Administration of Justice Studies
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
This program is designed for students planning to transfer to a university. Because the programs at the university level are so unique to this major, students should work closely with an Academic Advisor regarding the requirements at a specific four-year institution.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in administration of justice studies that will prepare them to transfer to the university and (2) competency in communication, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and technological applications.
Learning Outcomes
- Brief and explain landmark cases using constitutional precedence; identify the tenets of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights; and apply the elements of criminal statutes to factual situations.
- Deliver well written essays that explain how the three components of the criminal justice system work together; conduct an oral presentation on ethics and the law, the police, and the courts; and complete oral exams.
- Construct sound arguments regarding crime-related issues; demonstrate critical thinking and analytical abilities by applying appropriate case laws; and quantify methods of treatment for the incarcerated.
- Use criminological theories (e.g. classical criminology, sociological criminology, and psychological criminology) to explain current events; explain the inner workings of the criminal justice system and its agencies; explain why the criminal justice system is considered to be a non-system; and discuss the different purposes of criminal law.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJS 101 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 | Major Requirement |
| AJS 109 | Substantive Criminal Law | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE- Written Communication |
| PLS 100 | Plant Science/GE (recommended or choose a class from this list) | 4 | GE- Natural Sciences |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology/GE (recommended or choose a class from this list) | 3 | GE- Social/Behavioral Sciences |
| 16 |
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJS 210 | Court Function | 3 | Major Requirement |
| AJS 225 | Criminology/GE | 3 | Major Requirement |
| AJS 230 | Police Function | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE- Written Communication |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics with Applications/GE (or higher level approved math) | 3 | GE- Quantitative Reasoning |
| 15 |
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJS 240 | Correction Function | 3 | Major Requirement |
| AJS | Choose AJS course based on selected emphasis (AJS, Corrections, or Homeland Security) | 3 | Departmental Emphasis Requirement |
| AJS | Choose AJS course based on selected emphasis (AJS, Corrections, or Homeland Security) | 3 | Departmental Emphasis Requirement |
| AJS | Choose AJS course based on selected emphasis (AJS, Corrections, or Homeland Security) | 3 | Departmental Emphasis Requirement |
| AJS 123 | Ethics in Criminal Justice/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE- Arts/Humanities |
| 15 |
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJS | Choose AJS course based on selected emphasis (AJS, Corrections, or Homeland Security) | 3 | Departmental Emphasis Requirement |
| HIS 121 | History of US to 1877/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| SPA 101 | Elementary Spanish 1/GE (recommended) | 4 | GE-Oral Communications |
| PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy/GE (recommended) | 3 | GE-Arts/Humanities |
| Elective | Choose an elective from AJS/HLS (if minimum program credit requirement has not been met) | 3 | General Elective (to reach minimum program credit requirement) |
| 16 |
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA | Criminology & Criminal Justice, Justice Studies (multiple program options) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS | Criminology & Criminal Justice, Justice Studies (multiple program options) | None |
| University of Arizona | BS, BAS | Criminal Justice Studiees, Administration of Justice (multiple program options) | 2nd Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Additional Information
Check the Administration of Justice and Homeland Security program page for additional information about this degree.