Modern Policing
Associate of Science (AS) Administration of Justice · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Modern Policing Associate of Science Degree program guides students toward careers in law enforcement and policing, and is committed to equity, affordability, access, student-centered design, holistic support, and modernized curriculum for the profession of policing. The degree complies with the requirements of A.B. 89, which requires all Police and Sheriff's patrol officers in California to obtain a Modern Policing degree as of November 2025. Students wishing to transfer should use the CALGETC pattern to meet general education requirements.
Career Opportunities
Law enforcement officer (employment as a peace officer referenced in subdivision (a) of Section 1031.4 of the Government Code).
Program Learning Outcome(s)
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Analyze the key concepts and theories that shape past and current practices of law enforcement in the criminal justice system.
- Apply ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills to assess law enforcement interactions with multicultural communities and analyze the law's impact on traditionally marginalized or minoritized individuals and communities.
- Identify and articulate the fundamental duties, obligations, and philosophies of a multicultural society, emphasizing the role of social justice in the criminal justice system and the law enforcement profession.
Modern Policing (AS): Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: (43 Units) | ||
| AJ 50 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 60 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJ 68 | Police Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| AJ 70 | Community Relations | 3 |
| ARHS 3 | Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North Americas | 3 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMST 11 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| PHIL 2 | Ethics | 3 |
| PSYC 3 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 3 | Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| SOC 6 | Social Problems | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| List A: Select One (3 Units) | ||
| AJ 55 | Introduction to Correctional Science | 3 |
| AJ 61 | Evidence | 3 |
| AJ 63 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| Total Units for the Major | 46 | |
| Additional General Education and Elective Units | ||
| See the Las Positas College General Education (LPC-GE) pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal. | 14 | |
| Total | 60 | |