Ready to Make a Difference
Are you ready to be a change-maker in your community? Your skills in building relationships and communicating effectively can be the foundation for a successful career.
If you are energized by guiding others, taking charge and calming down intense situations, consider our Justice and Human Services program. You’ll be ready to contribute to a safer, more compassionate society.
Whether you’re helping society’s youngest citizens learn through play, supporting youth who have experienced trauma or preserving safety in a tense situation, our Justice and Human Services programs will prepare you to make a difference in society.
50+
Years of delivering Criminal Justice programming
50+
Number of partner agencies Lethbridge Polytechnic engages for work-integrated learning, applied research or program advisors.
Career paths
Students in our justice and human services programs have found success in the following careers:
- Police Services or RCMP
- Private Security
- Enforcement Agencies
- Border Services
- Correctional Officers
- Probation Officers
- Case Workers
- Youth Workers
- Childcare Centres
- Early Learning Programs
- Parent Link Centres
- Family Support Work
- Elementary, Middle and High Schools
- Kindergartens and Preschools
- Recreation Centres
Wondering if a career in justice or human services is right for you?
While the jobs in justice and human services are varied, the people who choose these careers all have something in common — the desire to help others and make the world a better place. Turn your problem-solving skills and desire to help others in need into a vital role in justice and human services. Whatever the position, the essential training needed to succeed in these in-demand careers starts at Lethbridge Polytechnic.
Consider Justice or Human Services if you:
- excel at social studies, communication and interpersonal problem solving
- are willing to take charge to assist others in need
- are energized when guiding and motivating others
- find motivation in contributing to society in meaningful ways
32%
of our Corrections grads had a related job before they even finished the program
91%
of our Education Assistant grads had a related job less than six months after completing the program
Justice
If you're driven to protect, serve and make a difference, start with an education in Justice Studies, Natural Resource Compliance or Conservation Enforcement. Our programs combine hands-on learning with real-world experience to prepare you for a challenging but rewarding career.
Criminal Justice - Policing
Two-year Diploma
Police and public safety officers promote peace, assist victims of crime, protect communities and enforce the law. If you’re seeking a career in policing or public safety, prepare yourself with the essential skills you need to succeed.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2)
Our two justice diplomas can ladder you into our bachelor degree as a third year.
Online Delivery
Criminal Justice - Corrections
Two-year Diploma
It takes a certain type of individual with good decision making, communication and interpersonal skills to work in corrections – that person could be you. In our Criminal Justice - Corrections program, you’ll learn how to help individuals become productive members of society.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2)
Our two justice diplomas can ladder you into our bachelor degree as a third year.
Online Delivery
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Four-year Degree
Launch your future in the justice field with this four-year degree, combining classroom learning, hands-on experience, and industry connections to build expertise in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication, and leadership.
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
Bachelor of Criminal Justice Post-Diploma Degree
Two-year (Post-diploma)
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice will prepare you for a broad range of career opportunities in public safety, including policing, corrections and border security. Classroom theory and experiential learning opportunities can also be a pathway to work in social justice, human services, community engagement, victim advocacy, law and more.
Requirements: Related diploma/degree in a human service or justice-related field with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants with a Lethbridge Polytechnic COR or CJP diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA will be directly admitted. See the program page for full details.
Online Delivery
Natural Resource Compliance
Two-year Diploma
If you’re thinking of a career in conservation enforcement, start in the Natural Resource Compliance program. You’ll put in two fast-paced years learning about natural resources and how to detect and investigate natural resource violations through a mixture of coursework, labs and field trips. With our blend of academic and practical learning, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to begin upholding the law and protecting the resources of our beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2) and Grade 12 Math (30-1 or 30-2) and Grade 11 Biology (20)
After two years you can take the next step in protecting our natural resources with our Conservation Enforcement degree
Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science
Two-year (Post Diploma)
Take your passion for protecting the land, wildlife and fisheries resources to the next level in the Conservation Enforcement – Bachelor of Applied Science program. Through a proven blend of classroom theory, lab exercises and outdoor excursions, you’ll develop the skills needed to deal with problem wildlife, investigate violations, enforce resource laws and more. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and first-hand experience in natural and physical sciences and resource law enforcement to not only conserve the planet but sustain your future.
Requirements: Natural Resource Compliance diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0
Human Services
Choose a career that makes a difference. As a Human Services professional, you’ll support and improve the lives of children, youth, families and communities every day. Get the hands-on learning you need to support people in effective and respectful ways.
Early Childhood Education
One-year Certificate or Two-year Diploma
Using a learning-through-play approach, you’ll learn to support children’s growth and development. Through your classroom and work-integrated learning experiences, you’ll gain knowledge and acquire skills to work effectively with children and families. It’s easy to get started, with flexibility to pursue full- or part-time studies, options for those already working in the field, and the option to learn online, in-person and through a mix of both.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2)
Online Delivery
Certificate, Diploma and Post-Certificate programs.
Educational Assistant
One-year Certificate
Help students reach their full potential and maximize their school experience. Designed for educational assistants already working in the field and those who aspire to work in education. Part-time or full-time options, with online learning flexibility and work-integrated learning experiences in your geographic area.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2)
Online Delivery
Child and Youth Care
Two-year Diploma
Enroll in Lethbridge Polytechnic’s well-respected Child and Youth Care program and succeed in a career that can change lives. Take the knowledge and skills gained in the program and use them to enhance the overall well-being and development of children, youth and families who have been exposed to negative life circumstances such as trauma, abuse and emotional stress.
Requirements: High school diploma and Grade 12 English (30-1 or 30-2)
Online Delivery