Court Personnel/Pre-lawAS DegreeCertificate of Achievement

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Community of interest
Health & Public Services
Award
AS Degree
Program code
11136.00AS
Department
AJ/Court Personnel
CIP code
43.0107: Criminal Justice/Police Science.
TOP code
2105.00 - Administration of Justice*
This program is designed around a core of law-related courses. From this basic core, a student can expand into a number of specialized areas such as pre-law, court personnel, paralegal, law enforcement, public administration, social welfare, and probation. Students entering the program should have a high level of reading and writing ability. It is recommended that students still in high school concentrate on English and business skills. The AS degree should be considered a step towards a higher degree or specialized instruction. There are many opportunities available including positions in a private law firm, district attorney's office, court, social welfare agency, educational institution and all law enforcement-related offices.
Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Program Snapshot

Community of interest
HPS Health & Public Services
Award
AS Degree
Program code
11136.00AS
Department
AJ/Court Personnel
CIP code
43.0107: Criminal Justice/Police Science.
TOP code
2105.00 - Administration of Justice*

Next Steps

Map Class Schedule

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

Program Schedule ReportMeet with a counselor
Court Personnel/Pre-law
AS Degree — expand to learn about this award

The Associate of Science is typically awarded for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Like every Butte College associate degree, it has two parts: a general-education curriculum that gives you a broad base of knowledge, and an academic program where you specialize.

About General Education. GE is an integrated program of learning designed to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural understanding, critical thinking, creative reasoning, oral and written communication, and the capacity for ethical reasoning. By graduation, you'll have developed the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, apply quantitative reasoning, understand how the major academic disciplines ask their questions, comprehend diverse cultures and historical periods, and assess ethical problems — alongside the depth you build in your major.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

16–18 units
AJ 1
Criminology
3 units
course details

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of criminological theories and their application within diverse societal contexts, examining the interaction between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through a critical lens, students will explore the philosophy of law, the organizational structures of law enforcement at various governmental levels, and the dynamic interrelationships between these entities. Special emphasis is placed on the theoretical underpinnings of criminology, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on crime and criminal behavior. The course critically addresses the influence of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, and culture on crime and criminal justice responses. Through an analysis of contemporary issues, historical developments, and comparative criminology, students are encouraged to apply theoretical concepts to understand the complexities of crime in a global context, fostering a deep appreciation for the contributions and perspectives of diverse groups. Graded only.

AJ 2
Administration of Justice
3 units
course details

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 which have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is 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. (C-ID AJ 110).

Select one: Meets Area 1A

Required

4 units
Choose one of 2 choices
Choose one of 2 choices

General Education: Area 2

about Area 2

Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

College-level mathematics or quantitative reasoning — the toolkit behind science, business, and informed citizenship.

General Education: Area 6

about Area 6

Ethnic Studies

The histories, experiences, and contributions of the four autonomous disciplines: Black / African American / Africana studies, Native American studies, Chicano/a/x and Latino/a/x studies, and Asian American studies.

Term 2

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

14 units
AJ 3
Legal Research
2 units
course details

This course is an introduction to legal research. Students will become familiar with and learn how to use materials commonly found in law libraries via a web-based legal resource. Graded only.

AJ 4
Criminal Law
3 units
course details

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. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 120).

AJ 6
Evidence
3 units
course details

This course examines categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 124).

BUS 8
Introduction to Business Law
3 units
course details

Fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions. Introduction to the legal process. Topics include sources of law and ethics, contracts, torts, agency, criminal law, business organizations, and judicial and administrative processes. (C-ID BUS 125).

General Education: Area 1B

about Area 1B

Oral Communication and Critical Thinking

Baccalaureate-level oral communication and/or critical thinking — speaking with structure to a live audience, analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions.

Term 3

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

15–16 units
ACCT 20
Introduction to Accounting
3 units
course details

This course is an introductory accounting course designed for students with little or no prior training in accounting. Topics span the accounting cycle including analysis of business transactions, journalizing, posting, and preparation of financial statements using a hands-on approach. The course prepares students for entry level accounting careers, further study of accounting principles, or to help small business owners manage their own accounting records.

AJ 8
Criminal Investigation
3 units
course details

This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 140).

AJ 11
Criminal Procedure
3 units
course details

This course provides 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. Graded only. (C-ID AJ 122).

