Program: Administration of Justice
Specializations: Corrections Science (400-01) and Police Science (400-02)
Award: Associate of Applied Science

Program Purpose:

The Associate in Applied Science degree has been developed and maintained in cooperation with state and local correctional and police officers.  The program is designed to prepare students to enter the fields of corrections, probation/parole and/or law enforcement or to advance professional within them.

What will I learn?

Students successfully completing this program will be able to…

  • Demonstrate ethical standards.
  • Demonstrate policy analysis.
  • Restate basic guarantees of liberty in the US Constitution such as rights of free speech, press, assembly, as well as procedures guarantees to counsel, jury trial, and habeas corpus.
  • Argue the scope of crime and various theories to explain the causation of crime and criminality.

How long will I need to be in college?

A college-ready student attending Camp full-time can complete this associate degree in two years. 

What job or career can I get with this degree?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for various careers such as:  correctional officer, probation/parole officer, police officer, federal law enforcement and commercial and industrial security officer.

What is the job outlook for graduates from this program?

As of the first quarter of 2024, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region for:

  • Police and sheriff’s patrol officers was 3,519. There is projected annual demand/need for 256 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, August 2024).
  • Correctional Officers was 1,520. There is projected annual demand/need for 111 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Correctional Officers and Jailers, August 2024).
  • Probation Officers was 464. There is projected annual demand/need for 34 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist, August 2024).

How much can I earn with this degree?

Below are the wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.

 

Entry Level

Mean

Experienced

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers  

$52,900

$65,500

$71,800

Correctional Officers and Jailers

$43,000

$51,200

$55,400

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist

$45,100

$54,400

$59,100

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, August 2024)

Want to know more?  Check out the program map for Corrections Science (400-01) and Police Science (400-02) and program requirements in the College Catalog.