Criminal and Social Justice Certificate

Program Overview

This certificate program is delivered fully online or in a combination of face-to-face and online courses and is awarded to students who successfully complete the one year certificate curriculum, a total of 30 credits.

The program is designed to prepare you for a potential career in the field of criminal or social justice or to further post-secondary education such as a bachelor degree.

This program starts in September each year.

In the criminal and social justice diploma program, you will:

Study theories of human and social behavior, criminal justice system and cultural and institutional roots of crime and deviance
Learn about oppression and marginalization and will further their understanding of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge
Develop effective skills in cross-cultural relations, communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
Be provided opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to further your post-secondary education or to prepare for a potential career within the field of criminal and social justice.

Fall Semester

CRIM 101	Introduction to Criminology	3
ENGL 100	English Composition	3
INDG 101	Introduction to Indigenous Studies	3
PSYC 101	Introduction to Psychology 1	3
SOCI 101	Introduction to Sociology: The Individual and Society	3

Winter Semester

CRIM 131	Introduction to the Criminal Justice System	3
COMC 102	Advanced Professional Communications	3
HSWR 211	Conflict Resolution	3
HSWR 212	Crisis Intervention	3
Elective	Choose from list below: Note: Must choose PSYC 102 if completing the diploma program	3

One elective from the following:

CRIM 103 / PSYC 103	Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behavior (offered in Winter Semester) (for diploma stream, this is required in second year).
HSWR 214	Introduction to Addictions (offered in Spring Semester) (for diploma stream, this can be an elective in the second year)
PSYC 102	Introduction to Psychology 2. Diploma stream requires this course be taken in year 1 Winter Semester

Total Credits: 30

View official program outline

View Criminal and Social Justice Planning Guide

Course Descriptions

Year 1 – Semester 1 – Fall

CRIM-101 – Introduction to Criminology

Students are introduced to the discipline of criminology and the study of crime. They study several criminological theories and perspectives (historical, Indigenous, sociological, biological, psychological and critical) which provide explanations of crime and criminal behaviour. Additionally, students explore various typologies of crime as well as topics such as crime statistics, crime correlates and trends, crime and the media, fear of crime, and victims of crime. They critically examine current issues and matters related to crime in Canada.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

ENGL-100 – English Composition

English 100 focuses on composition strategies for writing across academic disciplines. Over the course of the term, students will develop an awareness of how rhetorical situations affect composition and refine their understanding of the fundamentals of essay writing (and clear communication more broadly), including paragraphing, thesis statements, essay structure, and citation methods. Students will also learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and analysis, persuasive writing techniques (including rhetorical appeals and modes), scholarly research, and academic reading.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

INDG-101 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies

This is a foundational course which introduces the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Students examine documents developed by/for/and with Indigenous Peoples. The emphasis is on Indigenous Peoples’ experiences within Canada and BC specifically, and in relationship to the global community. Students will be introduced to Place Based approaches in order to understand the current historical, political, social, cultural and spiritual context of Truth and Reconciliation from Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

PSYC-101 – Introduction to Psychology 1

This course provides an introduction to the history, principles, and methods of psychology. Topics may include the brain and behaviour, sensation and perception, learning and memory, thinking and language, and states of consciousness.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

SOCI-101 – Introduction to Sociology: The Individual and Society

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology. In addition to theory and research methods, topics include culture, socialization, social structure and interaction, groups and organizations, gender, sexuality and intimate relationships, race and ethnicity, and globalization. Students will develop a sociological perspective to better understand human experience, diversity, and especially the vital link between self and society.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

Year 1 – Semester 2 – Winter

COMC-102 – Advanced Professional Communication

Emphasizing the link between research, rhetorical analysis and effective communication, this course provides an exploration of business writing techniques, presentation styles and research methodologies essential for success in business environments. Students will also gain an understanding on how design and visual elements enhance the readability and persuasiveness of communication practices. Practical application of concepts in real-world scenarios will be a key focus, with the aim of developing a sophisticated and effective communication skill set.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 100 or COMC 101
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

CRIM-131 – Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

This course involves a critical examination of the structure and operation of the Canadian criminal justice system that responds to crime and criminal behaviour: the police, courts and corrections. This course also examines the relationship between these agencies and the impacts and implications of the system. An emphasis is placed on experiential and interactive learning where students will engage with various individuals involved in the system. This course also includes an introduction to Indigenous justice models, community and restorative justice.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

HSWR-211 – Conflict Resolution

This course provides students with an introduction to the theory, process, and skills of conflict resolution in child, youth, and family related conflicts. The course will introduce students to the core elements of conflict, restorative justice, mediation, and negotiation, and will provide the opportunity for students to develop skills for negotiating personal and professional disputes.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $436.24
Course Outline

HSWR-212 – Crisis Intervention

This course provides the student with an introduction to the theory and practical day to day procedures of crisis intervention. Students may be exposed to crisis topics common to a variety of helping profession disciplines, including counseling, education, and social work.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $436.24
Course Outline

Choose one elective from the following:

Notes:

Must choose PSYC 102 if completing the diploma program and requires this course be taken in year 1 Winter Semester.
CRIM 103/ PSYC 103 (offered in Winter Semester) (for diploma stream, this is required in second year)
HSWR 214 (offered in Spring Semester) (for diploma stream, this can be an elective in the second year)

CRIM-103 – Psychological Explanations of Criminal And Deviant Behaviour

This course is an introduction to biological, psychiatric, psychological and social/environmental explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour. Students will also delve into the field of forensic psychology. This course explores specific types of behaviours such as violent offences (homicide), sexual offences and family violence through a psychological lens. The unique nature and needs of Indigenous, female, youth, and mentally ill offenders will also be explored.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. CRIM 101, PSYC 101 and 102 are recommended.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

HSWR-214 – Introduction to Addictions

This course provides an overview of current practices, theories, and models for working with people who use substances. Students will learn about the theories of substance use disorder and the ethical considerations for supporting individuals who use substances, with a focus on justice, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of personal biases. The course’s techniques include: analyzing substances’ physiological, societal, and individual impacts, strategies for reducing harm, assessing treatment theories and exploring regional resources, including intercultural understanding and Indigenous people’s perspectives.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $436.24
Course Outline

PSYC-102 – Introduction to Psychology 2

This course is a continuation of PSYC 101. Topics may include development across the lifespan, intelligence, motivation, emotion, stress and health, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, and social behavior.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent). PSYC 101 is recommended.
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $365.28
Course Outline

Admission Requirements

Your Costs

Career Info and Pathways

Criminal and Social Justice Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements

Tuition:	3,794.72
Application Fee:	$30.00
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Total	$4,222.52

Tuition	$14,278.65
Application Fee	$100.00
International Fee	$100.00
Student Association Fee	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance	$270.00
Total	$15,146.45