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.

Grab and Go Information
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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 program will be prepared to enter career paths 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
Winter 2026
Closed
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Summer 2026
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Fall 2026
Open
Open
Ineligible
On Campus

Admissions

Apply Now
Admission Requirements

New third-year applicants, or transfer applicants with advance standing through completion of a related diploma, are accepted into the program in the Fall (September) term for either on-campus or online study. Students can also start in the Winter (January) or Spring (May) terms for online study. 

General Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.

Program Entry Options

Students who have previously completed the Criminal Justice – Corrections or Policing diploma from Lethbridge Polytechnic, or equivalent will be accepted directly into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice post-diploma degree.

Applicants with a related 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 will also be admitted, but may be required to complete bridging courses in order to meet degree requirements.

A minimum GPA of 2.00 or equivalent is required for admission. 

Students coming straight from high school, or those without a completed post-secondary credential in a related subject, should enrol into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice program.

Graduation

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Practicums
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements

This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.

Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).

Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.

Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge Polytechnic, preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.

In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge Polytechnic and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge Polytechnic's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.

WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.

Courses
CourseTitleCredits
Year 1
See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma36
 Credits36
Year 2
See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma33
 Credits33
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 Elective (Choose 1 from list)3
 Credits15
Term II
JUS-3362Human Rights, Diversity & Social Incl3
JUS-3363Victims in Criminal Justice3
RSR-3356Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis3
Breadth Elective (Choose 1 from List)3
Discipline Electives (Choose 1 from list)3
 Credits15
Year 4
Term I
FWK-4450Work Placement I1.5
JUS-4462Gender & Justice3
RSR-4460Criminal Justice Research Project I3
Breadth Elective (Choose 1 from List)3
Discipline Electives (Choose 1 from list)3
 Credits13.5
Term II
FWK-4452Work Placement II1.5
JUS-4463Advanced Social Policy3
RSR-4462Criminal Justice Research Project II3
Breadth Elective (Choose 1 from List)3
Discipline Electives (Choose 2 from list)6
 Credits16.5
 Total Credits129
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 2025/2026 year.

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 3
$7,200.00
$1,357.00
$800.00
Year 4
$7,350.00
$1,388.00
$500.00

View detailed program cost estimates

International Students

Title Tuition Fees Books/Supplies
Year 3
$17,700.00
$1,357.00
$800.00
Year 4
$20,085.00
$1,388.00
$500.00

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

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

This program is 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.

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.

Need more information?

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