Administration of Justice

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Our Program

The Administration of Justice Program at Skyline College provides a solid educational foundation in criminal justice studies, allowing students an opportunity to explore the varied aspects of the criminal justice field and prepare for a career. The program also allows those already working in the field to fulfill educational goals and career aspirations.

Four students work on an interactive classroom crime scene

The Field

The administration of justice is a crucial part of our democracy designed to prevent and control crime, shield the public from harm, provide detention and rehabilitation services, and finally, ensure equal justice for all citizens through the judicial system.

In order to succeed in the Criminal Justice field, students should demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills. Problem solving, ambition, organization and a strong desire to serve one’s community are also key qualities needed when working in the justice system.

Skyline College offers a Certificate of Achievement which provides a head start on the road to employment and one Associate of Arts Degree and two Associate of Science Degrees for a clear path to transfer to a four-year institution.

Career Outlook

The administration of justice offers excellent employment opportunities at the local, state and federal levels of criminal justice in a broad range of careers including law enforcement, corrections, courts, social services, probation, forensics, investigation, security, and law.

Wages and demand for jobs varies greatly for these careers across the state and nation. Police Officers in California make an average of $102,920 per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists make an average of $94,650.

Check out the Administration of Justice classes offered in upcoming semesters.

Check out the class schedule

The Administration of Justice Program is a department in the Skyline College Social Science/Creative Arts Division. The following statement outlines the mission, goals, and student learning outcomes concerning the Administration of Justice Program.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Administration of Justice Associate of Arts Degree Program is to provide students with a multi-disciplinary course of study of the highest standards that emphasizes critical thinking, the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral form, a substantive and practical knowledge basis in the area of justice administration, and a commitment to lifelong learning that will enable them to think critically about the problems and issues of crime and justice, both as citizens and as professional workers in the criminal justice field.

Program Goals

  • Provide excellent instruction by experienced and highly qualified staff using a quality curriculum for undergraduate students in the field of criminal justice that will equip them with the necessary skills to successfully transition from school to work and/or further educational or personal enrichment pursuits.
  • Provide a broad selection of contemporary criminal justice courses that will enable students to learn the fundamental and advanced concepts of a variety of learning domains within the discipline of criminal justice.
  • Encourage and support faculty research, collaboration, faculty-student interactions, and other professional activities that enhance faculty skills and expertise, as well as student learning and development.
  • Provide a range of service activities within the college and in the larger community to apply academic knowledge to practical problems concerning crime and criminal justice, build a strong partnership between the college and the surrounding community, and to contribute to efforts by the college and the larger community to improve the quality of life for all concerned.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the structure and functions of the main components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice.
  • Recognize the importance of, and practice of, ethical behavior in a professional criminal justice work setting, both within the agency and within the community.
  • Exhibit strong and effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Critically consider, analyze, and research special issues in criminology and criminal justice and their effects on society.
Office Information
Location: Building 1
Email: socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
Phone: (650) 738-4122
Spring 2025 Courses  |  Fall 2024 Courses

Type Status Title Days Time Instructor
Online Class OPEN ADMJ 100 - 30014 - Intro to Criminal Justice
ADMJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to the history and philosophy of criminal justice including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The responsibilities of criminal justice agents, legal frameworks, and the role of the justice system in a pluralistic society. Exploration of the concepts of crime causation, punishments and rehabilitation, and training standards of criminal justice personnel.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: AJ 110
TBA Lafata, C
Day Class   OPEN ADMJ 100 - 40652 - Intro to Criminal Justice
ADMJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to the history and philosophy of criminal justice including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The responsibilities of criminal justice agents, legal frameworks, and the role of the justice system in a pluralistic society. Exploration of the concepts of crime causation, punishments and rehabilitation, and training standards of criminal justice personnel.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
AA/AS Degree Requirements: Area 9D3
Transfer Credit: CSU (CSU GE Area D), UC (IGETC Area 4)
C-ID: AJ 110
M W F 9:10am-10:00am Phipps, K
Online Class OPEN ADMJ 104 - 48801 - Concepts of Criminal Law
ADMJ 104 Concepts of Criminal Law

