Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Law and Policy
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Law and Policy degree provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in law and policy or are preparing for graduate programs in law or other related fields. With a bachelor`s degree, students may work in areas where a license to practice law is not required. These areas include, but are not limited to compliance, contracts, risk management, human resources, public policy, probation, insurance, finance, real estate, city planning and administration.
Details
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Law and Policy (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8141
Total credits required
60-64
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
The Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Law and Policy aligns with the University of Arizona Bachelor of Arts in Law.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
- Use critical analysis and creative thinking to develop solutions. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS204, LAS212, LAS214, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [MA], [CS], [HU], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
- Formulate and defend arguments. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [MA], [HU], (COM), (CRE))
- Critically analyze complex textual material. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, LAS109, PAD100, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS110, LAS211, LAS212, PAR101, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [HU], (CRE))
- Communicate complex ideas clearly with a purpose appropriate to the context or audience in written and oral forms. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS110, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [MA], [CS], [HU], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
- Demonstrate empathetic and active listening skills. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR102, PAR112, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, PAR103, PAR114, (COM))
- Demonstrate information literacy by identifying a research need and accessing and critically evaluating information for the appropriate context. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS211, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [CS], [HU], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
- Synthesize multiple sources of information to achieve an objective within a given context. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, LAS109, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS110, LAS211, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [MA], [CS], [HU], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
- Apply professional guidelines for the ethical promotion of justice in the legal system. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114)
- Explain the role of law in a free society. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS101, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114)
- Demonstrate techniques and skills for developing and maintaining a collaborative environment with diverse internal and external agents. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, PAD100, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, (COM))
- Compare and contrast the U.S. legal system with other legal systems. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS101, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114)
- Apply legal concepts, doctrines, and theories appropriate to a given context. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, LAS109, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS210, POS223, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS110, LAS204, LAS211, LAS212, LAS214, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114)
- Utilize appropriate technology to accomplish objectives relevant to the context. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS201, AJS210, AJS212, AJS230, AJS260, GBS205, PAD100, PAR101, PAR102, PAR112, POS110, POS120, POS140, POS210, POS223, POS285, AJS225, AJS240, AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258, LAS110, PAR103, PAR106, PAR114, [FYC], [L], [MA], [CS], [HU], [SQ], [SG], (COM), (CRE))
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 13-35 | |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
| POS110 | American National Government | 3 |
| Policy Focus Course Credits: | 6 | |
| Select two courses from the following: | ||
| POS120 | World Politics | 3 |
| POS140 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| POS210 | Political Ideologies | 3 |
| PAD100 | 21st Century Public Policy and Service (3) OR | |
| POS285 | Political Issues and Public Policy (3) | 3 |
| Law Focus Course Credits: | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following. | ||
| Note: LAS109 is available at Phoenix College as part of their Paralegal Studies program. Students accepted into this program may use this course to satisfy this requirement. | ||
| AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| AJS109 | Substantive Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJS201 | Rules of Evidence | 3 |
| AJS210 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| AJS212 | Juvenile Justice Procedures | 3 |
| AJS230 | The Police Function | 3 |
