Administration of Justice (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Coordinator:    Robin Widener, OTC 110, Ext. 2408

Length:                                Four semesters (two years)

Purpose: The curriculum in Administration of Justice is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of the practitioner in criminal justice and to prepare individuals for career service in this field.

Occupational Objectives: 
    Police Officer
    Investigator 
    Probation and Parole Worker
    Security Officer 
    Juvenile Worker
    Corrections Officer 
    Local, State, or Federal Enforcement Officer

Admission Requirements: In addition to meeting the admission requirements established for the college (as listed in Part II of this Catalog), the applicant should consult with the program head to see if he or she would meet the specialized requirements for the criminal justice agency with which he or she plans to seek employment. Any person who has been convicted of a felony or of any offense involving turpitude or violence is ineligible for admission to this program. Enrollment in certain ADJ courses may be restricted to persons who have been accepted into the program.

Program Requirements: Approximately one-half of the curriculum will include courses in administration of justice with the remaining courses in related areas, general education, and electives. Instruction will include both the theoretical concepts and practical applications needed for future success in criminal justice careers. Each student is advised to consult with his/her counselor and faculty advisor in planning a program and selecting electives. Upon completion of the four-semester program, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science in Protective Services.

The student is required to complete a sequence of courses and learning experiences provided at the college. The Administration of Justice program faculty reserves the right to recommend, through appropriate channels, the withdrawal of any student who does not exhibit suitable attendance, behavior, and adherence to the regulations governing student conduct as outlined in the student handbook.

Students must complete all Administration of Justice courses listed in the first year of the curriculum before being allowed to enter the second year Administration of Justice courses. Exceptions may be approved by the Division Chairman upon faculty recommendation.

A student must have a “C” or above in all Administration of Justice courses to remain in the program. A grade of “C” or above in any related requirements is a prerequisite for continuing in the Administration of Justice program. Exceptions may be approved by the Division Chairman upon faculty recommendation.

Students who wish to transfer to four-year institutions should acquaint themselves with the requirements of the college or university to which transfer is contemplated. Such students should consult with their faculty advisor at Virginia Highlands Community College in planning their programs.

Subject to the approval of the college, the Associate of Applied Science program in Protective Services may be modified to some extent to satisfy transfer requirements at other institutions.

Program Progression: Any student who earns a final grade lower than “C” in any Administration of Justice course or SOC 235 or 236 must repeat the course and earn a final grade of “C” or better before taking the next course or courses in the sequence.

A student must obtain permission from the Administration of Justice faculty to continue in the Administration of Justice program under the following conditions:

1. repeating a course with a grade below “C,”
2. withdrawal from an Administration of Justice course,
3. cumulative GPA below 2.0.

 Administration of Justice

Total Minimum Credits for the AAS Degree..........................................67

Footnotes*

1.     Keyboarding skills highly recommended. 

2.     For students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, MTH 163 Precalculus mathematics is required. All others MTH 141, Business Mathematics I. 

3.     Social science course include ECO 201, 202; GEO 210, 220; PLS 135, 211, 212; PSY 200; SOC 200; HIS 101, 102; HIS 121, 122. 

4.     Humanities: ART 201-202; ENG 241-242; ENG 251-252; FRE 101-102; FRE 201-202; MUS 121-122; PHI 101; REL 200, 210; SPA 101-102; SPA 201-202; CST 130, 151 - 152.

Notes on Electives:
Unless otherwise indicated, electives must be chosen from disciplines outside the student’s area of specialization. 

OTHER ELECTIVES ARE AVAILABLE UPON ADVISOR’S APPROVAL

*Cooperative Education -ADJ 297 may be taken as an elective after satisfactory completion of the second semester with the Faculty Curriculum Advisor and Faculty Co-op Advisory approvals.