Criminal Justice

Overview

Prepare for a rewarding career in the criminal justice field. You learn:

• To assist in the rehabilitation and reintegration of people who've come into contact with the justice system
• To build effective working relationships with the diverse range of people you encounter in the criminal justice field
• About sheriff services, youth justice, corrections, policing and various community justice organizations

This program is well-suited for mature self-starters who value teamwork, problem-solving and helping others. Throughout the program, you practise active listening, communication (oral and written), as well as critical thinking and observation skills.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• This program was developed to meet the continuing need for correctional and criminal justice workers in Nova Scotia (and across Canada) as services expand and new models, including crime prevention and restorative justice, are introduced.
• Through a broad range of courses, you gain an understanding of social issues and challenges as they relate to working in the criminal justice system.
• Learning focuses on both the community and the institutional sectors of the criminal justice system.
• During this program, students are required to complete physical tactical training courses.

Other info

• Before applying for this program, it’s important you review the self-assessment statements below and can answer yes to the following: 
  • I understand that this is an intensive 2-year program that requires significant commitment of time each week, often outside of the regularly scheduled classes.
  • I understand the Criminal Justice profession involves working with individuals who have come into contact with the justice system and may involve working with individuals in crisis and potentially traumatic experiences.
  • I understand this program requires fine motor control, good manual dexterity, and physically/mentally demanding components.
  • I understand that in this program I will be required to demonstrate strong communication skills, including oral presentations, report writing and client communication.
  • I understand the demands of the criminal justice field require you to spend long periods of time in stationary positions and may require shifts up to 16 hours in length.
  • I understand criminal justice services are generally required on a 24-hour basis. As a result, many positions in criminal justice require shift work (evenings, nights, weekends and holidays).
  • I understand I will be required to complete two work experiences and will require a flexible schedule during these time frames. 
  • I understand that the Criminal Justice program will require me to incorporate feedback from faculty as part of my learning about the level of professionalism expected when working in the field.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in many programs. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Successful applicants are required to supply a current medical certificate stating that they are capable of strenuous physical activity.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Criminal Justice - Year 1
• Criminal Justice - Year 2

Career options

• The field of criminal justice provides a wide variety of employment opportunities with both institutional and community-based organizations.
• These employment opportunities include working in federal prisons, provincial correctional facilities, parole services and half-way houses for men and for women.
• Employment options may also include: sheriff services, border security, specialized court workers, program workers with restorative justice agencies and front-line workers with non-governmental justice-oriented organizations.

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

CRIM 1000 - Introduction to Criminal Behaviour
This course is designed to allow the learner to explore the various factors that contribute the development of criminal behaviour. Content will include theoretical approaches, psycho-social factors associated with criminal behaviour and dynamic risk factors.

CRIM 1002 - Interpersonal Communications for Justice Workers
This course is designed to introduce the learner to interpersonal skills. Areas to be covered include verbal and nonverbal communication, and active listening.

CRIM 1006 - Tactics for Justice Workers I
This course through simulated experiences provides an opportunity for learners to experience situations with individuals who are displaying behaviours that are viewed by justice workers as being inappropriate.

CRIM 1009 - Canadian Criminal Justice
Students will gain an understanding of the justice system’s response from commission of offence through to final disposition, court structures, policing, and the organization of federal and provincial correctional organizations. The course also explores historical and background perspectives, issues, trends, and patterns in policing, the courts and in corrections.

CRIM 1010 - Diverse Populations
This course is designed to allow the learner to acquire the necessary knowledge to address the needs of the diverse client profiles that the Justice System serves.

CRIM 1011 - Introduction to Forensic Mental Health Issues
The course provides learners the opportunity to broaden their level of knowledge and understanding of mental health issues and the impact of mental health issues on the justice system. This course will build on the understanding of the complexities, challenges and intervention strategies for working with justice clients in a variety of justice settings including policing, corrections and the courts.

CRIM 1012 - Information Seeking Interviews for Criminal Justice
This practice course incorporates two major components. The learner will develop an effective information seeking process that is congruent with contemporary justice practices. The learner will also explore the differences between a retribution and rehabilitation framework during the information seeking component of an interview / intervention.

CRIM 1014 - Healthy Lifestyles for Practice
The purpose of this course is to give the learner an opportunity to design and implement a fitness plan that supports working within justice occupations. Experientially, learners will examine the interconnections between attitude, rest, leisure, diet and exercise while designing a stress resiliency plan appropriate for the field of justice.

CRIM 1016 - Tactics for Justice Workers II
This course challenges learners to broaden their knowledge and application of defence and control skills by displaying collaborative and teamwork approaches within Federal and Provincial legislation and standards.

CRIM 1019 - Law for Criminal Justice
This course will introduce learners to a critical examination of criminal justice practices within the context of relevant law and legislation. Emphasis is placed on the changing workplace and the demands these changes place on new employees.

CRIM 1030 - Professionalism for Justice Workers I
This self-directed course will aid the learner in moving from a student orientation to that of a Criminal Justice System professional. This field is complex and multi-faceted and defies simplistic solutions. Learners are required to be critical thinkers and role models to their clients.

CRIM 1050 - Careers in Criminal Justice
The course challenges learners to broaden their level of knowledge of the field of criminal justice. This self-directed course will provide the learner with the information and knowledge to make an informed decision about the particular area of criminal justice that they would like to focus on for their career.