Historical development and philosophy of criminal law and constitutional provisions. Special emphasis on legal definitions, the classifications of crime and their application to the administration of justice system. Study of case law, methodology, and concepts of law as a social force. Also listed as LEGL 304.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: AJ 120
TBA Lafata, C
Day Class   OPEN ADMJ 108 - 47699 - Community Relations
ADMJ 108 Community Relations

Study of the complex and dynamic relationship between the criminal justice system and the widely diverse multicultural society it serves in addressing crime and conflict. Emphasis will be on the roles and interaction of administration of justice practitioners and their agencies in the community, the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population, crime prevention, restorative justice, conflict resolution, and professional ethics in justice administration. Also listed as SOCI 108.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC
C-ID: AJ 160
T Th 8:10am-9:25am Lafata, C
Online Class OPEN ADMJ 120 - 38179 - Criminal Investigation
ADMJ 120 Criminal Investigation

An Administration of Justice course that explores the concepts of, and techniques used in, the investigation of crime, including crime scene protection, searching for and processing evidence, conducting interviews and interrogations, surveillance, the scientific analysis of evidence, and the preparation of investigative reports. Also listed as LEGL 320.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
C-ID: AJ 140
TBA Lafata, C
Day Class   OPEN ADMJ 123 - 48641 - Police Field Operations
ADMJ 123 Concepts of Enforcement Principles

Explanation of theories, philosophies, and concepts related to the role expectations of an enforcement officer. Emphasis is placed on patrol, traffic, and public service responsibilities and their relationship to the administration of justice systems.

Units: 3
Degree Credit
Letter Grade Only
  • Lecture hours/semester: 48-54
  • Homework hours/semester: 96-108
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU
T Th 11:10am-12:25pm Lafata, C

The college catalog contains lists of all courses that we may offer in the current academic year.

View the Full Course Catalog

Criminal Justice Internship

Internships are experienced-based learning opportunities that can be a critical stepping stone to reaching your professional career goals in the Criminal Justice field!

Nowhere else are internship opportunities so vital than in criminal justice. It is one of the best ways to gain on-the-job experience that you can relate to your criminal justice classroom-based learning experience, and for developing those all-important contacts that may be the very key to your success in the career world. 

As you make that transition from classroom to career, especially in today’s tight job market, internships can give you that competitive “edge” that can help you land a permanent position.  Furthermore, internships look great on a resume, too.

Since you have worked so hard on your formal education here at Skyline College, it would be wise to consider interning at a criminal justice agency. One way to find out if criminal justice and your career aspirations are a “match” is to “try it on for size.” An internship experience can help you decide!

The Administration of Justice Program and Cooperative Education Program here at Skyline College have partnered to bring criminal justice internship opportunities to our students. Internship applicants must be Administration of Justice students, and must meet personal history and educational requirements to qualify.

To learn more about Criminal Justice Internship:

Contact the Administration of Justice Program Coordinator at 650-738-4134 or in (Room 1-1317), or the Cooperative Education Coordinator (Room 1-1209) in Building 1 for more information!

Certain restrictions and requirements apply to enroll in this course. See Course Catalog for details.


ADMJ Club

Welcome

All students are welcome.  You need not be an Administration of Justice student to become a member of the AJ Club. Meetings are generally held on Fridays at 12:30 in classroom 1309 on third floor of Building One.

Purpose of the Club

The Administration of Justice Club has been organized to promote academic success among students who are pursuing studies in criminal justice; to provide a network for students interested in the field of criminal justice; to offer students a wide variety of programs and activities related to criminal justice; and to foster positive public relations between community agencies and Skyline College students interested in the field of criminal justice.

Amin Justice Logo

Mission Statement

The Administration of Justice Club works to recognize and promote scholarship among students engaged in preparation for professions in the criminal justice system, as well as those who simply have an interest in the field, and to provide a forum for keeping abreast of new developments in criminal justice. The club also provides opportunities to network and volunteer with the community.

Vision of the Club

We, the members of the Administration of Justice Club, envision ourselves as a cohesive group of individuals working together for the broad common goal of making a difference on our College campus, in our community, and in the world by promoting awareness in a variety of social areas relating to the Administration of Justice and to better prepare ourselves for careers in the criminal justice field.

