Modern Policing Associate of Science (AS)
About the Program
The Modern Policing Associate of Science Degree program guides students toward careers in law enforcement and policing, and is committed to equity, affordability, access, student-centered design, holistic support, and modernized curriculum for the profession of policing. The degree complies with the requirements of A.B. 89, which requires all Police and Sheriff's patrol officers in California to obtain a Modern Policing degree as of November 2025. Students wishing to transfer should use the CALGETC pattern to meet general education requirements.
Career Opportunities
Law enforcement officer (employment as a peace officer referenced in subdivision (a) of Section 1031.4 of the Government Code).
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students are able to:
- Analyze the key concepts and theories that shape past and current practices of law enforcement in the criminal justice system.
- Apply ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills to assess law enforcement interactions with multicultural communities and analyze the law's impact on traditionally marginalized or minoritized individuals and communities.
- Identify and articulate the fundamental duties, obligations, and philosophies of a multicultural society, emphasizing the role of social justice in the criminal justice system and the law enforcement profession.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
Required Core: (43 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AJ 50 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 60 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJ 68 | Police Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| AJ 70 | Community Relations | 3 |
| ARHS 3 | Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North Americas | 3 |
| COMM C 1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMST 11 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| ETHS 6 | Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| OR | ||
| SOC 3 | Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| PHIL 2 | Ethics | 3 |
| PSYC 3 | Introduction to Social Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 6 | Social Problems | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
List A: Select One (3 Units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AJ 55 | Introduction to Correctional Science | 3 |
| AJ 61 | Evidence | 3 |
| AJ 63 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
Total Units for the Major: 46
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College Associate Degree General Education Pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.