Program_Justice Studies Diploma

Justice Studies Diploma

With a focus on both social, restorative, and criminal justice, the Justice Studies program will inspire you to positively change your community. Learn about the complex origins of crime, how to create a more equitable, safe, and just community, and how to communicate effectively, mediate disputes and resolve conflict in stressful situations.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Diploma
2 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time On Campus

About the Justice Studies Diploma

In this program, you will learn about the elements of the justice system in Canada, how those elements relate to each other, and how the system works at the local, provincial/territorial and federal levels. 

You will learn about the complex origins of crime and criminal behaviour, how to work with other professionals to create a more equitable, safe, and just community, and how to apply skills in mediation and conflict resolution to communicate effectively in stressful situations. You will also learn about the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the connected contemporary issues within the justice system. 

Throughout the program you will liaise with working professionals in the justice system and experience what it means to work in the field through a practicum placement. Understanding the roles and requirements for justice-related professions will prepare you for entry-level positions in the justice field or degree completion in a Justice Studies or related undergraduate program. 

Work-integrated Learning

In the final term of this program, you’ll complete a practicum or capstone project. Registration in the practicum option is limited depending on the number of practicum seats available each year, and selection will be based on Grade Point Average (GPA). GPA is calculated based on the last 30 credits applicable to the Justice Studies Diploma, not including seminars. 

Further Study

After completing the Justice Studies Diploma, you can continue your education to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Justice Studies Diploma transfers directly into the third year of Red Deer Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies. Interested students can complete a Bachelor of Arts with two additional years of study by staying at Red Deer Polytechnic.  

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.   

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Justice Studies Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Justice Studies must have a minimum grade of 60% in the following courses or their equivalents: 

  • ELA 30-1

  • 1 additional course from Group A or equivalent  

    • Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)   

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.   

Field-learning Requirements

Field trip or practicum access may be restricted to students 18 years of age or older based on the agency or institution’s minimum age requirement. 

Field trip and practicum agencies may also have access restrictions related to criminal records and vaccination status. Students who have criminal records or charges pending may be denied access to off-site learning activities. Students who do not meet the eligibility/access requirements may be able to access an alternate learning activity.  Students will be informed of any access restrictions at least one week prior to Field Trips. Requirements for practicum placement will be communicated in year 1 of the program.   

Volunteer opportunities, practicum placements, field trip attendance, and future employment within Justice-related fields will be negatively impacted for individuals who have criminal convictions or charges pending or awaiting disposition from the courts.  The Government of Canada provides information on pardons and record suspensions.  

Practicum Requirements

Applicants must provide, at their own expense, a Police Information Check or Vulnerable Sector Check to many agencies for practicum experience. Adverse information on such checks may limit practicum placement and prevent program completion. It is the decision of each agency or institution whether or not to accept a student for placement based on the results of such checks. 

Some placements may require additional documentation, such as a medical examination, or RCMP Field Investigation and Security Clearance. It is important to learn about these requirements early in the program to ensure sufficient time for receipt of the documentation prior to the fourth term practicum.

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Justice Studies Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

Indigenous Learners

Designated Seats for Qualified Indigenous Applicants

The Justice Studies program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To facilitate greater participation of Indigenous learners, the Justice Studies program has designated 10% of seats for qualified applicants who are Status Indian/First Nations, Non-status Indian/First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, any such designated seats which have not been taken by Indigenous learners meeting admission requirements, and applying under this provision, will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist. 

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar, and qualify for a designated seat by: 

  • Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission 

  • Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry 

Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following): 

  • Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities 

  • Proof that an ancestor's name has been entered in: the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll 

  • Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Indigenous Canada 

  • Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Indigenous ancestry with supporting documentation 

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.  

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$9,100.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students 
Estimated Tuition & Fees
$23,627.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

In this two-year program, you’ll complete 12 Justice Studies courses as well as several electives in other subject areas. These electives are designed to give you a well-rounded foundation as a professional in a Justice-related career.  

Program Courses

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.  

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.