Law, Public Policy, and Society
Overview
This area of study known as Law, Public Policy, and Society provides students with a depth of interdisciplinary studies in the administration of justice, political science, business, history, economics, sociology, global studies, and communications. This program provides students with a flexible curriculum that will prepare them for professions in law, government, public relations, lobbying, diplomacy, advocacy, public safety services, intelligence analysts, criminal investigations, court service careers, social work, and correctional services.
Students pursuing coursework in this program will acquire skills in critical thinking, persuasive communication, analytical writing, and a foundational understanding of the behavioral and social sciences. This program also provides a basis for advanced study at a four-year college or university.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees
- Administration of Justice AS-T Degree - (Full Time) Map
- Law, Public Policy, and Society AA-T Degree Map
- Law, Public Policy, and Society AA-T Degree Map
Certificates
- Dean Dennis Lee
- Department Chair Kelly Gould
- Meta Major People and Society
- Phone (916) 558-2401
- Email SCC-BSS@losrios.edu
Associate Degrees for Transfer
A.S.-T. in Administration of Justice
The general field referred to as “Administration of Justice” is directed toward the prevention, discovery, control, and treatment of crimes, criminals, and criminality and to consider contemporary issues of diversity and ethics. Students desiring to enter a career concerned with the administration of justice will find that this curriculum has flexibility that allows them to prepare for specific fields included in that broad category. The program provides the basis for advanced study at a four-year college. Opportunities for college graduates include positions in local, state, and federal, law enforcement, courts, and correctional services.
General college preparatory courses are recommended as High School Preparation.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(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) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs 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, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | 3 |
| or ADMJ 480 | Concepts of Criminal Law - Honors (3) | |
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 304 | Juvenile Delinquency (3) | |
| ADMJ 322 | Criminal Procedures (3) | |
| ADMJ 323 | Legal Aspects of Evidence (3) | |
| ADMJ 330 | Criminal Investigation (3) | |
| ADMJ 340 | Introduction to Correctional Services (3) | |
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| ADMJ 301 | Investigative Report Writing (3) | |
| ADMJ 315 | Pathway To Public Safety Careers (3) | |
| ADMJ 349 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| or SOC 318 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| or STAT 480 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| or ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (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 overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- effectively communicate in both oral and written formats.
- identify and explain the history, purpose, function, authority, and interactions of law enforcement, courts, and corrections on the local, state, and federal levels.
- identify and differentiate career opportunities in the criminal justice system at the local, state, and federal levels.
- analyze crime causation, recognize the elements within criminal statutes, and be familiar with criminal procedures utilized to enforce those statutes.
- evaluate the complex legal aspects of criminal investigations, procedures, constitutional law, and case law.
- apply laws and procedures for the collection and utilization of evidence for the purpose of criminal prosecutions.
- recognize the essential need for cultural sensitivity in our diverse society and how this diversity impacts the criminal justice system.
- recognize the significant importance of cultural competency, integrity, transparency, ethical decision making, accountability, and compassion as part of the service requirements for criminal justice professionals.
Career Information
Career opportunities include professions in law, government, public relations, lobbying, diplomacy, advocacy, public safety services, intelligence analysts, criminal investigations, court service careers, social work, and correctional services.
A.A.-T. in Law, Public Policy, and Society
The Associate in Arts in Law, Public Policy, and Society for Transfer degree offers courses that satisfy lower-division General Education requirements in both the physical and social sciences, providing students with a solid foundation in Law, Public Policy, and Society as well as the standard prerequisites for upper-division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students planning to transfer to a CSU with a major in Law, Public Policy, and Society should consult the lower division requirements at the university they plan to attend. Through interdisciplinary studies in the administration of justice, political science, business, history, economics, sociology, global studies, and communications, students will acquire skills in critical thinking, persuasive communication, analytical writing, and a foundational understanding of the behavioral and social sciences.
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):
(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) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs 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, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Classes: | ||
| A minimum of 24 units from the following: | 24 | |
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| or ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| or ADMJ 322 | Criminal Procedures (3) | |
| or ADMJ 480 | Concepts of Criminal Law - Honors (3) | |
| or BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| or BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| COMM 301 | Introduction to Public Speaking (3) | |
| or COMM 311 | Argumentation and Debate (3) | |
| or COMM 331 | Group Discussion (3) | |
| or COMM 481 | Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (3) | |
| COMM 311 | Argumentation and Debate (3) | |
| or COMM 315 | Persuasion (3) | |
| or ENGWR 302 | Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3) | |
| or ENGWR 482 | Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3) | |
| ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| or STAT 480 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | |
| or ENGWR 488 | Honors College Composition and Research (4) | |
| or ESLW 340 | Advanced Composition (4) | |
| HIST 310 | History of the United States (To 1877) (3) | |
| or HIST 311 | History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3) | |
| or HIST 320 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST 321 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST 483 | History of the United States - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 484 | History of the United States - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 486 | History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 487 | History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) | |
| PHIL 310 | Introduction to Ethics (3) | |
| POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | |
| or POLS 481 | Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3) | |
| Select two courses (6 units total) from two different areas listed below (courses must not have been used above): | ||
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| Area 1: Administration of Justice | ||
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) | |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3) | |
| ADMJ 304 | Juvenile Delinquency (3) | |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | |
| or ADMJ 480 | Concepts of Criminal Law - Honors (3) | |
| ADMJ 322 | Criminal Procedures (3) | |
| ADMJ 323 | Legal Aspects of Evidence (3) | |
| ADMJ 340 | Introduction to Correctional Services (3) | |
| ADMJ 349 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| or SOC 318 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| Area 2: Business | ||
| BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | |
| Area 3: Economics | ||
| ECON 302 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| Area 4: Political Science | ||
| POLS 302 | Comparative Politics (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| or POLS 480 | Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 320 | Introduction to Political Theory (3) | |
| Area 5: Public Policy | ||
| GLST 301 | Introduction to Global Studies (3) | |
| GLST 302 | Global Issues (3) | |
| SJS 300 | Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3) | |
| SOC 301 | Social Problems (3) | |
| Area 6: Diversity | ||
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| ETHNS 300 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3) | |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3) | |
| SOC 321 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) | |
| or SOC 482 | Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) | |
| SOC 341 | Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3) | |
| Area 7: College Success | ||
| HCD 310 | College Success (3) | |
| INDIS 313 | Freshman Seminar (3) | |
| Total Units: | 30 | |
The Associate in Arts in Law, Public Policy, and Society for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- identify and discuss the legal framework for American institutions and systems of justice.
