Modern Policing - Associate of Science Degree

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.

20 Completers

The Modern Policing Associate of Science degree satisfies California Assembly Bill 89 (2021) and provides training for careers in law enforcement as well as related fields in corrections, probation, security, the courts and community service. The program is also designed to enhance professional skills and qualifications. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to effectively and ethically apply analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate and assess law enforcement interactions with multicultural communities; analyze the key concepts/theories of past and current practices of the American justice system; and apply ethical and professional standards of conduct in a law enforcement setting, especially as they pertain to modern policing.

Required Core: (43 Units) 

AJ 50:  Introduction to Administration of Justice                                   3.0 Units

AJ 60:  Criminal Law                                                                                        3.0 Units

AJ 68:  Police Ethics and Leadership                                                          3.0 Units

AJ 70:  Community Relations                                                                        3.0 Units

ARHS 3: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous North Americas      3.0 Units

COMM C1000:  Introduction to Public Speaking                                      3.0 Units

CMST 11:  Intercultural Communication                                                    3.0 Units

ENGL C1000:  Academic Reading and Writing                                          3.0 Units

ENGL C1001:  Critical Thinking and Writing                                               3.0 Units

ETHS 6:  Introduction to Race and Ethnicity                                              3.0 Units

SOC 3:  Introduction to Race and Ethnicity                                                3.0 Units

PHIL 2:  Ethics                                                                                                   3.0 Units

PSYC 3:  Introduction to Social Psychology                                              3.0 Units

SOC 6:  Social Problems                                                                                3.0 Units

STAT C1000:  Introduction to Statistics                                                    4.0 Units

List A: Select One (3 Units) 

AJ 55:  Introduction to Correctional Science                                          3.0 Units

AJ 61:  Evidence                                                                                             3.0 Units

AJ 63:  Criminal Investigation                                                                     3.0 Units

Total Units for the Major                                                                           46.0 Units

 Additional General Education and Elective Units                                14.0 Units

Total Units for the Degree                                                                         60.0 Units

State Mandated Program.

No other program exists in the Bay Region.