Changing Careers? Why Criminology Is a Great Fit for Mature Students
You like the adrenaline of thriller movies, enjoy the suspense of Hitchcock classics, or binge-watch gripping series like True Detective. If that’s you, a career in criminology could be the perfect fit, especially if you’re considering changing careers and want a path that offers purpose, excitement, and the chance to make a real difference in your community. Academy Canada offers a well-rounded criminology program at its campuses in St. John’s and Corner Brook, designed for mature students and powered by over 30 years of expertise as Newfoundland’s largest independent trade school.
Why Criminology is Ideal for Mature Students?
Changing careers as a mature student comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Criminology stands out as a field where your life experiences, communication skills, and mature judgment become valuable assets. Academy Canada’s criminology program exposes students to the causes and nature of crime, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. Featuring courses in human behaviour, psychology, corrections, and law enforcement practices, the program equips you with the critical thinking and analytical skills essential in today’s justice system.
What You’ll Learn in the Criminology Program
The program spans 5.5 semesters plus an 8-week work term. You will study:
- Canadian criminology and psychology
- Behaviour modification
- Interviewing and communication skills
- Correctional officer training
- Indigenous studies
- Risk assessment and case management
- Standard first aid
- Officer safety and verbal intervention
- Suicide intervention and crisis management
Offered through a leading trade school in Newfoundland, these courses prepare you for practical, hands-on work in correctional facilities, community outreach, and law enforcement support.
Employment Opportunities with a Criminology Diploma
Graduates find employment with a wide range of employers across Newfoundland and beyond. Positions may include roles within:
- Canada Border Services
- Mask Security
- Caregiver roles
- Her Majesty’s Penitentiary
- Department of Justice, Youth Centres
- Ontario Correctional Institute Sheriff’s Office
- Federal Corrections of Canada
- Child Find Newfoundland and Labrador
- RCMP and First Nations policing
- Community residential homes such as Emmanuel House and Shalom Group Home
Some positions, like correctional officers, may require additional testing, including physical fitness assessments and written exams, but Academy Canada prepares you for these through targeted training.
Complement Your Studies with Other Justice Programs
At Academy Canada, the Faculty of Justice offers more than just Criminology. If you’re exploring legal and law enforcement careers, two additional programs can complement your criminology studies:
- Law Enforcement Foundations: Focuses on public and private policing, security systems, forensics, and corrections.
- Paralegal Studies: Offers practical training to support law offices and courts, preparing graduates to assist lawyers with research, document preparation, and client interaction under supervision.
These programs build a solid base for diverse career paths in justice and legal services.
Why Choose Academy Canada?
Being a mature student often means balancing life’s demands, and Academy Canada understands that. As a leading trade school in Newfoundland, our college provides a supportive learning environment tailored to mature learners with flexible schedules and supportive faculty. Additionally, diplomas earned here are respected across Canada and internationally, enhancing your job prospects.
If you’re ready to embrace change and launch a fulfilling career where your maturity and life experience provide an edge, Academy Canada’s criminology program and other justice programs are designed for you. Contact Academy Canada today to learn how to enroll and start your journey toward a meaningful career helping to keep communities safe and justice served. Academy Canada is here to support your career transition, whether your passion lies in criminology, law enforcement, or legal assistance.