Diploma in Customs Border 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 16,337 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
Customs compliance and border security have emerged as areas of national focus in public safety and global trade. Train for a career in this dynamic segment of the Canadian economy. Learn with leaders in virtual learning environments – Loyalist College’s border simulations have been used by the Canada Border Services Agency to train new recruits.
Loyalist College 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 Community and Justice 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 College in just one additional year! Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist College. Learn more about available pathways.
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
- Athabasca University – Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services or Criminal Justice
- Brock University – various*
- Davenport University – Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety and Security Management
- Lakehead University – various*
- Laurentian University – various*
- Laurier Brantford – any honours program
- Nipissing University – various*
- Seneca College – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Ontario Tech University – Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 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
We believe in preparing by doing, with hands-on experience and cutting-edge technology:
- Through experiential learning, develop essential skills in listening, observing, critical thinking, conflict management and decision making.
- Gain a deeper understanding of global diversity through the development of your awareness and understanding of legislation and regulations.
- Experience the role of a border services officer in a virtual learning environment, completing the inspection procedure and questioning unknown travellers as you would in real life.
- Practise searching for and identifying contraband during forensic vehicle searches.
- Develop your proficiency in computer applications used in public and private customs-related industries.
Loyalist is a pioneer in virtual learning:
- The introduction of Canadian border simulations in the Loyalist College curriculum resulted in dramatically higher test results, particularly in the areas of bilingual greeting, mandatory questions, assessing resident status and overall professionalism.
Outstanding Faculty Make the Difference
- Learning takes place in smaller classes with dedicated and experienced instructors.
- The program coordinator has 32 years of experience as a border service officer as well as a distinguished career in education with expertise in Canadian border simulation technology, earning an Educational Technology Award and the Peace Officer Exemplary Award.
- Teaching stays up-to-date on industry trends and technology with feedback from professionals working in the field.
Multiply Your Options in Justice Studies
During a common first year with other justice programs, you will gain insights into human behaviour and Canada’s social and political structures that provide a solid foundation for related careers. The program offers the flexibility to transfer directly into Year Two of:
- Community and Justice Services
- Police Foundations
- Protection, Security and Investigation
Ideal Students
Is It for You?
People enter justice studies from all different backgrounds. Those who thrive in Customs Border Services are the ones who have:
- Good judgment
- A keen eye for detail
- Self-discipline
- An appreciation of Canada’s rich cultural diversity
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
- Border Services - Legislation & Procedures 1
- Border Services - Statutes and Regulations
- Brokerage and Logistics 1
- Essential Communications for Border Services
- Field Practicum 1
- Lifestyle Management & Fitness 3
- Mental Health & Substance Use
- Placement Preparation
- General Education Elective
Second Year - Semester Four
- Border Services - Legislation & Procedures 2
- Border Services Career Preparation
- Brokerage and Logistics 2
- Communication Competencies for Enforcement
- Customs Computer Applications
- Field Practicum 2
- Forensic Search
- Immigration Fundamentals
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Find your career
Graduates of this innovative program are extremely well regarded by employers and business is booming. In just two years, you can train for a lucrative career within the government or the private sector:
• Employers include private businesses, customs brokerages importing and exporting and freight forwarders that ship goods throughout the world.
• Graduates are permitted to enrol in the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) course without having to meet the one-year work requirement.
Graduates are also qualified for front-line positions with the Canada Border Services Agency:
- Oversee border services for millions of people travelling by air, car, rail and boat.
- Welcome more than 200,000 immigrants and refugees to Canada each year.
- Administer import and export requirements for animals and plants.
- Use the latest training and technology to keep illicit drugs, firearms and harmful pests and diseases from entering the country.
- Can progress to careers in intelligence, auditing and investigations, with field experience.
Our Grads Get Great Jobs
- Border Services Officer, Canada Border Services Agency
- Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, City of Mississauga
- Enforcement Officer, Canada Border Services Agency
- Customs Release Analyst, Livingston International
- Border Services Officer, Pearson International Airport
- Program and Client Services Coordinator, Immigrant Services