Program Overview

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Criminology Diploma

Overview

Criminology examines crime, justice and their social impacts through a scientific lens.

You'll learn:

• Fundamentals of statistics, psychology, sociology, criminology, Canadian law and politics
• Advanced topics in criminal behavior, law, policing and corrections
• Broader perspectives through electives in anthropology, business, equity and more
• Strong analytical skills for careers in justice or further studies in law

Location

Comox Valley

Length

2 years

Delivery

Full-time or part-time, in-person

Admission Requirements

• C in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment
• C in Foundations of Math 11 or equivalent or successful Math assessment

Course Requirements

• CRM - 101 Introduction to Criminology
• CRM - 131 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• CRM - 135 Introduction to Canadian Law & Legal Institutions
• CRM - 230 Criminal Law
• POL - 151 Law and Politics
• PSY - 130 Introductory Psychology I
• PSY - 131 Introductory Psychology II
• PSY - 260 Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
• SOC - 110 Introduction to Sociology I
• SOC - 220 Introduction to Sociological Research Methods
• SOC - 230 Sociological Explanations of Crime & Deviance

One of the following:

• ENG - 115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis or
• ENG - 116 Essay Writing & Indigenous Perspectives

One of the following:

• ENG - 122 Reading Literature or
• ENG - 127 Indigenous Literatures in Canada

One of the following:

• PHI - 100 Introductory Philosophy: Knowledge & Reality or
• PHI - 150 Critical Thinking

One of the following:

• STA - 115 Introduction to Statistics or
• PSY - 218 Intro to Data Analysis in Psychology

One of the following:

• CRM - 241 Introduction to Corrections or
• CRM - 251 Introduction to Policing or
• HIS - 260 Historical Reactions to Criminal and Deviant Behaviour

Plus twelve credits (4 courses) chosen from any 100- or 200-level university transfer courses

Completion Requirements

• Students must achieve an overall average grade of C (cumulative GPA of 2.0) calculated on all courses counting toward the Criminology diploma.

Careers

A career in criminology can lead you down many different career paths in various industries. Common careers include criminal investigator, probation officer, social worker and correctional officer.

Costs

Domestic

• Tuition: $6,670
• Student Union: $410
• Learner Resource: $350
• Health and Dental: $570
• Total: $8,000

International

• Tuition: $29,810
• Student Union: $410
• Learner Resource: $350
• Health and Dental: $570
• Student Services Fee: $1,840
• Total: $32,980

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to major in Criminology, what do I need to know?

Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program and students with higher grades will be considered first. Transfer pathways to other institutions are not guaranteed, and many of them are based on your GPA, so keep this in mind. You can see what courses are transferable on the BC Transfer Guide website.

I want to become a police officer, is this a good program to take?

Many police training academies require a minimum level of post-secondary education, so this program can be a great option for those wanting to work with law enforcement. More information on the career overview of police officers can be found on the Justice Institute of BC website.

It's also a good program if you're interested in a career as a correctional officer.

Are there supports for Canadian Forces members at NIC?

Yes, there is. To take advantage of this, an advisor will review your military training and determine if you’re eligible for credit toward NIC certificate, diploma, or associate degree requirements. Graduates of the Criminology program may be eligible for recruitment allowances for the Military Police occupation in the Canadian Armed Forces. For more details or to get started, reach out to NIC’s educational/military advisor.

What supports are there for Indigenous students?

Indigenous Education is a priority at NIC, with Indigenous education navigators and Elders available at each campus. Most of our programs have Indigenous priority admissions, an Indigenous educational navigator can work with you to find the right education fit. Additional resources include financial support, Indigenous student lounges, and Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas, the Indigenous gathering place at the Campbell River campus.

Can I transfer credits from another institution? Or to another institution?

Credit for courses taken at other colleges or universities may be transferrable to NIC. Depending on your area of study, we have block transfer agreements with other institutions, enabling students to transfer a block of courses (typically two years) to the another institution. Details are on the BC Transfer Guide.

For transfers outside these agreements, students must coordinate with the student records office at their new institution. NIC doesn't have block transfer agreements with universities that offer a Criminology Major, but an educational advisor can work with you to develop a personalized transfer plan.