Justice Studies: Public Safety

Program Overview

The Justice Studies: Public Safety program provides learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for a rewarding career within the field in a variety of Canadian correctional institutions and environments, including employment in federal, provincial and private security agencies. This program provides a theoretical and practical introduction to Canadian criminal justice and law concepts. Learners develop the mental and physical behaviours necessary to succeed in security and law enforcement. Written documentation is also essential to the justice system and is emphasized throughout the program. Those within public safety help enforce laws, process policies, and rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals who are in conflict with the law.

This program is well suited for mature responsible individuals who value teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, healthy lifestyles and helping others. A key focus is to prepare the learner with the skills needed to build effective working relationships with the diverse range of individuals encountered in both community and institutional settings.

An integral component of the Justice Studies: Public Safety program is a strong emphasis on practical skills by learning through simulations and roleplay. There are opportunities for applied workplace experiences over the course of the program through field placement(s) and industry capstone options. Within field placements, learners may be placed in a variety of criminal justice areas within the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Admission Requirements

Profile A
High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

Specific Considerations

• Department of Justice and Public Safety requires students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for tours/or field trips and applied workplace experiences.  Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned will likely be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate. 
• Students must provide the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector check to be screened for the application process.
• Mature applicants with related experience or training who do not meet the academic admission requirements may be considered for acceptance following additional assessment conducted at the college. Please contact us for further direction. 
• Candidates should also be aware that they will be required to participate in strenuous physical fitness classes and are encouraged to consult with their family physician.
• Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, Department of Justice and Public Safety may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical Form (pdf) and proof of valid CPR Level C Lifesaver certification. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

Technology Requirements
NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Students will have access to free wifi.

Areas of Study

Articulation Agreements

Griffith University
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Griffith University will grant up to one and a half (1.5) years of advanced standing (i.e., entry into the fourth semester) of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree to graduates of the Criminal Justice Programs.

University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.

Humber College
Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice
Students with appropriate pre-requisites and grades (min. 65%) may be eligible for admission into advance semesters.

Athabasca University
Graduates from NBCC's two-year Criminal Justice: Public Safety program may receive 60 credits towards the following Athabasca Programs:

• Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (BPA-HSRV)
• Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law & Management (BPA-GLM)
• Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications Studies (BPA-CMNS)
• Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice (BPA-CRJS)

Cape Breton University
Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Degree (BACS).
NBCC graduates with a minimum grade of 65% can receive up to a maximum of 45 credit hours of transfer towards the 90 credits required for CBU's 3-year BACS degree and a maximum of 51 credit hours of transfer towards the 120 credits required for CBU's 4 year BACS degree.

St. Thomas University
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice.
NBCC graduates with a minimum cumulative GPA of 70% can receive 2 years credit.

NOC Codes

• 43201 - Correctional service officers

Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.