Administration of Justice

What can I do with a degree in Administration of Justice?

The Administration of Justice field includes three large areas of employment:  law enforcement; the courts; and corrections.  Graduates from the Administration of Justice (ADMJ) Program can work for local, state, or federal governments as patrol officers, deputies, correctional officers, security specialists, park rangers, fish and wildlife officers, court officers, border patrol officers, and more.  Jobs are available through the private sector in security and protective services. Some jobs in this field require a bachelors degree; others involve a combination of education and on-the-job training.

Information Session

You are encouraged to attend an information session or contact one of the Professional Technical advisors for planning help.

Degree Information [PDF Format]

• Associate in Science Degree / Administration of Justice
• Certificate / Administration of Justice ---Click here for Gainful Employment details.

What are the options in the Administration of Justice program?

WCC students may pursue an Associate in Science degree or certificate.  There are two options in the ADMJ degree for more focused study:

• General - concentrates on knowledge important in the field of ADMJ.
• Computer Forensics - introduces students to a specialized field of law enforcement.

The degree contains Core Requirement courses, a choice of two different Specialty Requirements for more focused study, and Related Instruction/General Education courses. Students must complete all Core Requirements, one Specialty Requirement, and all Related Instruction/General Education courses for a total of at least 90 degree credits. 

The certificate is designed for students who either have a previous degree or who wish to start more quickly in an entry-level job. 

 Many students pursuing Administration of Justice want to maximize the transferability of their course work to the university/four-year college system. Students can earn both the ADMJ degree and the Associate in Arts and Sciences (AAS transfer) degree with a minimum of extra credits. Also, students in the AAS transfer degree program can use a limited number of ADMJ classes as electives. For either of these plans of action, we strongly recommend that students use WCC's advising services in developing their educational plan.

What do I do to apply to the program?

The ADMJ Program has no special admissions, so you can enter any quarter.  Click the 'apply now' link at the right to get started on your application for admission to the college.  Make an appointment with an academic advisor by emailing advise@whatcom.ctc.edu or calling (360) 383-3080.  Attend an information session to learn more about the program.

How long does the degree take to complete?

The Associate in Science degree is 90 degree credits. Many students have additional credits that must be taken in order to be ready for college-level English and Math courses. Also, many students take longer than two years to complete an Associate degree because of part-time or full-time work schedules.

Additional Resources

More information from the following resources is available in the Career Center (LDC 117):

• Barron's Guide to Homeland Security Careers
• Barron's Guide to Law Enforcement Careers
• Careers in Focus: Public Safety
• Great Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors
• Opportunities in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Careers Federal Jobs in Law Enforcement