Be ready for success in a broad range of justice-related fields during this two-year post-diploma degree.

A blend of classroom theory, work-integrated learning and applied research opportunities will connect you with industry partners and open doors to a rewarding career or options to continue your education at the graduate level. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, collaboration, conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, global awareness, inclusivity, communication, leadership and research.

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Why should you study Criminal Justice at Lethbridge Polytechnic?

Lethbridge Polytechnic partners with more than 50 agencies to offer work-integrated learning, applied research and program advising for Criminal Justice students. You’ll complete 300 hours with a justice or human services organization and gain real-world insight from professionals in the field. You’ll also engage in Public Safety Applied Research projects with community, municipal, provincial and federal agencies. With a flexible delivery model, the Bachelor of Criminal Justice program is also ideal for those already working in public safety.

300 Hours

spent in work-integrated learning with a justice or human services organization

50+

Number of partner agencies Lethbridge Polytechnic engages for work-integrated learning, applied research or program advisors.

Just getting started?

High school students can enrol in our four-year Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Post-Diploma Degree program will be prepared to enter careers including the following:

  • Business planner
  • Case workers in provincial and federal justice organizations
  • Communications officer
  • Continued studies in graduate school
  • Crisis support worker
  • Municipal, provincial and federal government policy analyst
  • Parole officers
  • Probation officers
  • Research assistant
  • Supervisors/Managers in justice organizations
  • Victim service worker
50+

years of delivering quality public safety education

$99,783

Average annual salary of a commissioned police officer in Alberta (Source: ALIS.Alberta.ca/occinfo)

Visit ALIS website for more career information.

Police mentoring

At-a-Glance

Starts-in

September (on-campus and online), January or May (online only)

Credential / Accreditation

Degree

Duration

2 years

International Eligibility

This program is available for International Students.

Application Deadlines

Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
PGWP Eligible
Notes
Fall 2026
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Fall 2026
Waitlisting
Closed
Ineligible
On Campus
Winter 2027
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Summer 2027
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online

Admissions

Apply Now
Admission Requirements
General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy the following requirements (or equivalencies):

Completion of either the Criminal Justice – Corrections or Criminal Justice – Policing diploma from Lethbridge Polytechnic, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Transfer students are required to have a diploma/degree in a human service or justice-related field, such as child and youth care, law enforcement, addictions counselling, social work, criminology or psychiatric nursing, with a minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent.

Note:  Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will also be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) degree.

Note: Employing agencies may have additional requirements for employment, such as a valid driver’s licence, Standard First Aid and CPR. Students are encouraged to maintain their credentials in these areas so that they are current at time of graduation.

Transfers
Partner InstitutionPartner ProgramIncoming/OutgoingEffective Dates and Details
Bow Valley College Justice Studies - Correctional Studies Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2029

Justice Studies - Correctional Studies Diploma

Graduates of Bow Valley College's Justice Studies - Correctional Studies Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for direct entry into the third year of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.
 

Bow Valley College Justice Studies - Law Enforcement Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2029

Justice Studies - Law Enforcement Diploma

Graduates of Bow Valley College's Justice Studies - Law Enforcement Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for direct entry into the third year of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Bow Valley College Justice Studies Diploma - General Incoming
July 2022 - June 2029

Justice Studies Diploma - General

Graduates of Bow Valley College's Justice Studies - General Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for direct entry into the third year of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

College of the Rockies Criminal and Social Justice Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2029

Criminal and Social Justice Diploma

Graduates of College of the Rockies' Criminal and Social Justice Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00 (3.00 on the COTR scale), are eligible for direct entry into the third year of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Lakeland College Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2029

Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma

Graduates of Lakeland College's Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for entry into Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students must complete three required bridging courses (CJP-1160, CJP-2278, and LAW-1177) in Open Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic prior to admission to the third year of the degree program. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Lethbridge Polytechnic Child and Youth Care Internal
Ongoing

Child and Youth Care

Graduates of the Child and Youth Care Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for entry into Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students must complete three required bridging courses (CJP-1160, CJP-2278, and LAW-1177) in Open Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic prior to admission to the third year of the degree program. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Lethbridge Polytechnic Criminal Justice - Corrections Internal
Ongoing

Criminal Justice - Corrections

Graduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, are eligible to continue directly into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Post-Diploma Degree program. Contact Admissions (admissions@lethpolytech.ca) for more information on how to pursue this option.

Lethbridge Polytechnic Criminal Justice - Policing Internal
Ongoing

Criminal Justice - Policing

Graduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, are eligible to continue directly into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Post-Diploma Degree program. Contact Admissions (admissions@lethpolytech.ca) for more information on how to pursue this option.

Red Deer Polytechnic Justice Studies Diploma Incoming
July 2021 - June 2030

Justice Studies Diploma

Graduates of Red Deer Polytechnic's Justice Studies Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for direct entry into the third year of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Child and Youth Care Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2030

Child and Youth Care Diploma

Graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Child and Youth Care (formerly Youth Care Worker) Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for entry into Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students must complete three required bridging courses (CJP-1160, CJP-2278, and LAW-1177) in Open Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic prior to admission to the third year of the degree program. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Justice Studies Diploma Incoming
July 2021 - June 2029

Justice Studies Diploma

Graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Justice Studies Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for direct entry into Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Diploma Incoming
July 2022 - June 2030

Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Diploma

Graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible for entry into Lethbridge Polytechnic's Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Students must complete three required bridging courses (CJP-1160, CJP-2278, and LAW-1177) in Open Studies at Lethbridge Polytechnic prior to admission to the third year of the degree program. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Lethbridge Polytechnic for further information.

