The Administration of Justice program acquaints pre-service and in-service students with the principles and practices of the criminal justice system in America and prepares students for employment in various agencies. Federal, state and local civil service regulations govern the appointment of criminal justice candidates. Eligibility for appointment depends upon performance in competitive written and oral examinations as well as education and experience.
IVC's Administration of Justice program assists students in preparing for the examination process as well as in meeting the education requirements by offering the Associate Degree or Occupational Certificate with options in Law Enforcement and Supervision. Transfer-level courses in the program help ready students for upper-division work in law and social ecology. The program provides a sound foundation for students intending to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, supervision and administration, probation and parole, private security, and law.
P.O.S.T. and the American Criminal Justice Association
The Irvine Valley College Administration of Justice program is accredited by the California State Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). It has earned a reputation as a community policing program that fosters the skills and attributes necessary for successful tenure in the various agencies of the criminal justice system.
Irvine Valley College Administration of Justice student club (Chi Tau Epsilon - XTE) is a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association - Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Our students have earned top honors at both the national and regional conferences of the American Criminal Justice Association. The association has also recognized the IVC program as one of the top criminal justice programs in the nation.
You should consider AOJ as a potential major if you...
- Are concerned about the safety and welfare of communities
- Communicate well and openly and enjoy working as part of a team
- Are in excellent physical condition
- Enjoy working with diverse populations
- Are respectful of and sensitive to victims of crime
- Can remain levelheaded in stressful situations
Employment Outlook
The need for criminal justice candidates has increased throughout the United States at all levels of government. Both Orange County and Los Angeles County criminal justice agencies have continuously recruited students from Irvine Valley College. Employment opportunities exist in both patrol and detective divisions. Recently, the California Department of Corrections has begun to recruit Irvine Valley College students for correctional positions as well as probation and parole positions. Private security agencies have participated in the recruitment of Irvine Valley College students as well.
Job Opportunities
With an occupational certificate:
- Corrections Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legal Assistant
- Border Patrol Officer
- Security Officer
With an Associate, Bachelor's, and/or advanced degree:
- Criminal Investigator
- Federal Agent
- Lawyer
- Parole/Probation Officer
- Police Administrator
- Police Instructor
- Warden