Correctional Services Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies
MacEwan.ca/Corrections
The Correctional Services diploma prepares graduates to work in a variety of positions in corrections and criminal justice fields including community agencies, correctional institutions, residential settings, restorative justice and related human service careers. Graduates work with adults and youth in conflict with the law, or who are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. The program provides theoretical knowledge, skill development and practical experience for the entry-level corrections and criminal justice professional.
The Correctional Services program stresses the dual yet inseparable function of the criminal justice system: protection of the public and providing assistance to offenders to become law abiding citizens. Students acquire essential skills and knowledge about the criminal justice system as well as professional practice information and expertise.
The first year provides a number of foundation courses concentrating on self-awareness, criminological theory and knowledge of the criminal justice system. Introduction to field placement provides an opportunity for students to acquire practice competencies including professionalism, crisis intervention, security procedures and suicide prevention.
The second year concentrates on skill development such as counselling strategies, case management, risk/needs assessment, documentation and working with special offender populations. Field placement provides students with the practical, first-hand experience in the field of corrections and criminal justice with the expectation that students apply the knowledge and skills discussed in the classroom.
Career Potential
Graduates are employed by both the provincial and federal governments and non-profit agencies. Graduates obtain employment as probation officers, youth workers, behavioural counsellors, correctional officers, case workers, police officers, and other related criminal justice positions. Many graduates eventually move into administrative and managerial positions in corrections and criminal justice agencies. Program graduates establish a network of career contacts through field placement and classroom activities. Graduates apply directly to corrections and/or criminal justice or related agencies and must demonstrate they meet the minimum position requirements. Shift work is often required, and many entry positions recruit through casual or wage employment.
Contact Information
On-Campus Studies
T: 780-497-5221
E: corrections@macewan.ca
Distance Studies
T: 780-497-5221
E: correctionsdistance@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-407, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4567
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| CORR 100 | Human Relations | 3 |
| CORR 102 | Foundations of Criminal Law | 3 |
| CORR 104 | Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CORR 110 | Introductory Criminology | 3 |
| CORR 112 | Correctional Interviewing | 3 |
| CORR 114 | Introduction to Field Placement | 2 |
| CORR 118 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CORR 120 | Restorative Justice | 3 |
| SOCI 100 | Introductory Sociology 1 | 3 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| CORR 116 | Integration Seminar I | 1 |
| CORR 202 | Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CORR 204 | Addiction in the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CORR 208 | Selected Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CORR 210 | Correctional Methods and Practice | 3 |
| CORR 214 | Field Placement I | 4 |
| CORR 216 | Integration Seminar II | 1 |
| CORR 218 | Youth and Crime | 3 |
| CORR 220 | Correctional Counselling | 3 |
| CORR 224 | Field Placement II | 4 |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I 1 | 3 |
| or PSYC 105 | Introductory Psychology II | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
| 1 | The minimum passing grade for this course is a C-. |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| INTD 105 | CORR 100 |
Program Regulations
Program Standards
Students admitted to this program are presumed to be capable of fulfilling the academic requirements of their program with, if applicable, provision of reasonable accommodation. The reasonable accommodation of students with disabilities shall not require the University to lower its standards, academic or otherwise, nor shall it relieve a student of the responsibility to develop and demonstrate the essential skills and competencies expected of all students pursuing this program (Students with Disabilities policy).
Regulations Governing Field Placement (Work Integrated Learning)
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all field placement courses in accordance with the course learning outcomes and grading criteria. Field placement hours may include days, evenings and weekends. Students are required to arrange their own transportation for required field placement activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any practice experience not accessible through public transportation. Required field placements will generally be within a 150 kilometer radius of the MacEwan University site.
Students cannot be in attendance at field placement agencies as a MacEwan University student except at times and locations authorized by the field placement course instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding field placements. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency specific requirements prior to the start of any field placement course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the University reserves the right, at any point during a field placement, to remove a student from the placement for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places a client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases and with the concurrence of the Dean, the student will be assigned a grade of F in the course. Although this decision may be appealed according to the Student Appeals policy, the student will not be permitted to remain in the field placement during the appeal.
Police Information Check
A student must meet the specific police information check requirements as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CORR 100 | 3 | CORR 110 | 3 |
| CORR 102 | 3 | CORR 112 | 3 |
| CORR 104 | 3 | CORR 114 | 2 |
| SOCI 1001 | 3 | CORR 118 | 3 |
| Three credits of university English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | CORR 120 | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| CORR 116 | 1 | CORR 202 | 3 |
| CORR 204 | 3 | CORR 208 | 3 |
| CORR 214 | 4 | CORR 210 | 3 |
| CORR 218 | 3 | CORR 216 | 1 |
| CORR 220 | 3 | CORR 224 | 4 |
| PSYC 104 (or )1 | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 60 | |||
| 1 | The minimum passing grade for this course is a C-. |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Three subjects from Group A, B, C, or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices
- A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects use for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- One subject from Group, A, B, C, or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Previous Post-Secondary Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:
- A minimum of 18 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission must present a clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
Equity Admission
The Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies at MacEwan University is committed to principles of equity and diversity. The department supports equitable representation of groups underrepresented in public safety and justice professions and has reserved up to 10% of admission spaces in each program as equity admission spaces for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous. The Department used the definition of Aboriginal peoples of Canada in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as includes Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada to define Indigenous peoples.
In order to be considered for admission under the Equity Admission criteria, candidates must still meet the minimum admission criteria for the program option to which they apply.