Criminology

Diploma of Social Sciences

Duration: 5.5 semesters 8 week work term

Program Description

The Criminology program exposes students to the nature and causes of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. Students will receive training in specialized areas of psychology and sociology, as well as experience in standard security practices so that valuable assistance may be provided to counselors and corrections staff. The goal of the program is to develop the skills in a graduate who will be well versed in the current philosophy of corrections on the provincial and national scenes.

Program Courses

• Introduction to Criminology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Word Processing
• Psychology of Addictions
• Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills
• Programming in Corrections
• Leadership and Teamwork Skills
• Sociology of Deviance
• Young Offenders Legislation
• Human Sexuality
• Current Issues in Criminology
• Life Skills
• Interviewing Skills
• Introduction to Psychology
• Communication Skills
• Human Relations
• Human Development
• Security, Movement & Safety
• Canadian Criminology
• Introduction to Political Science
• Abnormal Psychology
• Provincial Statutes
• Personal Fitness
• Behaviour Modification
• Corrections in Criminal Justice
• Aboriginal Studies
• Professional Development Issues
• Suicide Intervention
• Prison Subculture
• WHMIS
• Manipulation
• Officer Safety
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
• Canadian Firearms Safety (Unrestricted)
• Canadian Firearms Safety (Restricted)
• Strangulation, Suicide, and Cut Down
• Standard First Aid
• Work Term
• Risk Assessment and Case Management
• Procedures and Administration of Criminal Justice
• Job Search Techniques
• Correctional Officer Training Skills
• Suicide Intervention

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Criminology program graduates will be eligible (depending on specific hiring practices) to work in a variety of settings such as: community corrections; outreach/life skills programs; custodial facilities; private investigation; and, community residential centres. Criminology employment opportunities exist with government and private industry.

Graduates may work in such areas as addictions, community development, community service, youth facilities, mental health, women’s shelters, and uniformed services such as airport security/screening official, armored car service, deputy sheriff and correctional officer. Depending on specific hiring practices, additional training may be required, examples include deputy sheriff and correctional officer.

Please click here for additional labour market information.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Criminology program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Criminology applicants should have a 60% average in 9 Level III credits including a 60% in 3rd level Academic English.

Mature Students

Mature students are eligible for admission to the Criminology program. These students must be 19 years of age or older, complete an application form, provide a copy of most recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.

Specific Entrance Requirements

Students must submit two written letters of reference (no personal references) and a Certificate of Conduct from their local Police Department.

Certificate of Conduct: Students must acquire a Certificate of Conduct for admission into this program. Students are solely accountable for any offences not uncovered by the investigation which may preclude the student from subsequent work terms or employment.

GATB Test: Students must also complete a GATB test administered by Academy Canada. Only GATB tests written within 12 months prior to the start of the program will be accepted, and the applicant will not be required to rewrite the test. However, this does not grant automatic admission into the program. GATB scores will be evaluated in relation to other applicants and will be placed on file. A personal interview must be arranged. These interviews will be set up by the Admissions Office and will be conducted before the consideration of acceptance into the program. Please note: For persons who have already written the GATB test within the 12 month period, it would be in their best interest to rewrite this test as it is based on maturity and development and could result in a higher score.

Opportunity For Advanced Standing

Academy Canada are pleased to provide Criminology program graduates an opportunity for advanced standing towards Cape Breton University's Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) program.

For more information, please visit the Opportunity For Advanced Standing page at http://www.academycanada.com/opportunity-for-advanced-standing/.

Supporting Documents

To view Criminology supporting documents, click here.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000 or visit the information request page.

To apply for the Criminology or other Academy Canada programs, click here.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.