| AJS260 | Procedural Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAS109 | Civil Procedures I | 3 |
| PAR101 | Introduction to the Paralegal Profession | 3 |
| PAR102 | Paralegal Research, Analysis, and Writing I | 3 |
| PAR112 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| POS223 | Civil Rights and Liberties | 3 |
| Foreign Language Credits: | 0-20 | |
| Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. | ||
| ARB+++++ | Any ARB Arabic course(s) | |
| ASL+++++ | Any ASL American Sign Language course(s) | |
| CHI+++++ | Any CHI Chinese course(s) | |
| FRE+++++ | Any FRE French course(s) | |
| GER+++++ | Any GER German course(s) | |
| ITA+++++ | Any ITA Italian course(s) | |
| JPN+++++ | Any JPN Japanese course(s) | |
| SPA+++++ | Any SPA Spanish course(s) | |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 3-6 | |
| Students should complete 3-6 credits from one or more of the categories below that best align with their academic and professional goals. | ||
| Constitutional Foundations: | ||
| AJS210 | Constitutional Law | 3 |
| LAS101 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| PAR101 | Introduction to the Paralegal Profession | 3 |
| PAR106 | Legal Foundations for Paralegals | 3 |
| POS223 | Civil Rights and Liberties | 3 |
| Criminal Law: | ||
| AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| AJS109 | Substantive Criminal Law | 3 |
| AJS201 | Rules of Evidence | 3 |
| AJS212 | Juvenile Justice Procedures | 3 |
| AJS260 | Procedural Criminal Law | 3 |
| Civil Law: | ||
| Note: LAS109 is available at Phoenix College as part of their Paralegal Studies program. Students accepted into this program may use this course to satisfy this requirement. | ||
| LAS109 | Civil Procedures I | 3 |
| LAS110 | Civil Procedures II | 3 |
| LAS204 | Contract Law | 3 |
| LAS211 | Legal Research | 3 |
| LAS212 | Tort Law | 3 |
| LAS214 | Business Organizations | 3 |
| PAR112 | Civil Litigation I | 3 |
| PAR114 | Civil Litigation II | 3 |
| Applications of Law: | ||
| AJS225 | Criminology | 3 |
| AJS230 | The Police Function | 3 |
| AJS240 | The Correction Function | 3 |
| AJS/EMT/FSC/SWU258 | Victimology and Crisis Management | 3 |
| GBS205 | Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues in Business | 3 |
| PAR102 | Paralegal Research, Analysis, and Writing I | 3 |
| PAR103 | Paralegal Research, Analysis, and Writing II | 3 |
| AGEC-A | Credits: 29-32 | |
| A single course with an [L], [HU], [SB], [SG], or [SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, and/or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| First-Year Composition [FYC] | Credits: 6 | |
| ENG101 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG107 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND | |
| ENG102 | First-Year Composition (3) OR | |
| ENG108 | First-Year Composition for ESL (3) | 6 |
| Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area | 3 | |
| Mathematics [MA] | Credits: 3-6 | |
| MAT150 | College Algebra/Functions (5) OR | |
| MAT151 | College Algebra/Functions (4) OR | |
| MAT152 | College Algebra/Functions (3) OR | |
| MAT155 | College Algebra/Functions with Review (5) OR | |
| MAT156 | College Algebra/Functions with Review (6) OR | |
| Higher course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | 3-6 | |
| Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] | Credits: 3 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area | 3 | |
| BPC110 | Computer Usage and Applications or CIS105 Survey of Computer Information Systems required for students taking certain LAS and PAR course options. | |
| Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] | Credits: 6 | |
| Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area | 6 | |
| Recommend AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice. | ||
| Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] | Credits: 0 | |
| Met by POS110 in Required Courses AND | ||
| POS120, | POS140, POS210, OR POS285 in Required Courses. | |
| Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ] | Credits: 8 | |
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND | ||
| Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4) | 8 | |
| Recommend FOR105 Forensic Science: Physical Evidence and FOR106 Forensic Science: Biological Evidence. | ||
| Awareness Areas | Credits: 0-6 | |
| These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| Cultural Diversity in the US [C] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| 0-3 | ||
| Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G] | Credits: 0-3 | |
| Any approved general education course with the Historical [H] or Global [G] awareness area designation | 0-3 | |
| May be met by POS120 OR POS140 in Required Courses. | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | ||
| MCCCD Additional Requirements | Credits: 0-6 | |
| Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations. | ||
| Oral Communication | Credits: 0-3 | |
| COM100 | Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR | |
| COM110 | Interpersonal Communication (3) OR | |
| COM225 | Public Speaking (3) OR | |
| COM230 | Small Group Communication (3) | 3 |
| Recommend COM225. | ||
| Critical Reading | Credits: 0-3 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR | |
| Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) | 0-3 | |
Course Area Key
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals. | ||
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.