Administration of Justice
Program Description
Justice is at the heart of the U.S. democratic system, yet today’s criminal justice system is facing increasingly complex issues, from human trafficking and terrorism to computer crimes and gang-related crimes. Professionals with careers within the criminal justice system are confronting these challenges daily; working to prevent and reduce crime, serve as positive role models, improve public safety, and serve their communities. Today, there are more than 18,000 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who employ more than 700,000 officers so whether you decide to work as a police officer or deputy sheriff, special agent, criminologist, forensic scientist, or within corrections, a career in criminal justice places you in the unique position to make a meaningful difference in your community and across the U.S. criminal justice systems.
For individuals currently working in the field, there may be potential for salary and/or career advancement. Many agencies require entry-level and current personnel to possess a certain level of education to be hired or to be eligible for a promotion. The Certificate/Associate degree (A.S.) provide that level of education.
Administration of Justice Department Page
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Ricardo Martinez (951) 487-3505
rmartinez@msjc.edu
Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
William Farrar
(951) 639-5505
wfarrar@msjc.edu
- Demonstrate the essential qualifications for employment in the criminal justice field to include the mastery of core criminal justice principles and the ability to think critically and to speak and write effectively.
- Demonstrate an understanding of personal and civic responsibility as they apply to the criminal
justice system. - Demonstrate a critical awareness of race, cultural diversity, and inequality as manifested in the criminal justice system both locally and nationally and apply these understandings to both study and practice. This includes identifying transformative forces generating social change on a micro and macro level.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of ethical analysis, research, and practice in applying the law, as well as the
ability to reason and think critically in the application of these principles and/or laws within the criminal justice field. - Demonstrate the competency to apply criminological theory, research methods, and appropriate technology to assess, evaluate, and address both current and future issues in the practice of criminal justice.
- Demonstrate a meaningful understanding of how discretion permeates every phase of the criminal justice
system and creates ethical dilemmas for criminal justice professionals.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer (M) | $158,371 | 7,087 |
| Judges (M+) | $214,325 | 102 |
| Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff (SM, A) | $104,108 | 7,235 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists (SM, B) | $98,155 | 1,386 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators (SM, C, A, B) | $107,245 | 1,084 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)