Are you ready to be a role model and make a difference in people’s lives? If so, then a career in Corrections may be for you. In our two-year Corrections program, you’ll gain the required competencies through your courses and experiential learning opportunities in our specialized learning spaces to become exceptional candidates for a rewarding and challenging career in corrections.
Sharing a common first year with students in our Criminal Justice – Policing program, you will develop key competencies such as communications and interpersonal-problem solving skills that are critical in corrections. In your second year, you will enhance your specialization skills relevant to corrections by learning principles of behavioural change and other assessment skills.
Dual Diploma Option
Students pursuing Criminal Justice – Policing or Correctional Studies diplomas with the School of Justice share a common first year of courses. The common first year design of our justice programming facilitates opportunities for you to start your journey in public safety together with students from the Criminal Justice-Policing diploma. Together, you’ll exchange ideas and beliefs, and have an inclusive educational experience that will strengthen relationships and understandings of all branches within the public safety field. Additionally, all students will have the opportunity to learn the ethical framework that should guide the actions of all public safety professionals. The common first year also enables students to take one extra semester to earn a second diploma from the School of Justice at Lethbridge College.
Apply Now Grab and Go InformationCareer Opportunities
At the end of the program, you'll be prepared for work throughout the criminal justice system in positions such as:
- Federal Correctional Officer
- Halfway House Counsellor
- Provincial Correctional Officer
- Victim Services Worker
- Youth Worker
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
50+ years
of delivering quality public safety education
4
state-of-the-art learning spaces: courtroom, crisis apartment, conflict resolution simulators and interviewing rooms
2 diplomas
can be earned in just over two years with our common first year for Criminal Justice – Policing and Correctional Studies programs
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and January (on campus or online), and May (online only)
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Program Availability
View the program availability for the upcoming intakes.
Academic Centre
Admissions
This program is available for International Students.
New applicants are accepted into the Correctional Studies program in the Fall (September) term for on-campus and online study. Students can also start in the Winter (January) or Spring (May) term for online study.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge College programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Medical Requirements
Although no physical requirements are placed on applicants for entry to the program, applicants should ensure through a medical examination that their cardiovascular system is suitable to undertake fitness-related exercise.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Correctional Studies diploma.
Note: Employing agencies may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, Standard First Aid and CPR. Learners are encouraged to maintain their credentials in these areas so that they are current at time of graduation.
Athabasca University
Graduates of the Correctional Studies diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) in Human Services, Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) in Criminal Justice or, Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management.
Lethbridge College
Graduates of Lethbridge College's Correctional Studies diploma who choose to enter the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies program at Lethbridge College will get two full years of credit towards the degree. Courses are provided on campus or through distributed/online learning. Details regarding this program can be found in this calendar and on the Lethbridge College website.
Royal Roads University
Lethbridge College's Correctional Studies diploma graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible for full block transfer into the third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University. For more information, please visit https://www.royalroads.ca
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pre-Placement Requirements
This program has a required Work-Integrated Learning Pre-Placement Requirements (WIL) component. The College dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the WIL.
Students must meet and maintain certain requirements to participate in the WIL setting as determined by programs, practice agencies and/or legislated by government bodies. These may include health (e.g. immunizations, screening tests, etc.), privacy and security (e.g. police information check, IT access, etc.), and OH&S requirements (e.g. CPR certification, Fire Safety, WHMIS, Mask Fit-testing, etc.).
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage - WIL placement agencies and employers usually require WCB coverage on behalf of the student. Students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Alberta are deemed to be employees of the Province of Alberta and, as such, provided WCB coverage. In certain instances for students outside of Alberta, WCB coverage may not be provided (e.g. non-Alberta residents taking a course solely through distance learning with a WIL placement outside of Alberta). These students are advised to contact the program prior to application.
Students with disabilities who may require accommodations must schedule an appointment with Accessibility Services at Lethbridge College preferably upon acceptance to the program and no later than the Add/Drop deadline to identify potential impacts of their disabilities in the WIL setting. As part of this process, it may be necessary to collaborate with WIL supervisors to determine appropriate accommodations that do not compromise the health and safety of clients, essential placement requirements, or mandatory licensing processes. Failure to consult with Accessibility Services in a timely fashion may compromise the student's WIL placement and opportunities for success in the WIL setting.
In order to participate in a WIL, a student may be required to complete a Police Information Check or other type of Security Clearance to the satisfaction of Lethbridge College and the WIL organization. Completion of a WIL does not guarantee employment with a WIL organization. Many disciplines are provincially or otherwise regulated (e.g. health professions under Alberta's Health Professions Act); such regulation is beyond Lethbridge College's control. Completion of a WIL and graduation from a certain program do not guarantee one's licensure or admission into a regulatory body. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with a representative of the relevant regulatory body if they have concerns.
WIL sites may include Lethbridge, surrounding rural communities, and may extend beyond these boundaries depending on WIL site availability and approvals. WIL’s may include day, evening, and/or weekend schedules. Students will be expected to travel to assigned sites and will be responsible for arranging travel and any associated costs.