CRIM 1060 - Crisis and Conflict Management
This course provides the opportunity for the student to understand the dynamics of crisis and conflict management. The student will develop skills and strategies for specific situations that will include critical incidents, suicidal thoughts and behaviours as well as some situational crisis situations. The certifications in the course may change based on industry certifications, standards and availability of courses.

CRIM 2000 - Behaviour Change Interviews for Justice Clients
This practice course builds on the learning from Interview I to foster the development of effective skills in observation, interviewing, and problem solving interventions. These skills will be applicable across various settings. The learner will apply these skills during interview scenarios and role-plays.

CRIM 2005 - Communications for Justice Workers
In the field of criminal justice one of the most valuable skills is the ability to convey your message both verbally and in written form. This course builds on pre-existing skill sets and enhances the learner’s confidence in utilizing those skill sets in a variety of settings. This course will promote and enhance these areas by covering such topic areas as internal and external communication strategies, report writing, resumes and oral presentation skills. It is designed to assist students in building a repertoire of skills and knowledge in the area of justice communications. Students will be introduced to some of the common structures, formats, strategies and techniques used in communication within criminal justice.

CRIM 2010 - Victims and Criminal Justice
This course will examine the impact of crime on victims, from their perspective, the needs of victims, and the range of programs and services to victims.

CRIM 2014 - Tactical Operations
This course builds on theory and skills acquired in Tactics for Justice Workers I and Tactics for Justice Workers II as well as Interpersonal Communications for Justice Workers. Learners will also be introduced to operational theory and skills required in various justice settings. In this course, learners will be challenged to utilize their acquired skills and knowledge through participation in experiential learning activities.

CRIM 2019 - Youth in Conflict with the Criminal Justice System
This course will introduce learners to a critical examination of youth justice practices within the context of relevant law and legislation. Emphasis is placed on the changing workplace and the demands these changes place on new employees.

CRIM 2023 - Professional Ethics
This course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop a code of conduct as well as strategies that will assist in navigating the dilemmas that criminal justice system agencies encounter. The learner will develop skills and mechanisms for specific situations that will include cultural diversity, boundary issues, as well as a variety of subcultures that exist within the system. Learners will also assume a mentoring role with first year students in the exploration of professionalism within the criminal justice system.

CRIM 2025 - Introduction to Policing in Canada
This course will introduce students to the role and function of the Police in the Criminal Justice System. Police officers are often the first point of contact for individuals encountering the system and their input is pivotal to all other components.

CRIM 2030 - Professionalism for Justice Workers II
This self-directed course will aid the learner it moving from a student orientation to that of a Criminal Justice System professional. This field is complex and multi-faceted and defies simplistic solutions. Learners are required to be critical thinkers and role models to their clients.

CRIM 2042 - Conflict Resolution for Justice
This scenario-based course provides the opportunity for the learner to build on the skills and knowledge developed in the criminal justice program.

CRIM 2046 - Evidence Based Case Management
This course will examine the principles of evidence based case management. The course introduces learners to the research, theory and practical skills required to develop evidence based case management strategies for a wide range of justice clients. They will be introduced to the principles of case management, risk assessment and classification. Learners will examine a wide array of programs focusing on those offenders’ typologies experiencing over representation in the justice system. As well, students will investigate various program designs that address specific offender groups.

CRIM 2050 - Community Justice
This course will examine the principles and practices of community justice, as well as the development of community programs to assist at-risk client groups. As well, students will explore restorative justice initiatives, conflict resolution strategies, and preventative measures encompassing the principles of evidence-based practice. This course will also introduce students to the theory and practical skills required to develop effective strategies and assessment techniques for a wide range of clients in the community.

CRIM 2061 - Operational Procedures for Corrections and Sheriff Services
This course builds on theoretical and practical concepts introduced in the Canadian Criminal Justice, Law, and Tactical Operations courses. Learners will explore policies, regulations and procedures applicable to the roles of both sheriff and correctional officers. Refinement of the practical skills necessary to work in various criminal justice settings, such as lock-ups, court houses, prisoner transportation, jails and penitentiaries, as well as other relevant public settings will also be focused on.

CRIM 2090 - Concurrent Field Practicum
The course is designed as the first phase of their transition to work where learners will have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and evaluation of the material covered in the various courses within the Criminal Justice program. This course challenges the learner to use skills in observing, communicating, assessing, problem-solving in a variety of justice settings. Learners are expected to perform a significant role within their placement organizations by attending their assigned agency 1 or 2 days per week or a block or a combination of the two.

CRIM 3090 - Block Field Practicum
The course is designed as the work phase where learners will have an opportunity to demonstrate their learning, evaluation, and integration of the material covered in the various courses within the Criminal Justice program. This course challenges the learner to use skills in observing, communicating, assessing, problem-solving and evaluation of programs in a variety of justice settings. Learners are expected to perform a significant role within their placement organizations by attending their assigned agency for a 5-week block experience.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SOCS 1000 - Introduction to Sociology
This survey course focuses on the major sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives.

SOCS 1001 - Introduction to Psychology
This survey course will introduce students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. It will explore its goals, theoretical perspectives, research and applications. It will challenge students to make connections between areas of study and their everyday experience.

SOCS 1005 - Writing Skills for Social Service Practice I
Effective written communication skills are a necessary component for success in the social services environment where transparency, accountability and integrity are core values connected to providing service for others. This one semester course is designed to afford the student the opportunity to develop the skills required to manage information and prepare documents used in the social services field.