Criminal Justice — diploma

QUICK FACTS

Credential:
Diploma

Duration:
2 years

Start date:
September

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A career in the criminal justice field is a dynamic and challenging one; UFV's Criminal Justice diploma program prepares you for front-line/entry-level jobs in the field.

Gain a broad perspective on issues of law, justice, crime, and criminal behaviour with a well-rounded curriculum that includes subject matter from various disciplines, including criminology, psychology, sociology, communications, and political science.

Learnvaluable skills in mediation, crisis management, and conflict de-escalation, and participate in a field work practicum that is designed to meet your career interests.

After you graduate, you may go directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.

View the program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

View criminology course descriptions in the UFV Academic Calendar

Additional opportunities

Build on-the-job skills by opting for the Co-operative Education option. Combine study semesters with four- eight-, or twelve-month paid work terms, offered in criminal justice field. These opportunities provide you with valuable experience and boost your career prospects.

Join the Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA). CJSA works to connect students with professionals in the criminal justice field, while also providing volunteer and hands-on opportunities.

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

With a Criminal Justice diploma, you’ll set a path toward a dynamic and challenging career as a youth worker, security guard, park ranger, police officer, correctional officer, immigration officer, bylaw enforcement officer, custom inspector, community service order officer, or sheriff's officer.

WorkBC lists police officer as one of the top 100 opportunity occupations in B.C., especially in the Lower Mainland. High demand for law enforcement staff will rise until at least 2025, both because the population is growing and older officers are moving into retirement.