The Diploma in Criminal Justice program provides a social justice perspective on criminal justice systems and processes that form the foundation for ethical, responsible, and professional practice in the criminal justice field. This applied program incorporates classroom and community learning experiences with theoretical frameworks for practice. Topics covered include the interagency working of police, courts, corrections, and social service agencies; the impacts of colonization and the resulting intergenerational trauma of Indigenous Peoples; and a critical understanding and social justice approach to current challenges in modern society. A core curriculum forms the foundation for the first year of studies in the program; in the second year, students can choose which pathway of courses best meets their professional and academic destination.
Graduates of the Criminal Justice program leave with a broad base of theoretical knowledge, skills, and abilities suitable for a diverse range of entry-level criminal justice positions, including law enforcement (public, military, deputy sheriffs, by-law enforcement, private security); adult, youth, and community corrections; victim services; restorative justice; customs border services; social and community service organizations; and other related opportunities. Graduates apply their knowledge of processes, procedures, and practices to work with diverse individuals and populations, and use of critical thinking skills and evidence-informed decision making in all aspects of practice in criminal justice.
In demand
There are over 500,000 criminal justice-related jobs in Canada. Upon receiving your two-year diploma, you'll be ready for entry-level positions in correctional services, customs, law enforcement, and services to young offenders.
If you continue on to complete a bachelor's degree in Criminology, you'll be eligible for additional employment opportunities in such fields as probation, parole, immigration, research, and counselling within institutions.
Hands-on learning
Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to giving back to your community, and for most employers, volunteer experience counts as job experience. You will be encouraged to volunteer in a service-related position, and a volunteer fair is arranged each year to help you learn more about volunteer opportunities within the community.
You can also enhance your diploma with an optional internship designation. Taken after the first or second year of studies, this three-month work term will give you the practical experience that employers favour.
After graduation
You will graduate from this program with a broad base of theoretical knowledge, skills, and abilities suitable for a diverse range of entry-level criminal justice positions, including law enforcement (public, military, deputy sheriffs, by-law enforcement, private security); adult, youth, and community corrections; victim services; restorative justice; customs border services; social and community service organizations; and other related opportunities. You will be able to apply your knowledge of processes, procedures, and practices to work with diverse individuals and populations, and use of critical thinking skills and evidence-informed decision making in all aspects of practice in criminal justice.
The second year of the program provides some course flexibility, and by consulting with the program Chair, you will be able to select an applied stream of courses to, reducing your need for additional training.
Continue your studies in a bachelor's degree program
Courses transfer to various universities. If you intend to pursue a four-year degree in criminal justice or criminology you should consider this program as your first two years.
You'll be eligible to apply for admission into the third year of many degree programs, including:
Montreal university
University of Alberta
MacEwan University
St. Paul United College
University of Western Ontario
Simon Fraser University