BUS 20
Introduction to Business
3 units
course details

This course is survey of business providing a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization's policy and practices within the U.S. and a global society. Students will learn about how this business context (including issues such as ethics and sustainability) influences the primary areas of business including: organizational structure and design; leadership, human resource management, organized labor practices; marketing; organizational communication; technology; entrepreneurship; legal, accounting, financial practices; the stock and securities market; and therefore affect a business' ability to achieve its organizational goals. (C-ID BUS 110).

General Education: Area 3

about Area 3

Arts and Humanities

How people and cultures, across time, respond to themselves and the world through artistic and cultural creative production. Visual and performing arts, art history, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, religion.

Term 4

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

16–20 units
POS 12
California State and Local Government
3 units

Meets Area 4.

course details

This course is an introduction to government with emphasis on California State and local governments. Government institutions and political processes are examined in the context of the state's diverse population and culture. Additionally, the course covers the historical development of federal, state and local government relations. Attention is given to local government institutions and the dilemmas they face in carrying out their governing roles.

Select one:

Required

1–3 units
Choose one of 3 choices
Choose one of 3 choices

General Education: Area 5

about Area 5

Physical and Biological Sciences

The physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena — astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physics — taught alongside the scientific method that makes them work.

Graduation Requirement Choice (See GE Guide)

Elective (any course numbered 1-99 or C1000-C1999)

Only necessary if the 60 units needed to graduate have not been completed. Consider taking a Cal-GETC General Education course. Visit www.assist.org to see options.

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

Example roles: 4

  • Private Detectives and Investigators
  • Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Local Job Market

Private Detectives and InvestigatorsSOC 33-902127 nearby openings

Search keyword used: investigator · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $71,652/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Butte County 4
  • Tyme Maidu Tribe 3
  • Victor Careers 2
  • Adventist Health 1
  • Air Methods 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 6
  • Thermalito, Butte County 5
  • Las Plumas, Butte County 3
  • Butte Creek, Butte County 2
  • Linda, Yuba County 2

Sample current postings

  1. Helicopter PilotAir Methods · Live Oak, Sutter County · today
  2. Safety Program Manager, ExpertPacific Gas And Electric Company · Chico, Butte County · 2 days ago
  3. Deputy Sheriff TraineeButte County · Thermalito, Butte County · 2 days ago
  4. Drop Technician 2 - Chico, CARace Communications · Chico, Butte County · 3 days ago
  5. Security Guard (Guard)Armed Guard Private Security · Chico, Butte County · 3 days ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Police and Sheriff's Patrol OfficersSOC 33-30511 nearby opening

Search keyword used: police officer · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $62,112/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Online Employment System 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Police Officer or Police Officer CadetOnline Employment System · Chico, Butte County · 4 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Detectives and Criminal InvestigatorsSOC 33-302110 nearby openings

Search keyword used: detective · Search window: last 30 days, 25-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $45,156/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Enloe Medical Center 2
  • Adventist Health 1
  • Armed Guard Private Security 1
  • Cooperative Agricultural Support Services Authorit 1
  • Curative 1

Where the postings are

  • Chico, Butte County 7
  • Las Plumas, Butte County 1
  • Linda, Yuba County 1
  • Live Oak, Sutter County 1

Sample current postings

  1. Radiology - Breast PhysicianCurative · Chico, Butte County · 1 day ago
  2. Security & Compliance EngineerMaximus · Chico, Butte County · 2 days ago
  3. Security Guard (Guard)Armed Guard Private Security · Chico, Butte County · 3 days ago
  4. Security Officer (Graveyard Shift)Tyme Maidu Tribe · Las Plumas, Butte County · 7 days ago
  5. Personal Banker or Senior Banker - Chico Esplanade $1000 sign-on bonus opportunity!Tri Counties Bank · Chico, Butte County · 7 days ago

See all openings on Adzuna

BailiffsSOC 33-30112 nearby openings

Search keyword used: bailiff · Search window: last 60 days, 50-mile radius · Avg listed salary: $95,284/yr

Top employers in sample

  • Butte County 2

Where the postings are

  • Thermalito, Butte County 2

Sample current postings

  1. Deputy Sheriff -POSTButte County · Thermalito, Butte County · 4 weeks ago
  2. Deputy Sheriff (Lateral)Butte County · Thermalito, Butte County · 4 weeks ago

See all openings on Adzuna

Posting counts come from Adzuna's index of US job boards, covering the last up to 60 days within up to 50 miles of ZIP 95965. Coverage and salary visibility vary by employer. Empty searches expand the radius and posting window before the section gives up.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

Live wage data was not available from the BLS helper for the mapped occupations, so some pay fields may be blank.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:20+00:00