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Career & Academic Pathways >> Public Safety & Education
Contact Information
Jared Turner (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4138
jturner@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Law Enforcement
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

The Administration of Justice program offers courses taught by professionals from the field, bringing real world experience into the classroom. In addition to foundational criminal justice courses, students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and learn about law enforcement’s responsibilities to the community. Speakers, tours, and experiences with working criminal justice professionals give students practical preparation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and loss prevention. 

Job Outlook

With more than 500 law enforcement agencies in the state, demand is steady for criminal justice and law enforcement personnel. More than 30 agencies operate in Monterey County, which is also home to Salinas Valley State Prison and the Correctional Training Facility. Graduates can also pursue careers in the private sector as security officers and private investigators for companies and individuals or undertake further studies in social work, law, or technology to work in adjacent fields.  

Potential Careers

*Forensic Technicians
(may require additional training)

$52,790 - $130,030

Correctional Officers $54,560 - $97,450
*Information Security Analysts
(may require additional training)

$61,680 - $170,570

Police & Sheriff’s Officers

$64,770 - $144,220

*Detectives & Criminal Investigators
(may require additional training)

$71,800 - $152,280

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Administration of Justice Law Enforcement - Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) 
  • Administration of Justice Law Enforcement - Associate in Science (AS)
  • Administration of Justice Law Enforcement - Certificate of Achievement (COA)
  • Administration of Justice Level I Policing - Certificate of Achievement (COA)
  • Administration of Justice Level II Corrections - Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AS)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

ENGL 1 

 3

Area A2

 4

ENGL 101A

 2

   MATH 16 rec.

ADMJ 2 

 3

ADMJ 4

 3

ADMJ 3

 3

ADMJ 51

 3

LIBR 50

 1

Area F

 3

Area E

 3

MPC Elective 3 

 3

   PERS 10, 59, 71 or PERS 50 rec.

      ENGL 2 rec.
       
Total Fall Units
 15
 Total Spring Units
 16

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

ADMJ 6

 3

ADMJ 66

 3

ADMJ 55

 3

ADMJ 53, 57, 70; LETP 180;

 2-3

Area B & Lab

 4

   or COOP 91.1

MPC Elective

 3

Area C

 3

   SPCH 1, 2, or 3 rec.  

MPC elective

 4-5
MPC Elective  3    
       
Total Fall Units
 16
 Total Spring Units
 12-14

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Aida Mora

MPC’s instructors have experience in the field of law enforcement and love teaching. They make instruction both fun and engaging and are often available to help students understand lessons with real life examples. My time at MPC helped shape me personally and professionally by providing opportunities that are directly related to the field of administration of justice.

Elijah Scholl

If anyone would ask me what Community college I would recommend and the amount of help and knowledge you will gain from the experience, I would recommend MPC. The ADMJ program at MPC out did my expectations for the community college level. Switching from a different ADMJ program from a different community college, I learned and fully understood the knowledge I was given. For future students looking to get into the ADMJ field and take these classes, you would not get a better understanding of what the job entails and it will better set you up for your future in law enforcement. Stick with it and I promise you will learn so much and feel like you learned something new every day.

Frank Madrigal

The ADMJ program is great for those interested in becoming part of the justice system. I have taken numerous classes and found each one very rewarding and informative. Not only are the classes informative but the instructors are very knowledgeable and care about their students as well. I am interested in joining corrections and after taking this program it has greatly increased my desire to join. This program was the best part of college for me and was such a great experience!

James Godwin 

The teaching staff at MPC did a great job developing my logic, critical thinking, and writing skills. This experience was invaluable and as I later earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management. Having these skills made my path as smooth as I could imagine possible. As a tenured law enforcement professional and witness to the growing challenges to our legal system, I cannot overstate the value of a quality education. The ADMJ curriculum and general education courses at MPC could be a great benefit to anyone willing to put in the effort and build a strong foundation for both their academic and professional careers.

Johnny Miranda

The ADMJ program at MPC has been very beneficial to me and it has prepared me for a career in law enforcement. Having a proffesor such as Jared Turner who shares his experience and gives you insights about the job has also helped me prepare for the future. It’s a great program with great instructors !

Violet Highley

Thank you for allowing me to participate. MPC's ADMJ program has helped me to finally reach my goal of working in law enforcement. Within four months of completing the program, I was offered a well paying position with the Department of Justice. All the materials covered in these classes have been relevant to my career thus far and allowed me to get ahead in training.