Practicums
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Requirements

This program includes a required Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. Lethbridge Polytechnic establishes the legal terms and conditions governing WIL participation.

Students must meet and maintain specific requirements set by the program, host organizations, and/or government regulations. These may include:

  • Health requirements (e.g., immunizations, screening tests)
  • Privacy and security requirements (e.g., Police Information Check, IT access)
  • Occupational Health and Safety requirements (e.g., CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, mask fit-testing)

An organization may suspend a student’s placement if the organization considers such action reasonably necessary in the best interests of the organization or its clients.

Security Clearance

Participation in WIL placements may require a Police Information Check or other security clearance, to the satisfaction of both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the host organization.

WIL Agreements

Organizations that host students for WIL placements must have a WIL agreement with Lethbridge Polytechnic. This agreement helps ensure expectations are clear and protects the interests of the student, the host organization, and the Polytechnic.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Students registered in and attending an academic course or program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and during WIL placements are considered workers of the Government of Alberta and are typically covered by Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on the Government of Alberta account. (https://www.wcb.ab.ca/assets/pdfs/workers/WFS_Student_coverage.pdf)

In some circumstances, WCB coverage may not apply—for example, for non-Alberta residents or non-Canadian citizens completing distance learning with a placement outside Alberta. Students in these situations should contact the program before applying for placement.  Alternative insurance coverage is available from Lethbridge Polytechnic for those situations.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Students who require accommodations should contact Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than one week prior to the start of the academic term. Students who fail to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely manner may affect placement opportunities and success in the WIL setting.

Accessibility Services may collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise client safety, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes.

Placement Locations and Scheduling

Placements may occur in Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, or other approved locations, depending on site availability. Placements may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules.

Students are responsible for travel to their assigned placement sites and any associated costs.

Employment and Professional Regulation

Completion of a WIL placement does not guarantee employment with the host organization.

Some professions are regulated by provincial or other governing bodies. These processes are outside the control of Lethbridge Polytechnic. Completion of a WIL placement and graduation from the program do not guarantee licensure or admission to a regulatory body. Students with concerns about licensing requirements should consult the relevant regulatory body.

Fitness to Practice

Students are responsible for ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared to participate safely in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities. By attending a WIL placement or activity, students are declaring their Fitness to Practice, as outlined in the Student Guide for Fitness to Practice, and their ability to engage in learning without compromising their own safety or the safety of others.

Courses
CourseTitleCredits
Year 1
See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma33
 Credits33
Year 2
See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma36
 Credits36
Year 3
Term I
HUM-3350Ethics in Justice3
JUS-3351Introduction to Research Methods in Justice3
JUS-3360Indigenous Peoples and Culture in Justice3
MGT-3375Leadership in Justice Organizations3
Breadth Elective3
 Credits15
Term II
JUS-3362Human Rights, Diversity & Social Incl3
JUS-3363Victims in Criminal Justice3
RSR-3356Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis3
Breadth Elective3
Discipline Elective3
 Credits15
Year 4
Term I
FWK-4450Work Placement I1.5
JUS-4462Gender & Justice3
RSR-4460Criminal Justice Research Project I3
Breadth Elective3
Discipline Elective3
 Credits13.5
Term II
FWK-4452Work Placement II1.5
JUS-4463Advanced Social Policy3
RSR-4462Criminal Justice Research Project II3
Breadth Elective3
Discipline Elective3
Discipline Elective3
 Credits16.5
 Total Credits129
Approved Electives

To fulfill elective requirements, choose courses from the following lists according to the requirements in the above curriculum table.

Breadth Electives
CourseTitleCredits
BIO-3362Microbiology and Social Issues3
ENG-3350Advanced Writing3
HUM-3390Contemporary Media3
IND-3350Independent Study3
LAW-3360Indigenous Law3
PSY-3352Human Behavioural Ecology3
PSY-3360History of Psychology3
PSY-4452Human Behaviour and Social Technologies3
SOC-3360Sociology of Crime and Deviance3
SOC-3361Sociology of Surveillance3
SOC-3362Urban Sociology3
Discipline Electives
CourseTitleCredits
JUS-3357Contemporary Youth Justice in Canada3
JUS-3369Program Evaluation3
JUS-3373Community Policing3
JUS-3374Crime Prevention3
JUS-3375Restorative Justice3
JUS-3387Crisis Management3
JUS-4455Comparative Justice Systems3
JUS-4470Addictions and Mental Health3
JUS-4471Forensic Psychology3
JUS-4472Risk Assessment & Management3
JUS-4473Seminar on Black Justice Strategies3
JUS-4475Critical Incident Analysis3
JUS-4476Special Topics3
PSY-4450The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour3
View course timetables
Tuition and Fees

Tuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 3
$7,350.00
$1,952.00
$600.00
Year 4
$7,350.00
$1,952.00
$900.00

View detailed program cost estimates

International Students

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 3
$19,350.00
$1,952.00
$600.00
Year 4
$20,385.00
$1,952.00
$900.00

Notes

Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.

Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.

Budget Wizard

Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!

Budget Wizard

Scholarships

With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships - visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.

Delivery Formats

On Campus

This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.

Online – Asynchronous

Some courses in this program are offered in an online asynchronous format meaning learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructors provide materials for online completion, including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams. Students access course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.

Need more information?

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