Diploma in Community and Justice Services
Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
Key Information
Campus location
Belleville, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 16,908 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
Community and justice services professionals often work with clients who find themselves at a crossroads. They work within the justice system – focusing on keeping people out of it through prevention, intervention and rehabilitation. Help build stronger, safer communities by helping people at risk gain the skills and support they need to make positive life choices.
Loyalist Offers Flexible Learning
- You can start your two-year program in September or January
- A common first-year curriculum allows the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of Customs Border Services, Police Foundations or Protection, Security and Investigation
Pathways for Justice Studies Graduates
Graduates can double their career options by completing a second Justice Studies diploma at Loyalist in just one additional year! Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College.
Turn Your Diploma into a Degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. The following is a list of agreements that are currently in place. There are many more options, and new agreements are added annually.
- Algoma University – B.A.; B.B.A.; B.Sc.; Bachelor of Computer Science
- Brock University – various*
- Carleton University – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
- Conestoga College – Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice
- Davenport University – Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety and Security Management
- Georgian College – Bachelor of Human Services in Police Studies
- Humber College – Bachelor of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice
- Lakehead University – Bachelor of Arts and Science (Honours) in Criminology
- Laurentian University – Bachelor of Arts (General) Law and Justice
- Laurier Brantford – any honours program
- Limerick Institute of Technology – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development (Year 3)
- Nipissing University – Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Royal Roads University – Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies
- Seneca College – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- University of Fredericton/Husson University – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- University of Guelph – Bachelor of Applied Arts (General) Justice Studies or Bachelor of Arts and Science in Justice Studies
- Ontario Tech University – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Justice or Forensic Psychology; B.A. Adult Education and Digital Technology
- University of Waterloo – various*
- Wilfrid Laurier University – various*
- York University – various*
* Various potential degree pathways. Please confirm details with the receiving institution.
Experiential Learning
Our program adapts to emerging policies and best practices to prepare students for the workplace — with practical, hands-on learning:
- Sharpen your assessment and communication skills during scenario-based role-plays, emphasizing personal safety and the protection of staff, clients and the community.
- Visit adult and youth detention facilities and earn a certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
- Hear from guest speakers who share their real-life experiences with post-traumatic stress, suicide interventions and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, as well as professionals working in group homes, federal and provincial corrections and sexual assault centres.
- Help clients across the spectrum of the justice system with a three-fold focus on prevention, intervention and reintegration.
Outstanding Faculty Make the Difference
- Students build strong connections with their professors and each other in small, tight-knit classes
- Faculty draw from a range of professional experience working in detention facilities as well as residential, educational and open custody settings
- Instructors bring varied expertise in counselling, mental health and addictions, probation, parole and working with at-risk youth
- The program stays up-to-date and relevant with ongoing feedback from graduates and an advisory committee of current industry professionals
Multiply Your Options in Justice Studies
As you get a feel for different careers in the field of justice, it’s important to find the right fit for you. A common first-year curriculum allows the flexibility to transfer directly into year two of:
- Police Foundations
- Protection, Security and Investigation
Ideal Students
Is It for You?
Students entering this program should have a strong desire to make our communities safer. Successful candidates are:
- Excellent communicators
- Good listeners
- Committed to helping others
- Open to self-reflection and personal growth
Admissions
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
- Canadian Criminal Justice System
- College Writing Skills
- Ethical Considerations in Justice
- Interpersonal & Group Dynamics
- Lifestyle Management & Fitness 1
- Sociology
- General Education Elective
First Year - Semester Two
- Career Resource Development
- Conflict Management & Crisis Intervention
- Criminal and Civil Law
- Criminology
- Issues in Diverse Populations
- Lifestyle Management & Fitness 2
- Psychology
- General Education Elective
Second Year - Semester Three
- Abnormal Psychology
- CJS Practicum 1
- Community & Client Services
- Introduction to Counselling
- Penology
- Placement Preparation
- Youth in Conflict
- General Education Elective
Second Year - Semester Four
- Addictions & Mental Health
- CJS Career Preparation
- CJS Practicum 2
- Principles of Case Management
- Programming for Intervention & Reintegration
- Safe & Secure Environments
- Special Populations
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Find Your Career
Train for a rewarding career and help make a real difference in the lives of people at risk.
- Work with clients ranging from children to young offenders to adults, and people with addictions, developmental delays and mental health challenges.
- There are opportunities in a vast range of settings: youth custody facilities, child welfare homes, federal and provincial correctional facilities, attendance centres, community justice agencies, victim support agencies and a variety of residential facilities for people at risk.
- Grads who successfully complete the provincial or federal correctional system recruitment process will receive additional training upon employment.
- There is such a strong demand for community and justice services professionals that many students receive job offers before they graduate.
Our Grads Get Great Jobs
- Correctional Officer, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
- Child and Youth Worker, Terrace Youth Residential Services
- Probation and Parole Officer, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
- Youth Services Officer, Ministry of Children and Youth Services
- Child and Youth Worker, Bayfield Treatment Centres/Connor Homes
- Correctional Officer, Correctional Service of Canada
- Adult Residential Worker, Pathways to Independence/Kerry’s Place Autism Services
- Branch Service and Support Coordinator, Canadian Mental Health Association of Leeds and Grenville
- Integrity Services Investigator, Service Canada