Administration of Justice – Police Science Specialization

Program: Administration of Justice
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Specialization: Police Science
Plan Code: 400-02
CIP Code: 43.0103
Length: 64 credit hours. The program is designed for both full-time and part-time students. All program courses can be completed by distance learning.
Locations: Franklin, Suffolk, Smithfield, Online
G3: Approved for G3
Lead Faculty: Heather Umphlett

Fall 2026 is the last semester for which students can enroll in the AAS Administration of Justice - Police Science degree. Students currently enrolled in the AAS Administration of Justice - Police Science degree or who enroll in this degree plan in Fall 2026, have until Spring 2028 to complete this degree. Students wanting to change their degree plan to the AAS Criminal Justice should consult their advisor. Students enrolling in Camp in Spring 2027 or thereafter who want to complete a Administration of Justice degree will be enrolled in the AAS Criminal Justice degree.

Purpose

The curriculum in the Corrections Science and Police Science specializations has been developed and maintained in cooperation with state and local correctional and police officials. The Administration of Justice curriculum with its specializations was designed to provide a broad foundation which will prepare the student to enter any of the varied fields of corrections, probation/parole and/or law enforcement, or to advance professionally within them.

Occupational Objectives

Students receiving an associate degree in Administration of Justice will have a wide variety of occupational choices, some of which are listed below: Local Correctional Officer, State Correctional Officer, Federal Correctional Officer, State Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Federal Probation/Parole Officer, City or Town Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Police, Federal Law Enforcement, Commercial and Industrial Security Officer. Additional professional training will be required for some of the above careers.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to the VCCS general education outcomes and core competencies, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate ethical standards during mock pre-employment interviews, work and life situations.
• Demonstrate policy analysis by following departmental policies, changing policies and making recommendations.
• Explain the basic guarantees of liberty in the U.S. Constitution such as the rights of free speech, press, assembly, as well as procedures guarantees to counsel, jury trial, and habeas corpus.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the scope of crime and various theories to explain the causation of crime and criminality.
• Explain the concepts of normal and abnormal behavior, including focuses on the psychological and sociological aspects of criminal and other deviant behavior patterns. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and ability to write clearly and accurately about the administration of justice process using an appropriate vocabulary.

Students completing the Police Science specialization will also demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system to include – legal issues and cases, contemporary law enforcement issues, the historical basis for crime and punishment.

Admission Requirements: General Admission to the college is required. In addition, entry into this curriculum requires proficiency in high school English and mathematics. Students planning to transfer to most 4-year institutions will need to take MTH 245.

Students who have successfully completed the Virginia State Police Academy or a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services approved Training academy for law enforcement or corrections officers may be granted credit upon acceptance into the program.

Special Conditions: Students should be aware that most criminal justice agencies require excellent moral character and students with certain misdemeanor or felony convictions may have limited opportunities in the criminal justice field.

Program Requirements: Approximately one-half of the curriculum will include courses in Corrections or Law Enforcement with the remaining courses in related subjects. Instruction will include both theoretical concepts and practical applications needed for future success in Corrections or Law Enforcement.

15 to Finish: Please note that the sample schedules include a summer session and students wishing to complete the program in two years will need to either take classes during the summer or additional classes during the fall and spring semesters.