Criminal Justice - Correctional Studies (2 years) - Lethbridge Community CollegeCorrectional Worker and Services Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Criminal Justice - Correctional Studies (2 years) - Lethbridge Community College Combining theoretical and practical education, Lethbridge Community College's 2-year Diploma in Criminal Justice - Correctional Studies is primarily designed to provide students the knowledge and skills 'for a career in corrections or young offender work,' including an understanding of how to 'help troubled people take responsibility for their own lives.' Students will gain 'a comprehensive introduction to' a wide array of 'ranging from human relations, criminology and psychology to correctional law, casework methods, multiculturalism, interviewing, offender classification and crisis intervention, as well as the hands-on skills required to work in this complex and changing field.' Moreover, students will develop their respective 'critical thinking and reasoning skills in practical exercises.' Students will also be given the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations via 2 work experience placements in relevant settings. Students should be aware that 'employing agencies may' require employees to 'have additional requirements such as a valid driverĘs license, Standard First Aid and CPR,' and thus 'learners are encouraged to maintain their credentials in these areas so that they are current at time of graduation.' Graduates of the Program can pursue employment, career advancement, and/or educational opportunities in various areas of criminal justice or related fields. Career-wise, graduates may be employed in such areas as crime prevention programs, federal and provincial penitentiaries, halfway houses, observation and detention centres, offender reconciliation programs, treatment centres, and special community initiatives. Graduates can be employed as for example, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers, Customs Officers, Federal or Provincial Correctional Officers, Youth Officers, and Youth Workers. Some careers, however, may require additional training and/or education. Graduates can also pursue further educational opportunities at institutes, colleges, and universities across Canada, often with advanced credit. For example, the College has transfer agreements with 3 universities including Athabasca University, University of Great Falls, and University of Lethbridge. At Athabasca, College 'graduates can continue into a Bachelor of Professional Arts majoring in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management.' At Great Falls, graduates 'may receive up to two years credit toward a degree program' and 'complete the degree requirements' on-campus as the University or via distance education. At the University of Lethbridge, graduates are eligible for advanced standing 'toward two courses or six unspecified credits in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University.' Graduates of the Diploma program can also pursue the Bachelor of Applied Arts - Correctional Studies Degree at Lethbridge Community College with advanced credit of 2 full years. To be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Criminal Justice - Correctional Studies program, 'applicants must have an Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent' and 'undergo testing' on which they must 'must achieve a minimum 60th percentile in Reading, Sentence Skills and Elementary Algebra sections of the Computerized Placement Test, although maturity and motivation are also considered.' Applicants receiving a lower score on the Test will still be considered on a case by case basis. Individuals who do not meet the aforementioned academic requirements may still apply and will be considered provided they upgrade their skills through the College and University Preparatory Program. Applicants who 'have experience working in this field of study' may qualify for advanced credit via Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). To apply for PLA, applicants should contact the Program Leader, Ian Hepher, by phone at 403-320-3369 or by email at ian.hepher@lethbridgecollege.ab.ca. In addition to the academic requirements, All applicants must meet the non-academic requirements for admission that includes a questionnaire, hand-written essay, and interview. The questionnaire outlines the applicant's 'motivation to seek entry to a career in the Corrections field...suitability for a career in Corrections...work experiences, additional education and/or training and certification qualifications in special fields; and agencies and persons in the Criminal Justice field' the applicant 'contacted for career information.' Applicants will also be required to submit a handwritten essay and attend 'an interview with a Correctional Studies instructor,' which 'will be conducted immediately following the' Computerized Placement Test. During the interview, the applicant's 'integrity, forthrightness, and motivation' will be assessed by the interviewer 'using a standardized score format.' Based on 'the testing and the interview, the applicant is placed on an admissions list.' Moreover, 'although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants are required to take a medical examination to ensure that their cardiovascular system is suitable to undertake fitness-related exercise and self defense tactics.'
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