Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice
DIPLOMA or DEGREE
About this Program
Few people in our society are entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing laws and maintaining order. Professionals in this field must be equipped with technical knowledge and skills, and offer the strong character and personal discipline required to succeed in a demanding environment. The Criminal Justice program will help you prepare to take on this challenge.
Throughout the program, you will gain an understanding of the criminal justice system through studies in:
- human relations,
- psychology,
- sociology,
- investigations,
- policing,
- security,
- criminology, and
- law.
Exposure to an array of investigative techniques and practices including forensics, crime scene investigations, and threat and risk assessments will further prepare you for employment in the field of your choice.
Police services, industry trainers and educators have identified the key competencies required in the criminal justice community including leadership skills, ethics, analytical thinking, self-confidence, communication skills, flexibility, diligence, patience, self-control, problem solving, and physical skills. During the program, you are encouraged to attain the necessary skills and fitness level to pass the testing requirements demanded by law enforcement organizations, as well as volunteer for various groups and agencies to demonstrate community involvement.
Admission Requirements
High School Route
60% in ELA 30-1 OR 65% in ELA 30-2 or equivalent
Mature Student Route
60% in ELA 30-1 OR 65% in ELA 30-2 or equivalent
Course List
FIRST YEAR
Fall Semester
| CJLS 101 |
Introduction to Criminal Justice Careers |
| CJLS 102 | Effective Communications in Criminal Justice |
| CJLS 106 | Law and the Administration of Justice |
| CJLS 111 |
Investigations and Forensics |
| CJLS 135 | Police and Security Technical Reports |
| Winter Semester | |
| CJLS 116 |
Federal and Provincial Criminal Justice Legislation |
| CJLS 120 | Lifestyles and Career Orientation |
| CJLS 126 | Criminal Code, Offence Elements and the Charter |
| CJLS 131 |
Interviewing and Statements |
| ENGL 125 | Introductory Report Writing and Speech |
| SOCI 201 | Introductory Sociology |
SECOND YEAR |
|
| Fall Semester | |
| CJLS 231 | Forensic Science |
| CJLS 233 | Legal Evidence and Trial Presentation |
| CJLS 247 | Public Safety, Emergency Planning, and Response |
| CJLS 251 | Specialized Investigations |
| PSYC 205 | Principles of Psychology |
| SOCI 225 |
Criminology |
| Winter Semester | |
| CJLS 224 | Mental Health |
| CJLS 241 | Major Criminal Investigations |
| CJLS 246 | Federal and Provincial Statutes |
| CJLS 257 | Leadership and Development |
| SOCI 321 | Youth Crime |
| One of | CJLS 221 Investigative Techniques CJLS 261 Intelligence, Espionage and Terrorism |
Career Opportunities
The enforcement community encompasses a broad range of occupations in both government and private sectors. From government regulatory bodies to national security investigations, and specialized federal investigators to private security and consultants, the industry is extensive and growing. There are a large number of career opportunities with police agencies and studies have indicated that many agencies are in the process of replacing a large percentage of their staff in the immediate future. As a result of terrorist threats, there have been a substantial number of new opportunities created in private and government security.
Federal Corrections anticipates a need for 3,000 additional staff over the next five years. Customs, Immigration, and other specialized federal enforcement bodies continue to hire as demand warrants.
Our graduates have obtained employment with a wide range of private, municipal, provincial and federal agencies, including the RCMP, Municipal Police, Customs, Immigration, Military Police, Corrections, Solicitor General, Motor Transport, and private security providers.
Graduates of our program may apply to local, provincial, or federal police forces, other law enforcement agencies, and to federal agencies and corrections. However, you must apply to these agencies directly as Medicine Hat College does not supply graduates directly to any agency. It is imperative in this regard that you assess the hiring standards, especially the minimum physical qualifications such as eyesight, before expending extensive time concentrating on a law enforcement career.
A graduate of this program may find employment as a:
| Canadian Intelligence Officer | Military Police Officer | Private/Corporate Investigator |
| Correctional Officer | Parole Officer | Probation Officer |
| Crime Analyst | Police Officer | Youth Worker (young offenders) |
| Customs Officer | Policy Analyst (provincial and federal solicitor general departments) | Special Constable (solicitor general/justice/municipal departments) |
What is your education going to cost?
Our TUITION and FEES page provides a total cost estimate for your program including books and supplies and related expenses.
Looking for ways to help fund your education?
There are lots of options like student loans, scholarships, bursaries and emergency funding available.
Check out our FINANCIAL AID page for more information.
Many programs offered at Medicine Hat College qualify for transfer credits to other institutions. In some cases, you must transfer to another institution to complete your program and gain your credential.
The ACADEMIC CALENDAR has official information on transfer options for each program.
Please consult the calendar or meet with an academic advisor for more information.
At MHC, we care about students and want to help you succeed.
As a student, there may be times when you require support. Our SERVICES page provides you with links to a number of campus supports including academic success, counselling and care, health and wellness, and many other resources.
Have you always wanted to study abroad?
Enhance your education, share in cultural diversity and embrace new experiences. Visit the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM section to find out more.