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Delivery Formats
The Correctional Studies program is available through on-campus delivery, which may include some blended delivery components, as well as a fully online delivery.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge College campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Online – Asynchronous
This program is offered in an online asynchronous format meaning learning does not occur at the same time or same place. Instructors provide materials for online completion, including online readings, recorded lectures or presentations, posted lecture notes, video content, assignments and exams. Students access course materials within a flexible timeframe prescribed by the instructor.
Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CJP-1159 | Ethics and Critical Thought | 3 |
| CJP-1160 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| COM-1165 | Public Safety Communications/Interpersonal Relations | 3 |
| ENG-1150 | Composition | 3 |
| LAW-1177 | Procedural Law in Canada | 3 |
| PSY-1160 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-1157 | Preliminary Response and Investigation | 3 |
| CJP-1177 | Applied English & Public Safety Writing | 3 |
| CJP-1185 | Diverse Populations in Public Safety | 3 |
| COR-1180 | Youth in the Justice System | 3 |
| LAW-1178 | Criminal and Correctional Offences | 3 |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term I | ||
| CJP-2281 | Conflict Management | 3 |
| COR-2253 | Correctional Assessment | 3 |
| PED-1190 | Fitness & Lifestyles in Public Safety I | 3 |
| SOC-2255 | Complex Correctional Populations | 3 |
| SOC-2290 | Addictions and Mental Health in Justice | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| CJP-2278 | Criminology | 3 |
| CJP-2287 | Strategies in Crisis Situations | 3 |
| COR-2277 | Corrections Administration | 3 |
| COR-2295 | Correctional Case Work and Practices | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 69 | |
Approved Electives
To fulfill elective requirements, choose one elective from List A and one elective from List B or two electives from List B.
List A - Specialized Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJP-2280 | Introduction to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement | 3 |
| CJP-2294 | Specialized Policing | 3 |
| CJP-2295 | Traffic | 3 |
| CJP-2296 | Career Preparation for Public Safety | 3 |
| COR-2262 | Drugs in Corrections | 3 |
| FWK-2280 | Field Work Practicum | 3 |
List B - Breadth Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANT-1195 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT-2295 | Anthropology of Gender | 3 |
| ARK-1165 | Introduction Into Archaeology | 3 |
| BIO-1160 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO-1162 | Microbiology | 3 |
| BIO-1169 | Structural Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BLK-1151 | Blackfoot Language I | 3 |
| BLK-2251 | Blackfoot Language II | 3 |
| BUS-1166 | Business Law | 3 |
| BUS-1170 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| BUS-2278 | Industrial and Labour Relations | 3 |
| ENG-1190 | Introduction to Language and Literature | 3 |
| HUM-1150 | Logic | 3 |
| HUM-1158 | Creative Problem-Solving | 3 |
| HUM-1180 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| HUM-1190 | Popular Culture | 3 |
| INS-1150 | Exploring Indigenous Perspectives | 3 |
| INS-1155 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| PSC-1150 | Local Government | 3 |
| PSC-1161 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| PSC-1165 | Canadian Government | 3 |
| PSY-1170 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSY-1177 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| PSY-1179 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| PSY-2253 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSY-2260 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2270 | Introduction to Personality Theory | 3 |
| PSY-2275 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2280 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-2290 | Brain and Behaviour | 3 |
| SOC-1167 | Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| SOC-2260 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SPN-1150 | Introductory Spanish | 3 |
| SPN-1151 | Introductory Spanish II | 3 |
| VXR-1150 | Introduction to Immersive Technology | 3 |
Tuition and Fees
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,275.00
|
$1,336.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$4,757.00
|
$1,249.00
|
$1,000.00
|
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$16,795.00
|
$1,336.00
|
$1,200.00
|
| Year 2
|
$15,793.00
|
$1,249.00
|
$1,000.00
|
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
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Centre for Justice & Human Services
Featured Graduates
Natalie Corscadden
“I chose the Correctional Studies program because I wanted to make a change in the world and make a change in others’ lives. I loved how most of the instructors I had were so open and genuine to us in class as well as outside the classroom! The stories that they told makes it so much easier to relate the things that we are being taught in class!"
Kristi Austin
“I always wanted to know about the criminal justice system, but I don’t just want to know why we’re arresting people. I want to know why they’re committing those crimes and how they think and process things because then rehabilitating them into proper respectable citizens is a little bit easier. Corrections gives me that aspect into why."
Nathalie Porter
“After graduating with my Correctional Studies degree in 2012, I worked in various fields before getting hired on with the B.C. government in Community Corrections. It took three years of auxiliary work before I managed to score a permanent position, but it was well worth the wait! For anyone who may be looking at work in B.C. in a related position for the government, the hiring process can be highly competitive, but if you keep at it, it will all work out! I felt highly prepared for my career because of the Correctional Studies program at Lethbridge College and the amazing instructors and mentors I had during my time there. If you are looking at a career in the corrections field, this four-year degree program will give you the best chance of success, and put you ahead of the game. Thank you Lethbridge College!”
Scholarships
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge College awards and scholarships for which you qualify, including these featured scholarships: