Be ready to make a positive impact with a career in corrections, or further your education if you choose.
Gain the skills and experience you need to prepare for a rewarding and challenging career in corrections. After learning about risk assessment and management, principles of behaviour change, conflict resolution skills, criminology and psychology, you’ll have the option to enrol in a practicum elective to gain hands-on experience.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Criminal Justice – Corrections at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
You’ll benefit from more than 50 years of public safety education and apply theory and knowledge through experiential learning in state-of-the-art classrooms such as the courtroom, crisis apartment, interview rooms and conflict simulator rooms. You’ll also share a common first year with the Criminal Justice – Policing diploma. This common first year gives you the opportunity to take two extra semesters to earn a second diploma in Policing. Both Corrections and Policing diploma programs ladder into the polytechnic’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree.
50+ years
of delivering quality public safety education
Ready to go further?
With two additional years of study earn your degree in our Bachelor of Criminal Justice post-diploma.
Build on your credentials
With one more year of study, you can graduate from the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma.
Career Opportunities
At the end of the program, you'll be prepared for work throughout the criminal justice system in positions such as:
- Federal correctional officer
- Halfway house counsellor
- Provincial correctional officer
- Victim services worker
- Youth worker
32%
of our Corrections grads had a related job before they even graduated from the program
$42,534
the average annual salary of a correctional service worker in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September (on-campus and online), January and May (online only)
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
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.
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Math 20-1 or 20-2 or equivalent
- Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Medical Requirements
Although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants should ensure through a medical examination that their cardiovascular system is suitable to undertake fitness-related exercise.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a diploma in Criminal Justice - Corrections.
Note: Employing agencies may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s licence, Standard First Aid and CPR. Learners 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2028
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2028
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Correction diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards a Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2028
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal JusticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2028
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human ServicesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Human Services. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2028
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal JusticeGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 65% are eligible for transfer credit towards Griffith University's Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students will be provided an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission. Students should contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website for more information. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Criminal Justice - Bachelor of (Post-Diploma) | Internal |
Ongoing
Criminal Justice - Bachelor of (Post-Diploma)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 - PolicingDual Diploma Option |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies | Outgoing |
July 2024 - June 2029
Bachelor of Arts in Justice StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Corrections Diploma, with a GPA of B (3.00/4.33) or higher, are eligible for full block transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies. Students should consult Academic Advising at RRU or visit their website 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 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CJP-1160 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| COM-1165 | Public Safety Communications/Interpersonal Relations | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| LAW-1177 | Procedural Law in Canada | 3 |
| PSY-1160 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-1157 | Preliminary Response and Investigation | 3 |
| CJP-1185 | Diverse Populations in Public Safety | 3 |
| CJP-1188 | Applied English and Investigative Writing | 3 |
| COR-1180 | Youth in the Justice System | 3 |
| LAW-1178 | Criminal and Correctional Offences | 3 |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CJP-1159 | Ethics and Critical Thought | 3 |
| CJP-2281 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| CJP-2296 | Career Preparation for Public Safety | 3 |
| COR-2253 | Correctional Assessment | 3 |
| SOC-2255 | Complex Correctional Populations | 3 |
| SOC-2290 | Addictions and Mental Health in Justice | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-2278 | Criminology | 3 |
| CJP-2287 | Strategies in Crisis Situations | 3 |
| COR-2277 | Corrections Administration | 3 |
| COR-2295 | Correctional Case Work and Practices | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 69 | |
Approved Electives
To fulfill elective requirements, choose one elective from List A and one elective from List B or two electives from List B.
List A - Specialized Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJP-2280 | Introduction to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement | 3 |
| CJP-2294 | Specialized Policing | 3 |
| CJP-2295 | Traffic | 3 |
| COR-2262 | Drugs in Corrections | 3 |
| FWK-2280 | Field Work Practicum | 3 |
| PED-1190 | Fitness & Lifestyles in Public Safety I | 3 |
List B - Breadth Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANT-1195 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT-2295 | Anthropology of Gender | 3 |
| ARK-1165 | Introduction Into Archaeology | 3 |
| BIO-1160 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO-1162 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO-1169 | Structural Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BLK-1151 | Blackfoot Language I | 3 |
| BLK-2251 | Blackfoot Language II | 3 |
| BUS-1166 | Business Law | 3 |
| BUS-1170 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| BUS-2278 | Industrial and Labour Relations | 3 |
| ENG-1190 | Introduction to Language and Literature | 3 |
| HUM-1150 | Logic | 3 |
| HUM-1180 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| HUM-1190 | Popular Culture | 3 |
| INS-1151 | Niitsitapiiysini | 3 |
| INS-1155 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| PSC-1150 | Local Government | 3 |
| PSC-1161 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| PSC-1165 | Canadian Government | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSY-1177 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| PSY-1179 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY-2253 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY-2260 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY-2270 | Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 |
| PSY-2275 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2280 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2290 | Brain and Behaviour | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| SOC-2260 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SPN-1150 | Introductory Spanish | 3 |
| SPN-1151 | Introductory Spanish II | 3 |
| VXR-1150 | Introduction to Immersive Technology | 3 |
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,695.00
|
$2,278.00
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,192.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$900.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$20,095.00
|
$2,278.00
|
$1,300.00
|
| Year 2
|
$19,241.00
|
$2,115.00
|
$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!
The Criminal Justice - Corrections program is available through on-campus delivery, which may include some blended delivery components, as well as a fully online delivery.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) 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.
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.
Featured Graduates
Natalie Corscadden
“I chose the Correctional Studies program because I wanted to make a change in the world and make a change in others’ lives. I loved how most of the instructors I had were so open and genuine to us in class as well as outside the classroom! The stories that they told makes it so much easier to relate the things that we are being taught in class!"
Kristi Austin
“I always wanted to know about the criminal justice system, but I don’t just want to know why we’re arresting people. I want to know why they’re committing those crimes and how they think and process things because then rehabilitating them into proper respectable citizens is a little bit easier. Corrections gives me that aspect into why."
Nathalie Porter
“After graduating with my Correctional Studies degree in 2012, I worked in various fields before getting hired on with the B.C. government in Community Corrections. It took three years of auxiliary work before I managed to score a permanent position, but it was well worth the wait! For anyone who may be looking at work in B.C. in a related position for the government, the hiring process can be highly competitive, but if you keep at it, it will all work out! I felt highly prepared for my career because of the Correctional Studies program at Lethbridge College and the amazing instructors and mentors I had during my time there. If you are looking at a career in the corrections field, this four-year degree program will give you the best chance of success, and put you ahead of the game. Thank you Lethbridge College!”