Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Law Enforcement Option

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The Law Enforcement Option Certificate is designed to meet or exceed the minimum P.O.S.T. requirements for entry-level employment as peace officers.  This certificate requires successful completion of the Basic Police Academy (CJA 099A).  Students interested in this certificate should contact an academic counselor, the Criminal Justice Academies, and the Criminal Justice Department for details. 

Develop critical thinking and ethical reasoning in students interested in the law enforcement field.

Appraise the responsibilities of the law enforcement profession.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
CJ 101
Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces that have shaped those principles and approaches. Although justice structure and process are examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies.
    Plan 1: 4B. Social Science
    Plan 2: 4. Social and Behavioral Sciences
    CJ 103
    Concepts of Criminal Law
    This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
      CJ 105
      Legal Aspects of Evidence
      This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process.

        Second Semester

        8 units
        CJ 107 or PARA 107
        An examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal, utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. (Same as Paralegal 107.)
          OR
          An examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal, utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. (Same as Criminal Justice 107)
            CJ 109
            Community Interaction
            Examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict, with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion, and law.
              CJA 010
              Pre-Employment Preparation for Law Enforcement
              This course is designed to prepare students to successfully complete a law enforcement pre-employment application and testing procedures.

                Third Semester

                30 units
                CJA 099A
                Basic Police Academy
                Student will receive instruction in all areas of criminal justice, as required by California Peace Officers Standards and Training (CA POST), for entry-level law enforcement officers. This course is offered in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
                • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Students sponsored by California law enforcement agencies must meet P.O.S.T. hiring requirements. Self-sponsored students must successfully complete required college screening procedures including interview, written test, medical evaluation, psychological evaluation, and DOJ livescan. Self-sponsored students' applications will be evaluated and screened by Criminal Justice Academies Director and Academy Fitness Instructor to ensure students are sufficiently prepared. Self-sponsored students must meet all required prerequisites before entering or continuing the course.
                • Prerequisite: CJA 010
                • Prerequisite: CJA 026A
                • Prerequisite: CJA 099