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
Policing student
Police interview

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.

Justice Studies Student

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.

Program Availability
Domestic Status
International Status
PGWP Eligible
Notes
Fall 2026
Open
Open
Ineligible
On Campus
Fall 2026
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Summer 2026
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online
Winter 2027
Open
Unavailable
Ineligible
Online

Admissions

Apply Now
Admission Requirements

New 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.

Graduation

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.

Transfers
Partner InstitutionPartner ProgramIncoming/OutgoingEffective Dates and Details
Athabasca University Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies Outgoing
September 2022 - August 2028

Bachelor of Professional Arts - Communication Studies

Graduates 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 Management

Graduates 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 Justice

Graduates 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 Services

Graduates 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 Commerce

Graduates 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 Management

Graduates 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 Relations

Graduates 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 Justice

Graduates 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 - Corrections

Dual Diploma Option
Lethbridge Polytechnic's Criminal Justice - Policing and Criminal Justice - Corrections diplomas share a common first year of courses. Graduates of the Policing Diploma, with a minimum GPA of 2.00, are eligible to earn a second diploma in Corrections with only two additional terms (one additional year) of study. 

Other Calgary Police Service Recruit Training Incoming
September 2024 - August 2029

Calgary Police Service Recruit Training

Officers 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 Studies

Graduates 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. 

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
Term I
CJP-1159Ethics and Critical Thought3
CJP-1160Introduction to Criminal Justice System3
COM-1165Public Safety Communications/Interpersonal Relations3
ENG-1150Composition3
LAW-1177Procedural Law in Canada3
PSY-1160Introduction to Psychology3
 Credits18
Term II
CJP-1157Preliminary Response and Investigation3
CJP-1177Applied English & Public Safety Writing3
CJP-1185Diverse Populations in Public Safety3
COR-1180Youth in the Justice System3
LAW-1178Criminal and Correctional Offences3
SOC-1160Introduction to Sociology3
 Credits18
Year 2
Term I
CJP-2281Conflict Management3
CJP-2289Investigative Techniques3
CJP-2296Career Preparation for Public Safety3
LAW-2254Applied Law3
SOC-2290Addictions and Mental Health in Justice3
Approved Elective3
 Credits18
Term II
CJP-2278Criminology3
CJP-2287Strategies in Crisis Situations3
CJP-2293Organizational Awareness in Public Safety3
LAW-2264Courtroom Procedures3
Approved Elective3
 Credits15
 Total Credits69
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
CourseTitleCredits
CJP-2280Introduction to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement3
CJP-2294Specialized Policing3
CJP-2295Traffic3
COR-2262Drugs in Corrections3
FWK-2280Field Work Practicum3
PED-1190Fitness & Lifestyles in Public Safety I3
List B - Breadth Electives
CourseTitleCredits
ANT-1195Cultural Anthropology3
ANT-2295Anthropology of Gender3
ARK-1165Introduction Into Archaeology3
BIO-1160Anatomy and Physiology I3
BIO-1162Microbiology3
BIO-1169Structural Human Anatomy3
BLK-1151Blackfoot Language I3
BLK-2251Blackfoot Language II3
BUS-1166Business Law3
BUS-1170Introduction to Management3
BUS-2278Industrial and Labour Relations3
ENG-1190Introduction to Language and Literature3
HUM-1150Logic3
HUM-1180Introduction to World Religions3
HUM-1190Popular Culture3
INS-1155Introduction to Indigenous Studies3
PSC-1150Local Government3
PSC-1161Introduction to Politics3
PSC-1165Canadian Government3
PSY-1170Human Development Across the Lifespan3
PSY-1177Psychology of Aging3
PSY-1179Adolescent Development3
PSY-2253Child Psychopathology3
PSY-2260Psychopathology3
PSY-2270Introduction to Personality Theory3
PSY-2275Introduction to Forensic Psychology3
PSY-2280Social Psychology3
PSY-2290Brain and Behaviour3
SOC-1167Sociology of Aging3
SOC-2260Social Problems3
SPN-1150Introductory Spanish3
SPN-1151Introductory Spanish II3
VXR-1150Introduction to Immersive Technology3
View course timetables
Tuition and Fees

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!

Budget Wizard

Delivery Formats

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.

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?

CJP.POL.DIP