Criminology and Justice System

What are Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, and Correctional Administration?

Administration of Justice

The Administration of Justice program provides a foundation in criminal law, justice procedures, investigation, and the structure of the criminal justice system. This field focuses on how laws are enforced, how public safety agencies operate, and how society maintains order and security.

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice major emphasizes law enforcement and policing, the courts, criminal investigations, and the broader systems that shape public safety. Students learn how the justice system operates from crime reporting through trial, sentencing, and corrections, and how professionals promote fairness, accountability, and community trust.

Correctional Administration

Correctional Administration focuses on the management and operation of correctional facilities, including jails, prisons, and rehabilitation programs. Students study inmate supervision, safety procedures, reentry programs, organizational management, and legal and ethical standards within correctional environments.

An associate degree in any of these majors can lead directly to entry-level positions in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security.

Is Studying Criminology and the Justice System Right for Me?

These programs are a strong fit for individuals who value public service and want to promote safety, fairness, and justice in their communities.

Successful students in these fields often have:

• Strong communication skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Empathy and compassion
• Physical and emotional toughness
• Commitment to justice and fairness

Degrees

Select the degree title for the catalog description and requirements.

• Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)
• Associate of Arts (AA)

Administration of Justice AS-T

Prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in Administration of Justice or Criminal Justice.

Correctional Administration AA

Offers coursework aligned with careers in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Endorsed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee of the California Department of Corrections, California Youth Authority, and the California Correctional Peace Officers Association.

Criminal Justice AA

Provides foundational knowledge for careers in policing, the courts, and state, local, or private corrections.

Adult Corrections Academy

Earn the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) certificate and prepare for careers such as Detentions Deputy.
See academy page for details on salary, benefits, and hiring incentives.

Westec Career and Job Training

BC partners with WESTEC to offer:

• Correctional Officers Core Academy (7 weeks)
• PC 832 Arrest & Control (40 hours)
• PC 832 Firearms (24 hours)

Visit the Westec page for more information:

Westec Training

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Criminology and Justice System Careers

Graduates of these programs may pursue careers including:

• Law Enforcement Officer (police, deputy sheriff, federal agencies)
• Correction Officer
• Probation and Parole Officer
• Juvenile Probation Officer
• Court Clerk
• Criminal Investigator
• Crime Scene Technician
• Security or Loss Prevention Specialist
• Private Investigator

These programs also support pathways into related fields such as social services, counseling, legal assisting, and public administration.

In addition to these specific careers, graduates with an AS, AA, or AA degree in Administration of Justice, Correctional Administration, or Criminal Justice may also pursue careers in related fields, such as social work, legal services, and counseling. The specific careers available to graduates will depend on their level of education, experience, and other qualifications.

Transfer Pathways

Graduates with an Administration of Justice Associate in Science for Transfer from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. As this is a Associate in Science for Transfer, students with this degree “are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community major” (Bakersfield College Catalog, Educational Options). Graduates with a Criminal Justice or Correctional Administration Associate of Arts will need to look for an articulation agreement and may also transfer. Schools you might want to consider are:

• California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) – Criminal Justice
• California State University, Fresno (CSUFRES) – Criminology, Corrections, Law Enforcement, or Victimology Option
• California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – Criminology and Criminal Justice

See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions.

Academic Department: Public Safety Training

Career & Learning Pathway: Public Safety Training (PST) Pathway

Courses: Criminology (CRIM) and Administration of Justice (ADMJ)