Legal Studies

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.

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 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.

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 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.