Keep the peace by learning the basics of protection and security

Build a strong foundation of the fundamentals in criminology, sociology, psychology, and the criminal justice system to prepare for wide-ranging career paths wherever security teams are needed, including emergency services, policing, private security, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) Forces. 
 
Beginning in the first semester, you’ll get real-world exposure through field trips to witness security and protection systems in action. To complement your theoretical knowledge, you’ll undertake safe, hands-on training in our on-campus scenario room to practice different techniques and skills.  

After semester 1, you will be eligible to earn your Security Guard License, and semester 2, you’ll be able to earn your Private Investigator License. When you graduate, you can pursue your career or have fast-track options to complete other Cambrian Justice programs. 

Please note: A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this particular field. Many law and security employers insist on a clean criminal record. 

Program highlights

  • Hands-on training in on-campus Justice Lab 
  • Field trips and tours to visit protection and security systems and organizations 
  • Placement in semester 4 
  • Able to earn your Ontario Security Guard license after semester 1 (4 months) and Ontario Private Investigators license after semester 2 (8 months) 
  • Opportunities to volunteer and work with community partners 
  • Networking opportunities with potential employers 
  • Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just 1 year when you graduate 

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
SEC 1001 Note Taking and Report Writing 3
SEC 1004 Private Investigating and Specialized Services 3
SEC 2322 Security Guard Private Inv. Duties 3
SEC 4000 Career Options 3
SEC 2410 Security Guard: Powers of Arrest 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 2
LAW 1105 Ethics & Diversity Issues 3
PSY 1106 Tactical Communication 3
SEC 1205 Investigations and Evidence 3
SEC 1002 Personal Safety Techniques 3
SEC 2400 Crisis Deescalation 3
SEC 2421 Security Management 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 3
LAW 1010 Canadian Criminal Justice 3
FIT 1510 Physical Fitness and Wellness 2
PFP 1065 Community Policing I 2
POL 1500 Canadian Political Studies 3
SOC 1000 Introduction To Sociology 3
SEC 2323 Placement Seminar 3
SOC 1210 Introduction To Criminology 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits22
Semester 4
ENG 1126 Commun. Skills/Justice Students I 3
FIT 1501 Physical Fitness & Wellness II 2
LAW 3050 Youth In Conflict With Law 3
PFP 3010 Criminal And Civil Law 3
PFP 4010 Provincial Offences 3
PSY 1003 Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions 3
SEC 2324 Security and Communities 2
 Credits19
 Total Credits83
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admissions requirement

Recommendations

  • Computer competency in relevant software

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities with:

  • Security guard or private investigation firms
  • Public police services (such as the Ontario Provincial Police)
  • Canada Customs
  • Various Governmental Agencies
  • Canadian Armed Forces

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.