Are you passionate about a career in community and justice services?
This immersive program starts with an off-campus two-night, three-day field experience into Indigenous ways of knowing. In a remote location with rustic accommodations, your faculty introduces critical vocational skills and education founded on Indigenous land-based teachings from Cambrian’s Wabnode Centre, while focusing on building community and perspective-taking on promoting rehabilitation for persons in conflict with the law.
Go beyond the textbook in our scenario room, complete with cell blocks. Explore correctional theory and practices taught by specialists. You’ll examine issues related to addiction and mental health, group dynamics, behaviour management, and inclusive practices. You’ll enter the field with confidence in your analytical reasoning, tactical communication, and motivational interviewing skills honed through scenario-based applications preparing you for the realities of the field.
Program highlights
- 14-week placement (350 hours)
- Hands-on training in safety and security, motivational interviewing, observation, and reporting writing in the College’s scenario room that features three cells and updated technology to practice your skills in a realistic environment
- Tours of a youth centre, a federal minimum and medium-security penitentiary, and a provincial jail (vulnerable sectors police clearance required)
- Guest experts from federal, provincial, and community justice services; victim services; and advocacy agencies
- Specialized training within emerging issues and certification for:
- Self-defense training
- Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCPI)
- Suicide Alertness (safeTALK)
- Suicide intervention (ASIST)
- Situational Awareness Specialist Certificate
- Interprofessional Collaborative Practices
- Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CWP 1210 | Penology | 3 |
| CWP 2310 | Community Corrections | 3 |
| LAW 1010 | Canadian Criminal Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1153 | Social Consciousness | 3 |
| PSY 1010 | Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| CWP 1006 | Youth Justice | 3 |
| CWP 1012 | Inclusive Practices I | 3 |
| CWP 1211 | Law For Correctional Workers | 3 |
| PSY 1004 | Trauma and Mental Health | 3 |
| SOC 1210 | Introduction To Criminology | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| ENG 1008 | Communication for Public Safe | 3 |
| One General Education courses. | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| CWP 1007 | Inclusive Practices II | 2 |
| CWP 1010 | Field Seminar I | 3 |
| CWP 2311 | Program Assessment & Planning | 3 |
| CWP 2340 | Correctional Casework | 3 |
| CWP 2350 | Safety & Security | 3 |
| CWP 2450 | Observation and Report Writing | 3 |
| FIT 1020 | Justice Fitness Fundamentals | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CWP 1014 | Field Placement | 14 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
- 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 admission requirements
All students are required to produce a criminal records check for vulnerable sectors to attend institutional tours and participate in select volunteer experiences. It is strongly recommended that students obtain this prior to registration. An additional criminal reference check is required for fourth semester placement where some placements will require an enhanced criminal records check that may take between six to eight weeks. Placements may also require Standard First Aid, CPR Level C and/or proof of immunization.
Recommendations
- Any law class
- Computer competency in relevant software
Program delivery
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Specific program pathway
Graduates of Police Foundations Programs are eligible to complete the program in a compressed schedule using transferable credits. Students can successfully meet the requirements within one year while still gaining a placement experience of 260-280 hours. Please consult the Enrolment Centre for the exact tuition fees for this option as it can result in additional fees.
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 in:
- Federal and provincial correctional institutions
- Open and secure custody settings for youth
- Residences for adult offenders (halfway houses, treatment centres)
- Residences for youth who are in conflict with the law (group homes)
- Federal and provincial government ministries – Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Corrections Services Canada, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
- Private and non-profit community organizations (NGO's)
- Graduates may also work with people who are at risk of being in conflict with the law and in community-based justice services and/or victim-oriented programs.
- Police Forces including Military Police
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.
