Justice Studies Diploma: Correctional Studies Specialization

Correctional Studies graduates are currently in high demand across the province. A Justice Studies Diploma with a Correctional Studies Specialization opens doors to diverse opportunities for rewarding careers in correctional institutions, community corrections, probation, and more.

After graduation, you will be prepared to apply your knowledge and skills in an engaging environment where every day presents exciting and unique challenges.

This exciting full-time two-year (four semester) career program begins every fall.

Potential Careers in Correctional Studies

Correctional Peace Officer	Correctional Service Worker
Probation Officer	Community Corrections Officer
Not-for-profit Offender Services Worker	Reintegration Worker
Remand / Attendance Centre Worker	Sheriff

Tuition and Financial Aid

Refer to the Program Tuition Fee Chart for an estimate of the cost of completing a Bow Valley College career program. Consider the costs of tuition, additional fees, textbooks, and police information check fees when creating a budget. Attend a Financial Aid Information Session for advice on financing a Bow Valley College education.

Note: All students registered in a Justice Studies Diploma program are required to write the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) assessment in semester one of their program.

Courses in Program

Curriculum is subject to change.

Year 1

Course	Credits	Hours
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (CORR151)	3	45
Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills (COMM180)	3	45
Health, Wellness and Fitness I (HHC0022)	3	45
Effective Presentation and Speech (COMM173)	3	45
Introduction to Sociology (SOCI150)	3	45
Diversity and Criminal Justice in Canada (CORR155)	3	45
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC150)	3	45
Suicide Prevention (HHC0245)	1	15
Criminology (CORR255)	3	45
Fundamentals of Written Communication (COMM181)	3	45
Technical Report Writing (COMM200)	3	45
Basic Computer Skills for Human Service Workers (COMP149)	3	45

Year 2

Course	Credits	Hours
Abnormal Psychology (PSYC250)	3	45
Health, Wellness and Fitness II (HHC0246)	1	15
Correctional Methods (CORR254)	3	45
Special Needs Offenders (SOCI250)	3	45
Introduction to Corrections (CORR150)	3	45
Correctional Administration (CORR252)	3	45
Correctional Casework and Counselling (CORR253)	3	45
Criminal Law in Canada (LEGL160)	3	45
Correctional Law (LEGL161)	3	45
Drug Awareness and Consequences (HHC0310)	1	15
Influences of the Media on Justice (HHC0311)	3	45
Court and Trial Preparedness (HHC0312)	1	15
Aboriginal and Visible Minority Issues within the Criminal Justice System (HHC0313)	3	45

 

Additional Admission Requirement

• A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) that is completely clear. The applicant must have no criminal convictions for which they have not received a pardon or record suspension, and have no criminal charges pending or awaiting disposition from the courts, or sentences not yet fully completed. Career and volunteer opportunities may be limited if an applicant or an applicant's family member has been involved with the criminal justice system in the past. Applicants with further questions are advised to contact the Justice Studies Program Coordinator.
  

Transferability

Graduates of this program may be granted 60 credits (or two years advanced standing) of block transfer to: 

• Athabasca University - Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice or Governance, Law and Management
• Griffith University - Graduates are eligible for 1.5 years of advanced standing into the Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Lethbridge College - Bachelor of Applied Arts, Correctional Studies
• Royal Roads University - Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies

Some transfer credits are available to:

• University of Calgary - Graduates of two-year BVC diploma programs will be awarded up to 5 full course junior open options

Some transfer credit is available from:

• College of the Rockies
• Douglas College
• Mount Royal University