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.
Be a Student for a Day
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.
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.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowGeneral 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.
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.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow Valley College | Justice Studies - Correctional Studies Diploma | Incoming |
July 2022 - June 2029
Justice Studies - Correctional Studies DiplomaGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 - GeneralGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 CareGraduates 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 - CorrectionsGraduates 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 - PolicingGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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 DiplomaGraduates 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. |
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.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma | 33 | |
| Credits | 33 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma | 36 | |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Term I | ||
| HUM-3350 | Ethics in Justice | 3 |
| JUS-3351 | Introduction to Research Methods in Justice | 3 |
| JUS-3360 | Indigenous Peoples and Culture in Justice | 3 |
| MGT-3375 | Leadership in Justice Organizations | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| JUS-3362 | Human Rights, Diversity & Social Incl | 3 |
| JUS-3363 | Victims in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| RSR-3356 | Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Discipline Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Term I | ||
| FWK-4450 | Work Placement I | 1.5 |
| JUS-4462 | Gender & Justice | 3 |
| RSR-4460 | Criminal Justice Research Project I | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Discipline Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 13.5 | |
| Term II | ||
| FWK-4452 | Work Placement II | 1.5 |
| JUS-4463 | Advanced Social Policy | 3 |
| RSR-4462 | Criminal Justice Research Project II | 3 |
| Breadth Elective | 3 | |
| Discipline Elective | 3 | |
| Discipline Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16.5 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
Approved Electives
To fulfill elective requirements, choose courses from the following lists according to the requirements in the above curriculum table.
Breadth Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-3362 | Microbiology and Social Issues | 3 |
| ENG-3350 | Advanced Writing | 3 |
| HUM-3390 | Contemporary Media | 3 |
| IND-3350 | Independent Study | 3 |
| LAW-3360 | Indigenous Law | 3 |
| PSY-3352 | Human Behavioural Ecology | 3 |
| PSY-3360 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-4452 | Human Behaviour and Social Technologies | 3 |
| SOC-3360 | Sociology of Crime and Deviance | 3 |
| SOC-3361 | Sociology of Surveillance | 3 |
| SOC-3362 | Urban Sociology | 3 |
Discipline Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JUS-3357 | Contemporary Youth Justice in Canada | 3 |
| JUS-3369 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| JUS-3373 | Community Policing | 3 |
| JUS-3374 | Crime Prevention | 3 |
| JUS-3375 | Restorative Justice | 3 |
| JUS-3387 | Crisis Management | 3 |
| JUS-4455 | Comparative Justice Systems | 3 |
| JUS-4470 | Addictions and Mental Health | 3 |
| JUS-4471 | Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| JUS-4472 | Risk Assessment & Management | 3 |
| JUS-4473 | Seminar on Black Justice Strategies | 3 |
| JUS-4475 | Critical Incident Analysis | 3 |
| JUS-4476 | Special Topics | 3 |
| PSY-4450 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 3 |
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!
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.
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.