- critically analyze issues in public policy consistent with constitutional legal standards and mandates.
- demonstrate knowledge of practical applications and evaluations of policy outcomes in civic culture.
- analyze, investigate, and compare ideological approaches to governmental systems.
- research specific topics of discussion in local, state, national, and international politics.
- identify and demonstrate effective and appropriate written and oral communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, in a variety of communication contexts and with diverse populations.
Career Information
Career opportunities with a bachelor's degree include professions in law, government, public relations, lobbying, diplomacy, advocacy, public safety services, intelligence analysts, criminal investigations, court service careers, social work, and correctional services.
Associate Degrees
A.S. in Administration of Justice
The general field referred to as “Administration of Justice” is directed toward the prevention, discovery, control, and treatment of crimes, criminals, and criminality and to consider contemporary issues of diversity and ethics. Students desiring to enter a career concerned with the administration of justice will find that this curriculum has flexibility that allows them to prepare for specific fields included in that broad category. The program also provides the basis for advanced study at a four-year college. Opportunities for college graduates include positions in local, state, and federal, law enforcement, courts and correctional services.
Recommended High School Preparation: General college preparatory courses.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ADMJ 300 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| ADMJ 302 | Community Relations: Multicultural Issues | 3 |
| ADMJ 304 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| ADMJ 320 | Concepts of Criminal Law (3) | 3 |
| or ADMJ 480 | Concepts of Criminal Law - Honors (3) | |
| ADMJ 322 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| ADMJ 323 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| ADMJ 330 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| Total Units: | 21 |
The Administration of Justice Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- effectively communicate in both oral and written formats.
- identify and explain the history, purpose, function, authority, and interactions of law enforcement, courts, and corrections on the local, state, and federal levels.
- identify and differentiate career opportunities in the criminal justice system at the local, state, and federal levels.
- analyze crime causation, recognize the elements within criminal statutes, and be familiar with criminal procedures utilized to enforce those statutes.
- evaluate the complex legal aspects and procedures of criminal investigations, procedures, constitutional law, and case law.
- apply laws and procedures for the collection and utilization of evidence for the purpose of criminal prosecutions.
- recognize the essential need for cultural sensitivity in our diverse society and how this diversity impacts the criminal justice system.
- recognize the significant importance of cultural competency, integrity, transparency, ethical decision making, accountability, and compassion as part of the service requirements for criminal justice professionals.
Career Information
Career opportunities include professions in law, government, public relations, lobbying, diplomacy, advocacy, public safety services, intelligence analysts, criminal investigations, court service careers, social work, and correctional services.
Certificate of Achievement
Legal Studies Certificate
The legal studies certificate is designed to enhance opportunities for employment in the legal profession.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 345 | Law and Society (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 318 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| or ADMJ 349 | Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) | |
| or BUS 340 | Business Law (3) | |
| COMM 303 | Mediated Oral Communication (3) | 3 |
| or COMM 311 | Argumentation and Debate (3) | |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or ENGWR 488 | Honors College Composition and Research (4) | |
| or ESLW 340 | Advanced Composition (4) | |
| ENGWR 301 | College Composition and Literature (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or ENGWR 302 | Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3) | |
| or ENGWR 303 | Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking Through Literature (4) | |
| or ENGWR 482 | Honors Advanced Composition and Critical Thinking (3) | |
| HIST 310 | History of the United States (To 1877) (3) | 3 |
| or HIST 311 | History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3) | |
| or HIST 320 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST 321 | History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3) | |
| or HIST 483 | History of the United States - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 484 | History of the United States - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 486 | History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) | |
| or HIST 487 | History of the United States: African American Emphasis - Honors (3) | |
| POLS 301 | Introduction to Government: United States (3) | 3 |
| or POLS 481 | Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3) | |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | 3 - 4 |
| or STAT 480 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4) | |
| or ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| or PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| Total Units: | 21 - 24 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- effectively communicate in both oral and written formats.
- identify career opportunities in the legal profession.
- analyze crime causation, recognize the elements within statues and be familiar with procedures utilities to enforce those statutes.
- evaluate the complex legal aspects of criminal investigations, law procedures, constitutional law, and case law.
- identify and explain the purpose and authority of the local, state, and federal courts systems.
- define and use legal terminology accurately and appropriately.
Career Information
Career opportunities in legal studies have an excellent outlook. Labor Market Information for the greater Sacramento region indicates that there is an undersupply of educational awards in legal studies as compared to the number of projected annual openings for positions in this professional area. This certificate creates opportunities in the legal profession as lawyer, judge, mediator, paralegal, consultant, educator, corporate attorney, court administrator, governmental administrator, or politician.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Check Out Degree Planner
If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.