Be ready to protect and serve your community or continue your education.
In this program, you’ll gain insight into the criminal justice system, including law, report writing, interviewing and investigations. You’ll develop crucial skills including teamwork, ethical accountability and responsibility, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills. In your second year, you’ll develop key competencies in the areas of conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and self-confidence.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Criminal Justice – Policing 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 – Corrections diploma. This common first year gives you the opportunity to take two extra semesters to earn a second diploma in Corrections. Both Policing and Corrections 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 - Corrections diploma.
Career Opportunities
You'll leave our program with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and a valuable range of practical skills and abilities. You'll be ready to do justice, as either a sworn public safety officer or as a civilian employee, with:
- Emergency Services
- Federal Enforcement Agencies such as Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services, Correctional Service Canada, CSIS
- Municipal Police Services
- Other Provincial Enforcement and Protection Services including Sheriffs
- Private Security and Investigation Agencies
- Provincial Police Services
- Regional Police Services
145
number of participants in an annual simulated emergency that allows students to react and respond to a crisis unfolding in real time
$89,503
the average annual salary of a police officer 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 NowNew applicants are accepted into the Criminal Justice - Policing program in the Fall (September) term for on-campus and online study. Students can also start in the Winter (January) or Spring (May) term 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.
Non-Academic Requirements
Applicants are required to review and acknowledge completion of an online information package relating to the entry/suitability requirements for a career in Public Safety.
Medical Requirements
Although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants should ensure through a medical examination that their cardio-vascular system is suitable to undertake strenuous fitness related exercise. In addition, applicants are advised to undergo eyesight/colour vision testing for compatibility with the requirements of potential future employers.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Criminal Justice - Policing diploma.
Note: Employing agencies have additional hiring requirements such as vision standards, hearing standards, a valid driver’s licence, Standard First Aid and CPR. Learners are strongly encouraged to know the vision and hearing standards and to obtain and maintain their credentials in First Aid and CPR to ensure employment qualifications are met.
| 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 - Policing 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 - Policing 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. |
| 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 - Policing 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 - Policing 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 | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University or visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2020 - August 2026
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing Diploma are eligible to receive up to 30 credits towards Athabasca University's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. 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 - Policing 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 - 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. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Criminal Justice - Corrections | Internal |
Ongoing
Criminal Justice - CorrectionsDual Diploma Option |
| Other | Calgary Police Service Recruit Training | Incoming |
September 2024 - August 2029
Calgary Police Service Recruit TrainingOfficers who have completed their Calgary Police Service Recruit Training program are eligible to receive Prior Learning credit for 12 courses in the Criminal Justice - Policing diploma. Once proof of recruit training is submitted, admissions and registration will work with applicants to complete the PLA process. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies | Outgoing |
September 2024 - August 2029
Bachelor of Arts in Justice StudiesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing 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) 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 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CJP-1159 | Ethics and Critical Thought | 3 |
| 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 | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-1157 | Preliminary Response and Investigation | 3 |
| CJP-1177 | Applied English & Public Safety Writing | 3 |
| CJP-1185 | Diverse Populations in Public Safety | 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-2281 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| CJP-2289 | Investigative Techniques | 3 |
| CJP-2296 | Career Preparation for Public Safety | 3 |
| LAW-2254 | Applied Law | 3 |
| SOC-2290 | Addictions and Mental Health in Justice | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-2278 | Criminology | 3 |
| CJP-2287 | Strategies in Crisis Situations | 3 |
| CJP-2293 | Organizational Awareness in Public Safety | 3 |
| LAW-2264 | Courtroom Procedures | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| 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-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
|
$5,497.00
|
$1,606.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,102.00
|
$1,497.00
|
$700.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$18,997.00
|
$1,606.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$18,812.00
|
$1,497.00
|
$700.00
|
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 – Policing 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
Jaxen Tattrie
“I chose the Criminal Justice – Policing program because I believed that this program was a great starting place to fuel my goals and passions of policing and providing service to others. I was really interested in how Lethbridge College was putting a lot of work into innovating and experimenting with interactive learning and pushing the boundaries of conventional learning. I felt that all of the instructors were committed to my learning and were truly passionate about their professions. They were not just supportive of me as a student, but also as a person.”
Maria Munson
“I was interested in what I was learning, I made lifelong friends and the instructors were awesome! They had direct experience in the field and they all had a vested interest in our success.”
Lorne Blumhagen
“I remember court and evidence class and the scrutiny in trying to get your evidence past “Judge” Rudolph. This class taught me some of the most valuable lessons that I used later in creating court files, preparing and presenting evidence and how to respond to counsel on cross examination. Those same lessons still apply to this day.”