Criminology (Diploma)
DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.
Overview
Prepare to enter the criminal justice field with the Diploma in Criminology. Study the criminal justice system and learn about the complex problems encountered in the criminal justice field. Deepen your knowledge of the processes and structures of the Canadian justice system.
You’ll learn from instructors who have experience on the front lines as lawyers, youth workers, police officers, policy makers and psychologists.
Continue your education
Upon graduation, you can seek further education in the fields of criminology, psychology, forensic science or similar, or start your career in areas such as the government, educational institutions or the non-profit sector. You can also choose to continue your education into our Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminology as long as you take the required criminology courses and electives needed to transfer into the degree program.
Admissions Requirements
General College Admission Requirements
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of 60 credits
- 25% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
- Successful completion of 60 credits
- 50% (30 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
- Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: seven (7) years
** A university transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the 5 Research Universities - SFU, UBC, UBCO, UNBC or UVIC – according to the BC Transfer Guide.
Course Requirements:
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Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
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Select one course from the following two options: |
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Introduction to Policing |
3.00 |
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Introduction to Corrections |
3.00 |
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Select one course from the following two options: |
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Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour |
3.00 |
|
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Sociological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour |
3.00 |
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Select one course from the following five options: |
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Critical Thinking |
3.00 |
|
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Values and Contemporary Issues |
3.00 |
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Knowledge, Reason and Experience |
3.00 |
|
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Reality and Existence |
3.00 |
|
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Logical Reasoning |
3.00 |
|
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Required Courses: |
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Introduction to the Criminal Justice System |
3.00 |
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Introduction to Criminology |
3.00 |
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The Canadian Legal System |
3.00 |
|
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Interviewing and Professional Skills |
3.00 |
|
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Criminal Law |
3.00 |
|
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ENGL |
ENGL 1130 (Highly Recommended) or Any UT English Course |
3.00 |
|
An Introduction to Psychology (I) |
3.00 |
|
|
Social Processes |
3.00 |
|
|
CRIM Elective |
Select four to six 1000-4000 level Criminology or Legal Studies courses (1000-2000 level courses must be University Transferable) |
12.00 – 18.00 |
|
Electives |
Select three to five University Transferable courses Relevant elective courses include: ANTH 1100, ANTH 1120, ANTH 1160 GEOG 1100, GEOG 1160, GEOG 1180 SOCI 2230, SOCI 2240, SOCI 2250
|
9.00-15.00 |
|
Total Credits |
|
60.00 |
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
FAQs
No. You apply to the College. Once you are accepted, you can register in Criminology courses. See the Admissions tab for more details.
While there are core Criminology courses you must take, your program of studies requires that you take core courses and electives outside of Criminology such as English, Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy.
For some courses we will offer multiple sections, eg. Intro. to CJS, for some, like our special topic courses, we may offer one section per year. The majority of courses are offered in fall and winter with a smaller selection offered in the summer term.
- to come to class prepared having completed any required readings or review questions
- comprehensive reading and writing assignments
- critical thinking, group discussions, oral presentations, debates
- independent study
Testimonials
Fighting for social equality
More Information
Transferring
Students planning to transfer to a university should complete a minimum 24 credits (to a maximum of 60 credits) of courses that are transferable to their desired university. Admission is competitive and will be based on their grade point average. Certain programs will have other supplemental requirements, so it is important for students to visit the university’s website.
Douglas College Criminology Diploma students wishing to transfer to Simon Fraser University’s School of Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Program
Visit their program website to see what courses transfer.
Douglas College Criminology Diploma or Associate of Arts students wishing to transfer to the Douglas College Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
Students need to complete the requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree, or equivalent for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, at Douglas College. The following are the graduation requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree at any B.C. college:
6 credits (2 courses) first-year English electives
6 credits (2 courses) first-year Humanities electives
6 credits (2 courses) first-year Social Sciences electives
6 credits (2 courses) first-year Arts electives
18 credits (6 courses) second-year Arts electives in 2 or more subject areas
3 credits (1 course) first-year Lab Science elective
3 credits (1 course) first-year Math, Statistics or Computing Science elective
3 credits (1 course) first-year Math, Statistics or Science elective
9 credits (3 courses) other University Transfer electives
See here for further details on the Associate of Arts
While completing the Associate Degree in Arts, students should complete the following Psychology courses as they are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, at Douglas College: PSYC 1100, PSYC 1200, PSYC 2300*, PSYC 2301. As well as two of the following: PSYC 2315, PSYC 2341, PSYC 2360. *Important: The pre-requisite for PSYC 2300 is Principles of Math 11 with a minimum of “C” and PSYC 1100 and PSYC 1200 with a minimum of “C-.”
Douglas College Criminology Diploma or Associate of Arts students wishing transfer to the BCIT Forensic Science Option or the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Option
Visit their program website to see what courses transfer.
If you are uncertain about your career aspirations and/or which receiving institution you would like to further your studies, consider arranging an appointment to consult with a Criminology Coordinator. Appointments can be made by emailing: crimcoordinator@douglascollege.ca
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- BC Deputy Sheriff
- Canada Border Services Officer (CBSA)
- Correctional Officer (Provincial or Federal)
- Court Registry Clerk
- Environmental Conservation Officer
- Immigration & Customs Officer
- Mental Health Worker
- Residential Support/Youth Worker - Group Homes (nonprofit)
- Security Officer
- Support Services Worker - Halfway House/Transition
- 911 Operator/Telecommunications Operator