Club Activities

Our club and its members practice good citizenship both on and off campus.  We are involved in community-benefitting activities, such as food bank, toy drives, and fund raisers, as well as activities that help club members become better acquainted with the field of justice administration, such as tours of justice facilities, guest speakers from the justice field, and similar events.

Membership

Dues are $10 for the year.  We would very much like you to join us.  Contact the AJ Club Advisor (AJ Program Coordinator) at 650-738-4134 or come by the AJ Program Office in 1-1317 for more information.

Gold Medal Award

The Administration of Justice Program offers the Gold Medal Award to ADMJ students who meet or exceed the following criteria and have submitted the completed application form and supporting documentation to the Administration of Justice Program Coordinator no later than thirty (30) days prior to graduation.

To qualify, the ADMJ student must:

1. complete all 27 units of the Administration of Justice Certificate Program and . . .

  1. have a GPA of 3.3 in Administration of Justice classes and have completed 30 hours or more of approved community service; or     
  2. have a GPA of 3.5 in Administration of Justice classes and have completed 15 hours or more of approved community service.

2.  submit a completed ADMJ Gold Medal Application form, accompanied by documentation supporting completion of courses taken (i.e. transcripts) and documentation supporting performance of approved community service. 

What is Approved Community Service?

Note:  “Community Service” is completely volunteer service that benefits the greater community at large, not an individual, and which in no way directly benefits the student, including pay or other forms of compensation, or prospective employment consideration by the service recipient.

front image of gold medalback image of gold medal

(Obverse Side)    (Reverse Side)

The medal is 2.5” diameter antiqued bronze medal with burgundy enamel, and navy and gold neck ribbon.

The awarding of the Gold Medal is accompanied by a Gold Medal Certificate in burgundy display folder.


PAL Scholarship

Founded in 2007 – Authored by Prof. Steve Aurilio, (DCPD Sgt. - Ret.)

The Daly City Police Athletic League (PAL), in conjunction with the Daly City Police Department, has developed a program to help promote post-secondary educational opportunities for Daly City area PAL youth. It is the Daly City Police Athletic League Educational Foundation (or “PAL-Ed”).

The purpose of PAL-Ed is to provide financial assistance to Daly City area PAL high school seniors and community college students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of law enforcement or criminal justice, and upon graduation from high school will be pursuing criminal justice studies at Skyline College, or will be attending a California P.O.S.T. police academy.

A special PAL-Ed fund will be used to help one student per year pay for course enrollment, registration, tuition, textbooks, supplies, and other academic needs. Daly City PAL will award up to $2,000.00 each year.

Required:

  • Serious interest in pursuing Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice career.
  • Is, or will soon be, enrolled in the Skyline College ADMJ Program, or
  • Is, or will soon be, enrolled in a California P.O.S.T. Police Academy.
  • Possess 2.0 GPA (“C” grade point average or better) in current school.
  • Possess personal history background consistent with a L.E./C.J. career.
  • No felony convictions/dispositions, either as an adult or as a juvenile.
  • Have verifiable experience in voluntary community service activities.
  • Undergo an application and selection process, including oral interview.

Interested and qualifying candidates must print out and complete the PAL-Ed Application form.

Preferred:

  • Be a current resident of Daly City, Colma, or Broadmoor.
  • Have participated in Daly City PAL or DC Park & Rec. Dep’t sports.

Mail or deliver the completed application to Professor Steve Aurilio at Skyline College, 3300 College Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066.

Candidates will be notified of application acceptance and will be scheduled for an oral interview with PAL board.

Primary Contact

Social Science Creative Arts
Social Science Creative Arts (Account for Social Sci/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
socialsci-creativearts@smccd.edu
More details »

Administration of Justice Faculty

Carl Lafata
Carl Lafata (Instructor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Admin. of Justice
lafatac@smccd.edu More details »
Kevin Phipps
Kevin Phipps (Instructor)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Admin. of Justice
phippsk@smccd.edu More details »

Acting Dean & Division Assistant

Bianca Rowden-Quince
Bianca Rowden-Quince (Acting Dean of Social Sciences/Creative Arts)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
rowdenquinceb@smccd.edu More details »
Lynette Caballero
Lynette Caballero (Division Assistant)
Social Science|Creative Arts-Division Office
caballerol@smccd.edu More details »