Program Overview

Honours Bachelor of Police Studies

Program Description

The Honours Bachelor of Police Studies degree encourages a broadened critical understanding of the nature, role and function of policing. Students will explore a variety of topics offering opportunities for careers in law enforcement. The program learning outcomes value an integrated learning approach to police education that will provide a diverse range of students with the critical mix of professionalism, technical/legal expertise and analytical skills necessary to succeed in justice-related careers. This multi-dimensional degree complements, rather than duplicates, existing educational initiatives, offering courses that encourage increasing levels of thinking and analysis, which are dynamic in design, rationale and delivery. The learning outcomes are designed to directly calibrate with the policing community and its high professional standards.

Information about Part-Time Delivery

This part-time delivery option is open to current police professionals only. Students must be accepted into the program prior to course registration. Advanced standing is available to professionals working in the field and qualifying graduates of related postsecondary programs. Part-time students are subject to the availability of courses in each semester. All courses are offered fully online.

Admission Requirements

• Currently employed or retired police, RCMP and military professionals at the rank of first class constable or higher
• Complete an application for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) and exemptions as per Georgian College academic calendar

Course Information

Course Offerings and Equivalents

• Canadian Criminal Justice (POLC 1002)
• Community Policing (POLC 1008)
• Criminal Behaviour and Analysis (POLC 4015)
• Criminal Law: Advanced Theories (POLC 3007)
• Criminal Procedures and Evidence (POLC 3008)
• Criminology (POLC 2011)
• Dispute Resolution (POLC 4014)
• Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights (POLC 1009)
• Document and Case Management (POLC 1010)
• Foundations of Interviewing (POLC 3002)
• Fundamental Concepts of Criminal Law (POLC 1004)
• Health and Wellness 1 (POLC 1005)
• Health and Wellness 2 (POLC 2008)
• Honours Research Capstone (POLC 4016)
• Human Resources Management in Policing (POLC 4005)
• Interdisciplinary Modes of Communication (INTS 1007)
• Introduction to Forensic Science (POLC 2010)
• Introduction to Multidisciplinary Research (INTS 1002)
• Introduction to Police Studies (POLC 1000)
• Introduction to Research Methods for Policing (POLC 3014)
• Introduction to Society and Culture (SOCI 1000)
• Leadership Models and Theories (MNGM 1000)
• Mental Health Issues (POLC 2007)
• Police Powers in Canada (POLC 2003)
• Policing and Society (POLC 3012)
• Principles in Traffic Law (POLC 2012)
• Principles of Ethical Reasoning and Policing (POLC 3013)
• Professional Standards in Policing (POLC 4001)
• Provincial Offences (POLC 2006)
• Strategic Communications (POLC 1001)
• Youth Crime and Justice (POLC 2009)

How to Apply

1. Make sure you meet program admission requirements
2. Complete an online application using the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) using the part-time program code
3. When registration opens, select the course(s) from the program webpage course listing and follow the prompt steps to register and pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Finance and Fees

• Are part-time students eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
  • As a part-time student, you may be eligible for OSAP funding, depending on the number of courses you take per semester.
• What is the cost of the program?
  • As a part-time student, you can take one to three courses per semester, paying on a course-by-course basis.

Online Learning

• What is an OntarioLearn (ODE) course?
  • These courses are offered through OntarioLearn. Visit the OntarioLearn webpage to learn more.
• OntarioLearn courses are set up as equivalents to the Georgian courses. You can choose to take the ODE courses or the Georgian courses.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

• Can I transfer credits or prior life or work experience to fast track my studies?
  • Previous postsecondary education: If you’ve completed courses, or some or all of a program, at another accredited postsecondary institution, you may be able to transfer all or some of your courses into a related program at Georgian.
  • Relevant work or life experience: If you have relevant work and/or life experience that relates to your program(s) of interest at Georgian, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an academic credit option.