Justice Studies Diploma

Justice Studies students
Credential
Diploma
Duration

2 years

Location
Main Campus
The Program

In this program, you will gain an understanding of the elements of the justice system in Canada, how those elements relate to each other, and how the system works at the local, provincial/territorial, and federal levels. You will learn about the complex origins of crime and criminal behaviour; how to work with other professionals to improve community safety; and how to apply skills in mediation and conflict resolution to communicate effectively in stressful situations. You will also learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the connected contemporary issues within the justice system.

Completing this diploma program will allow you to liaise with working professionals in the justice system and to experience what it means to work in the field through a practicum placement.

Understanding the roles and requirements for a number of justice-related professions will prepare you for entry-level positions in the justice field, or degree completion in a Justice Studies or related undergraduate program.

Our program offers:

  • Dynamic learning activities
  • Blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills
  • Dedicated instructors who will help you succeed
  • Practicum placement that will give you experience in the justice field

Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes that enable them to:

  • Employ oral, written, and non-verbal communication strategies that are appropriate for situation and context
  • Analyse elements of the justice system and how they relate to one another
  • Interpret federal, provincial, and municipal laws in order to apply them within different areas of the justice system
  • Assess systemic issues within the justice system that impact the interactions of Indigenous and Non- Indigenous Canadians with the justice system
  • Assess societal inequities for their impact on the justice system and its interactions with various populations
  • Work collaboratively as a member of a team, program partnership, and/or interprofessional group
  • Describe the impact of global issues on the Canadian justice system
  • Assess varying sources of information for accuracy and relevance
  • Assess issues in the community and work collaboratively with partners to address these issues
  • Consistently and coherently apply moral principles to personal and professional practice
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct
  • Seek new knowledge, skills, and supports to maintain and improve personal physical, spiritual, and psychological well-being holistically
Program Content

Term 1
ENGL 219 Essay Composition and Critical Reading
PSYC 260 Basic Psychological Processes
INDS 205 Indigenous Peoples in Canada
JUST 100 The Canadian Justice System
KNSS 210 Fitness and Wellness Theory and Practice
JUST 105 Professional Seminar I

Term 2
PSYC 261 Social and Individual Behaviour
SOCI 260 Sociological Concepts and Perspectives
PHIL 319 Philosophy of Law
JUST 106 Professional Seminar II
JUST 110 Canadian Criminal Law
JUST 115 Corrections

Term 3
SOCI 325 Criminology
JUST 200 The Justice System and Indigenous Canadians
JUST 205 Professional Seminar III
JUST 210 Conflict Resolution
JUST 215 Community Justice Initiatives
Open Elective

Term 4
SOCI 327 Criminal Justice and Crime Control
SOCI 323 Sociology of Poverty OR SOCI 365 Social Stratification
JUST 206 Professional Seminar IV
JUST 220 Gender and the Justice System
JUST 225 Practicum (to be taken in Winter Term or Spring Term)
Open Elective

Program Cost Estimates
Admission Requirements

Academic requirements:
ELA 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum 60%
AND
One other course from Group A or equivalent with a minimum 60%

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Note: Indigenous applicants to the Justice Studies program, go to Program Admission Features above for more information.

Non-academic requirements:
Completion of a pre-admission introduction module to Justice Studies

Note: Some employers, including the RCMP, require a High School Diploma.

Note: Field trip or practicum access may be restricted to students 18 years of age or older based on the agency or institution’s minimum age requirement.

Other Requirements

Practicum Experience requirements:
Applicants must provide, at their own expense, a Police Information Check or Vulnerable Sector Check to many agencies for practicum experience. Adverse information on such checks may limit practicum placement and prevent program completion. It is the decision of each agency or institution whether or not to accept a student for placement based on the results of such checks.

Some placements may require additional documentation, such as a medical examination, or RCMP Field Investigation and Security Clearance. It is important to learn about these requirements early in the program to ensure sufficient time for receipt of the documentation prior to the fourth term practicum.

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Related Careers
  • Policing (e.g. RCMP, Municipal Police Officer)
  • Probation Officer
  • Youth Justice
  • Crime Prevention
  • Border Services
  • Corrections
  • Fish and Wildlife Officer
  • Investigations
  • Legal Services
  • Court Clerk
  • Railway/Transit Police
  • Criminal Analyst
  • Bylaw Officer
  • Community Peace Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Victims Services Advocate
  • Security

Additional education may be required for some careers within the justice system.

Career and Life Skills:

  • Empathy
  • Cultural Understanding
  • Understanding of the Canadian Justice System
  • Working with marginalized populations
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Creativity
  • Privacy and Records Management
Program Admission Features

The Justice Studies program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To facilitate greater participation of Indigenous learners, the Justice Studies program has designated 10% of seats for qualified applicants who are Status Indian/First Nations, Non-status Indian/First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, any such designated seats which have not been taken by Indigenous learners meeting admission requirements, and applying under this provision, will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist.

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the AcademicCalendar, and qualify for a designated seat by:

  • Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission
  • Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry

Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):

  • Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities
  • Proof that an ancestor's name has been entered in: the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll
  • Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Indigenous Canada
  • Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Indigenous ancestry with supporting documentation

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.