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 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. Part-time students applying in the Winter or Spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.

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

CRIM 101	Introduction to Criminology	3
ENGL 100	English Composition	3
PSYC 101	Introduction to Psychology 1	3
HSWR 211	Conflict Resolution	3
HSWR 212	Crisis Intervention	3

Winter

CRIM 131	Introduction to the Criminal Justice System	3
COMC 102	Advanced Professional Communications	3
SOCI 102	Introduction to Sociology 2: Social Institutions	3
INDG 101	Introduction to Indigenous Studies	3
Elective	Chosen 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	Diploma stream requires this course be taken in year 1 Winter Semester

Total Credits: 30

View official program outline.

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: $358.14
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: $358.14
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: $358.14
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: $427.69
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 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
Delivery Method: ? Online
Cost: $427.69
Course Outline

Year 1 – Semester 2 – Winter

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: $358.14
Course Outline

COMC-102 – Advanced Professional Communication

This course presents the written and oral communication strategies required in any workplace environment. Students gain practical experience that centers on gathering, summarizing and critically assessing information to produce professional documents. Students will also gain a better understanding on how basic design elements enhance the readability of workplace documents and online communication. This course also focuses on helping students develop speaking skills appropriate to informal and formal presentations and interviews.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 100, COMC 101 or COMC 150
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $358.14
Course Outline

SOCI-102 – Introduction to Sociology 2: Social Institutions

This introductory course examines the major social institutions and social processes in contemporary society, and examines the central theoretical perspectives in sociology: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminism, and postmodernism. Topics include: Family, Education, Religion, Mass Media, Economy and Work, Power, Politics and Government, Social Class and Stratification, Global Stratification, and Collective Behaviour, Social Movements and Social Change.

Minimum Credits: 3
Length: 45 hours
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
Cost: $358.14
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: $358.14
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: $358.14
Course Outline

HSWR-214 – Introduction to Addictions

This course provides the learner with an overview of current practice, theories and models in the field of substance use. Topics include: models of addiction, assessment, intervention and treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse; the impact of substance use on the individual, family and society in general; and ethical issues and challenges for practitioners.

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: $427.69
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: $358.14
Course Outline

Admission Requirements

Your Costs

Criminal and Social Justice Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements

Tuition:	$3,573.32
Application Fee:	$30.00
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$229.50
Total	$3,990.62

Tuition	$15,554.70
Application Fee	$100.00
International Fee	$100.00
Student Association Fee	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee	$177.60
Health and Dental Fee	$229.50
Guard.me Insurance	$270.00
Total	$16,045.13