Keep the peace by learning the basics of protection and security

Brand new cutting edge curriculum will help you prepare for wide-ranging career paths wherever security and protection teams are needed, including emergency services, policing, private security, private investigation firms, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) Forces.

Beginning in the first semester, you will 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 one, you will be eligible to earn your Security Guard License, and in semester two, you will be eligible to able to earn your Private Investigator License. When you graduate, you can pursue your career or take advantage of fast-track options to complete other Cambrian public safety 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 four enhancing career readiness and your portfolio
  • Able to earn your Ontario Security Guard license after semester one (four months) and Ontario Private Investigators license after semester two (eight 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 one year when you graduate 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
GAS 1001 Service Learning Experience 3
FIT 1020 Justice Fitness Fundamentals 3
LAW 1035 Arrest Tactics and Techniques 3
PSY 1090 Mental Hlth for Public Safety 3
HUM 1070 Serving Diverse Populations 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 2
FIT 1120 Justice Fitness Development 3
LAW 1201 Career Options in Law Enforce 3
ENG 1008 Communication for Public Safe 3
LAW 1202 Foundations of the Law 3
LAW 1203 Crime Scene Investigation 3
LAW 1204 Private Investigation 3
SOC 1212 Criminological Thinking 3
 Credits21
Semester 3
FIT 1030 Wellness for Security Prof 3
PSY 1106 Tactical Communication 3
SEC 3005 Placement Seminar 3
SEC 3010 Law Enforcement Alternatives 3
PSY 1004 Trauma and Mental Health 3
HUM 2070 Serving Diverse Populations II 3
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits21
Semester 4
FIT 1130 Adv Wellness for Security Prof 3
SEC 4005 Emergency Management 3
SEC 2324 Security and Communities 3
SEC 4025 Technology in Security 3
SEC 4030 Intelligence Analysis 3
SEC 4015 Placement 6
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits24
 Total Credits87
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

A criminal record check may be required for field trips and placement opportunities. A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this field.

Recommendations

  • Grade 11/12 Physical Education 

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 pathways

  • Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate 

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.