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: 780-497-5379
E: corrections@macewan.ca
Distance Studies
T: 780-497-5186
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 of Study

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

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.