Modern Policing Associate in Science Degree Program

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Related Degrees & Certificates

Program	Units
AS Associate in Science Degree Program
Administration of Justice	60 units
AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
Administration of Justice	60 units
CA Certificate of Achievement
Administration of Justice	24 units
Basic Police Academy (AJPS)	22 units

Career Opportunities

Completion of the California AB89 mandated Modern Policing Degree at the College of San Mateo provides a range of career opportunities, primarily within law enforcement and related fields. Graduates can pursue roles such as: Police Officer – Serving in municipal, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. Sheriff's Deputy – Working in county law enforcement. Community Policing Specialist – Focusing on fostering relationships between police departments and the communities they serve. Criminal Investigator or Detective – Engaging in investigative work to solve crimes. Probation or Parole Officer – Overseeing individuals on probation or parole and ensuring compliance with legal conditions. Public Safety Administrator – Managing and directing public safety initiatives within government agencies. Crime Prevention Specialist – Developing and implementing crime prevention programs. Policy Analyst for Criminal Justice – Working in research or policy development related to public safety and law enforcement. Training and Development Coordinator – Specializing in law enforcement training programs focusing on ethics, community relations, and modern policing strategies. Law Enforcement Consultant – Advising agencies on best practices and compliance with modern policing standards. This degree equips graduates with the skills needed for these roles, emphasizing ethical decision-making, community engagement, and up-to-date policing practices.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

Evaluate Modern Policing: Assess community-based and problem-oriented strategies and their impact on public safety.
Demonstrate Ethical Decision-Making: Apply ethical principles and critical thinking to evaluate and respond effectively to law enforcement scenarios.
Communicate Effectively: Demonstrate strong interpersonal and written communication skills within criminal justice contexts.
Engage with Communities: Foster trust and partnerships with diverse communities through effective engagement.
Navigate Legal Frameworks: Apply key legal concepts and procedures in policing, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Demonstrate Professionalism: Uphold ethics, integrity, and professionalism in policing.
Address Public Safety Issues: Evaluate and respond to public safety challenges, prioritizing community well-being.

Related Programs

POST (California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training)

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. Transfer majors may be listed as Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law and Society, or other listings. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

The Administration of Justice Program prepares students for jobs in the field of criminal justice. The program at CSM is designed to educate students on the many aspects of justice administration – from the human, social and moral problems to the larger scope of justice systems.

Through the expertise of the faculty and the exposure to professional personnel from the criminal justice system, students can expect to be prepared for a career in various fields including criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, social services, probation, and law.

The criminal justice system offers employment in various municipal, county and state agencies in California, to individuals who have the ability to work well with all types of people, observe details others might miss, and make sound decisions in times of crisis.

The two-year degree covers a broad range of information and professional skills in criminal law, corrections, and the American justice system. While this degree is intended for transfer, it also may lead to employment or advancement within the justice system. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should complete the Associate Degree.

Meet with a CSM counselor to discuss how to achieve academic goals and to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).

University Transfer Program
60-70 transferable units

California State University
University of California
Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Overview

The College of San Mateo Modern Policing Degree is designed to meet the educational requirements mandated by California AB89 and to prepare students for careers in contemporary law enforcement. This program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of ethical reasoning, community engagement, and modern policing strategies. This curriculum intergrates theory and practice so that students can develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in today's complex public safety environment. Completion of the AS Modern Policing degree meets minimum admissions eligibilty for transfer to the California State University system, providing graduates with expanded academic and professional opportunities.

Program Requirements

CORE COURSES: 9 Units, 3 Courses		Units
ADMJ 100	Introduction to the Criminal Justice System	3 units
ADMJ 104	Concepts of Criminal Law	3 units
ADMJ 108	Community Relations and the Justice System	3 units

LIST A: 3 Units, select 1 course		Units
ADMJ 102	Principles and Procedures of the Criminal Justice System	3 units
ADMJ 106	Legal Aspects of Evidence	3 units
ADMJ 120	Criminal Investigation	3 units
ADMJ 125	Juvenile Procedures	3 units

LIST B: 27-30 units, all courses listed below		Units
COMM 150	Intercultural Communication	3 units
ETHN 108	Rethinking Race, Gender, and Nation	3 units
PSYC 300	Social Psychology	3 units
PHIL 244	Introduction to Ethics: Contemporary Social and Moral Issues	3 units
ENGL C1000	Academic Reading and Writing	3 units
	OR
ENGL C1000E	Academic Reading and Writing	5 units
ENGL C1001	Critical Thinking and Writing	3 units
COMM C1000	Public Speaking	3 units
STAT C1000	Introduction to Statistics	4 units
	OR
PSYC 121	Basic Statistical Concepts	3 units
ART 105	Asian Art and Architecture	3 units

Total Required Major Units: 39 - 42

And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.