2 years
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:
Program Outcomes: Graduates of the program will develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes that enable them to:
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
(Current) Fall 2021 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.
(Fall 2022) Admission Requirements:
ELA 30-1 or equivalent with a minimum 60% AND One other course from Group A or equivalent with a minimum 60%
Non-academic requirements: Completion of a pre-admission introduction module to Justice Studies by March 31st for students applying before March 1st. Students who apply after March 1st will have 30 days in which to complete the module.
Note: Field trip and practicum agencies may also have access restrictions related to criminal records and vaccination status. Students who have criminal records or charges pending may be denied access to off-site learning activities. Students who do not meet the eligibility/access requirements may not be able to access an alternate learning activity. Students will be informed of any access restrictions at least one week prior to Field Trips. Requirements for practicum placement will be communicated in Year 1 of the Program.
Note: Volunteer opportunities, practicum placements, field trip attendance, and future employment within Justice-related fields will be negatively impacted for individuals who have criminal convictions or charges pending or awaiting disposition from the courts. The Government of Canada provides information on pardons and record suspensions.
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.
Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Additional education may be required for some careers within the justice system.
Career and Life Skills:
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:
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.