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Justice Studies

Justice Studies

“What made me fall in love with UofGH every week was the comforting feeling of opportunity constantly on the horizon. UofGH had so much in store for me, and it transformed me as a student, person and leader.”

Learn about Vic

Earn 2 Credentials
HONOURS BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN JUSTICE STUDIES
from the University of Guelph
+
DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE SERVICES OR POLICE FOUNDATIONS
from Humber

What are the possibilities for me?

Options include...

  • Anti-terrorism Analyst
  • Corporate Investigator
  • Victim Services Worker
  • Bylaw Enforcement
  • Crime Analyst
  • Police Officer
  • Anti-money Laundering Investigator
  • Research Analyst
  • Corporate Security Manager
  • Court Reporter
  • Parole Officer
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Certified Protection Professional
  • Border Services Officer

Graduate school and further education

  • Law School
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Arts in Political Science
  • Master of Arts in Social Justice
  • Master of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy
  • Graduate Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Graduate Certificate in Insurance Management - Property & Casualty
  • Graduate Certificate in Advanced Investigations & Enforcement

Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.

If you don't see your career goal listed here - talk to us! There are many more options.

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Admission Info
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What will I learn? 

Get exposed to the justice system: from the rules we follow to dealing with people and communities to the hands-on processing of crime scenes and making arrests. Understand social justice issues, diversity, inclusion and equity, mental health and first aid, and globalization.

Justice is a broad field and your studies will reflect that, ensuring multiple career pathways are open to you. Build key skills such as critical thinking, research methods and how to write effectively and prepare for a future in private, institutional or community settings.

1st year: Build a foundation in justice and related fields.

2nd year: Begin to take courses that touch on various services and how they are delivered including counselling, conflict resolution, forensics and policing. Decide which diploma to pursue:

  • Diploma in Community & Justice Services: Focuses on social issues and explores the development of community programs, ways to work with both victims and offenders, and methods of crime prevention.
  • Diploma in Police Foundations: Prepares you for a career in the various levels of law enforcement in the Canadian justice system.

3rd/4th years: Move on to advanced courses that immerse you in topics such as ethics; rights and freedoms; youth and the law; and criminology.

Be career ready
Get the preparation needed for law school, locally or abroad. Our graduates come back to tell us just how well-prepared they were for their studies—standing out among their peers. Our student-led, justice-focused extracurriculars are outstanding hands-on experience (see "Learn outside of class", below). Other steps you can take include:

  • Select a placement in a law office or perhaps the Crown Attorney's Office
  • Take advantage of GH info sessions for LSAT and applying to law school

We can prepare you for work in police services, border services and other law enforcement. Evaluate staged crime scenes in our crime scene investigation (CSI) room. Use mock court to role-play a case. Learn investigative techniques and how to handle evidence.

Looking for other grad school options? You’ll get the academic foundation and practical applications to prepare you for a range of graduate studies.

First-year courses

Students discussing
  • Crime & Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Offences
  • Health & Wellness I
  • Introduction to Law
  • Introduction to Police Powers
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Justice Studies Writing & Communication Skills
  • Principles of Sociology
  • Provincial Legislation
  • Public Sector Management
 

200 hours of workplace experience

0 hrs 2nd Year
+
0 hrs 3rd Year

Past placement partners include:

  • Various police services
  • Law offices
  • Ministry of the Attorney General
  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Forensic Psychiatry Program
  • Private investigation/security companies
  • Canada Border Services Agency
  • Toronto South Detention Centre/Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
  • Elizabeth Fry Society
  • Public Safety Canada
  • Toronto Court Services
  • Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services
  • Community safety and crisis intervention services (includes campus safety, student EDI services, crisis prevention and mental health) 
  • Special Investigations Unit (SIU)

Note: You may be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening and/or Criminal Reference Check prior to placement.

#GHApproach

Profs in the industry

You are taught by professionals currently working in their field. They will tell you what they’re experiencing in law offices, police services, corporate offices, emergency services, etc. in real time.

Supported learning

  • Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
  • Your professors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
  • Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away. Check out your team: Academic Advisor, Placement Coordinator, Career Coordinator, Librarian and Student Life Coordinator.

Safe spaces

Once you experience, it you’ll recognize it. UofGH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of Program Heads, professors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.

Learn outside of class

Awards and competitions

Join our award-winning teams to represent the University in justice case competitions against other postsecondary institutions (local, regional and abroad). Solve complex problems, earn valuable experience and network with top professionals. Hear more about our recent win.

moot court

Wrongful conviction

Join the work of Innocence Canada   to work on correcting wrongful convictions. UofGH is a partner with Innocence Canada and hosts a Wrongful Conviction Day event each year. Student work tirelessly on cases to help correct the past.

two people working on file

Societies

Join the Criminal Justice Honour Society, Alpha Phi Sigma, that promotes academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity. 

Become a member of the Pre-Law Society to foster a culture of legal inquiry and critical thought processes in the academic community; members compete in moot court competitions and prepare for LSATs and law school.

Check out our Clubs and Societies page.

alpha phi sigma members

Extra! Extra!

UofGH offers more extracurriculars for students in all programs. Learn more on our Extra! Extra! page.

Travel and learn with Study Tours (10 days) and Study Elsewhere (one semester). Visit our Global Learning Opportunities page for details!

photo abroad from singapore by Dylan Cunanan
Samantha

“The program prepares you for the legal industry...I developed hard and soft skills through placement as a Court Clerk at the Ontario Court of Justice...There are so many opportunities in the future to branch out to different roles.”

Learn about Samantha
 

Unique opportunities

Get certified

Register to take part in mental health first-aid training, and have it officially recognized on your Co-Curricular Record.

group discussion

Heading to law school

Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with The City Law School, City, University of London   in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London   in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.

london bridge

A step ahead

After graduation, take advantage of our partnership for a Master of Science degree with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) MSc in Management. Speak with your Academic Advisor for more information.