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
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.
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 NowNew 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.
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.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 | 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. |
| 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. |
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.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma | 36 | |
| Credits | 36 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| See the Criminal Justice - Corrections diploma or Criminal Justice - Policing diploma | 33 | |
| Credits | 33 | |
| 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 (Choose 1 from list) | 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 (Choose 1 from List) | 3 | |
| Discipline Electives (Choose 1 from list) | 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 (Choose 1 from List) | 3 | |
| Discipline Electives (Choose 1 from list) | 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 (Choose 1 from List) | 3 | |
| Discipline Electives (Choose 2 from list) | 6 | |
| Credits | 16.5 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
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 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!
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.
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.