 2.00
This course is an introduction to legal research. Students will become familiar with and learn how to use materials commonly found in law libraries via a web-based legal resource. Graded only. |
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| AJ 4: Criminal Law | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
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. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 120). |
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| AJ 6: Evidence | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 124). |
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| BUS 8: Introduction to Business Law | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes. (C-ID BUS 125). |
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| Area 1B/C Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 | ||
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Term 3
15.00 - 16.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| ACCT 20: Introduction to Accounting | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course is an introductory accounting course designed for students with little or no prior training in accounting. Topics span the accounting cycle including analysis of business transactions, journalizing, posting, and preparation of financial statements using a hands-on approach. The course prepares students for entry level accounting careers, further study of accounting principles, or to help small business owners manage their own accounting records. |
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| AJ 8: Criminal Investigation | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
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. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 140). |
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| AJ 11: Criminal Procedure | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
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. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 122). |
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| BUS 20: Introduction to Business | 3.00 | ||
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course is survey of business providing a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization's policy and practices within the U.S. and a global society. Students will learn about how this business context (including issues such as ethics and sustainability) influences the primary areas of business including: organizational structure and design; leadership, human resource management, organized labor practices; marketing; organizational communication; technology; entrepreneurship; legal, accounting, financial practices; the stock and securities market; and therefore affect a business' ability to achieve its organizational goals. (C-ID BUS 110). |
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| Area 3 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 4.00 | ||
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Term 4
16.00 - 20.00 Units. Specified core courses are signified by icon.| Course Name | Units | Notes | |
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| POS 12: California State and Local Government | 3.00 | Meets Area 4. | |
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Unit(s): 3.00
This course is an introduction to government with emphasis on California State and local governments. Government institutions and political processes are examined in the context of the state's diverse population and culture. Additionally, the course covers the historical development of federal, state and local government relations. Attention is given to local government institutions and the dilemmas they face in carrying out their governing roles. |
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| Select one: | 1.00 - 3.00 | ||
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| Area 5 Choice (See GE Guide) | 3.00 - 5.00 | ||
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| Graduation Requirement Choice (See GE Guide) | 2.00 | ||
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| Elective (any course numbered 1-99 or C1000-C1999) | 7.00 | Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options. | |
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