Students currently taking Year 1 of the Justice Studies program will complete the current curriculum and choose a specialty in Year 2.
The Justice Studies program prepares students for diverse careers in law enforcement and public safety. In addition to policing and corrections, graduates may pursue roles in highway patrol, sheriff services, prisoner transport, court security services and protective services.
Start date
August
Length
64 weeks
Location(s)
Prince Albert, Regina, SaskatoonPrepare for a meaningful career in Canada’s justice and public safety sectors. The Justice Studies diploma provides you with a strong foundation in criminal justice, public safety and community engagement.
In first year, you will develop essential knowledge in criminology, policing, corrections, interpersonal communication, ethics and Indigenous justice. The second year of the program builds on the competencies required across correctional, policing and justice related professions. The program offers broad and flexible preparation for multiple career pathways while maintaining hands-on and applied learning across all areas of study.
What you'll learn in year one: Foundations of justice
Topics include:
- communication, report writing and interviewing skills
- criminology and criminal justice system structure
- criminal law and legal processes
- diversity, ethics and professionalism in public safety
- Indigenous justice and the impacts of colonization
- restorative justice and community-based approaches
- restorative justice and women in the justice system
- trauma-informed practice and interpersonal violence
- wellness, physical abilities preparation and personal resilience
What you'll learn in year two: Integrated public safety and correctional practices
The second year of the program helps you develop key competencies required across justice-sector careers through hands‑on practice, scenario-based learning, report writing and critical thinking.
You will study:- addictions and mental health
- advanced reporting and courtroom documentation
- career pathways, entrance exam preparation and interview skills
- community supervision models and the role of the Parole Board of Canada
- crisis management and de-escalation strategies
- emerging technologies in policing, corrections and justice
- ethical implications and human rights considerations
- institutional safety, contraband control and security models
- investigative skills, crime scene procedures and file management
- offender assessment, reintegration and release planning
- search, seizure and restraint procedures
- vehicle stop procedures and enforcement protocols
- workplace wellness, occupational health and safety and physical readiness
- youth justice
Diploma to degree
Career and salary information
Your career
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions across a wide range of public safety and justice roles.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Police officer (Municipal/RCMP) | Police officers (except commissioned) (42100) |
| Deputy sheriff | Sheriffs & bailiffs (43200) |
| Correctional services officer | Correctional services officers (43201) |
| Border services officer | Border services, customs, & immigration officers (43203) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 12
- English Language Requirement
Note
- Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check for agency tours and the work experience component of the program. The Criminal Record Check is not required for the start of the program. Program instructors will provide directions for the Criminal Record Check after the start of the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check is the applicant’s responsibility.
- Applicants with an unresolved criminal record or matters currently before the courts may be unable to complete mandatory components of the program, which could affect their eligibility to complete the program. For more information on how the Criminal Record Check may impact work placement, please contact the program.
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 240 Reading
- 238 Writing
Post-secondary
Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.
Admission method
First Qualified/First Admitted
The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies.
Applications for all FQFA programs open September 1 each year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
Tuition and fees
Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.
To be determined.
Courses
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
- course transfers to Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Youth Care Worker certificate and diploma programs
| Institution | Details |
|---|---|
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Graduates of this program with min GPA of 2.0 may be eligible for admission into the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies. |
| Royal Roads University | Graduates of this program may receive a block transfer of 60 credit units and be eligible for admission into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies. |
| University of Regina | Graduates of this program may receive 30 hours of block transfer to the Bachelor of Human Justice or Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies. |
Student awards
Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
