Investigative Studies - Police and Investigations
Overview
To respond to society’s increasing concern for security, the demand for educated personnel in both the public and private sectors of protective services continues to rise. To meet the emerging challenges and responsibilities of this growing profession, the two-year diploma emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct investigations and develop and implement comprehensive security programs.
Evidence of the growth in this profession is often visible. However, there also exists a less visible side of private investigations and security that includes a diverse group of specialists who engage in investigative work for banks, retail outlets, corporations and government. As the roles continue to expand and become increasingly complex, individuals must be well-grounded in the law and investigative techniques and develop a broad understanding of the field.
The diploma consists of 61 credits, completed over two years, with intake each Fall.
Admission to the program is competitive and is subject to a quota. The competitive admission average may be considerably higher than the posted minimum.
Career Potential
Investigative Studies provides a foundation for individuals seeking positions as investigators, security practitioners, and management professionals. Investigators and security practitioners are found within a broad cross-section of public and private institutions and organizations. Some examples include investigators within federal, provincial, and municipal government departments; sheriff departments; security consulting agencies; and private investigation agencies. Other related career options include emergency planner, customs and immigration officer, border services officer, insurance investigator, public security peace officer, municipal bylaw enforcement officer, animal control officer, special constables, gaming and liquor inspectors, hospital security officers, maintenance enforcement officers, peace officers, and transit security officers.
Police and Investigations Diploma
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies
MacEwan.ca/Investigations
MacEwan.ca/Police
Investigate which of the two-year diplomas offered through the Police and Investigations program prepares you for the career of your choice: Investigative Studies or Police Studies.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5221
E: investigativestudies@macewan.ca
E: police@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 | ||
| INTD 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | Foundations of Canadian Law and Justice | 3 |
| PSSC 130 | Public Safety Reporting and Communications | 3 |
| PSSC 132 | Investigative Law | 3 |
| PSSC 133 | Legal Evidence in Investigations | 3 |
| PSSC 153 | Security and Risk Management | 3 |
| PSSC 252 | Investigations I | 3 |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| or PSYC 105 | Introductory Psychology II | |
| SOCI 100 | Introductory Sociology 1 | 3 |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| PSJS 222 | Mental Health and Resiliency in Public Safety | 3 |
| PSSC 245 | Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism | 3 |
| PSSC 250 | Multiculturalism and Diversity in Public Safety | 3 |
| PSSC 255 | Investigative Interviewing | 3 |
| PSSC 259 | Surveillance and Society | 3 |
| PSSC 261 | Selected Topics in Investigations | 3 |
| PSSC 265 | Cybersecurity and Digital Investigations | 3 |
| PSSC 285 | Field Placement | 3 |
| PSSC 293 | Emergency Management | 3 |
| SOCI 225 | Criminology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
The minimum grade required 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: |
|---|---|
| PSSC 141 | INTD 105 |
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. The student plan may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| INTD 105 | 3 | PSSC 130 | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | 3 | PSSC 133 | 3 |
| PSSC 132 | 3 | PSSC 252 | 3 |
| PSSC 153 | 3 | SOCI 1001 | 3 |
| PSYC 104 or 105 | 3 | University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| PSSC 245 | 3 | PSJS 222 | 3 |
| PSSC 250 | 3 | PSSC 259 | 3 |
| PSSC 255 | 3 | PSSC 261 | 3 |
| PSSC 293 | 3 | PSSC 265 | 3 |
| SOCI 225 | 3 | PSSC 285 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 60 | |||
- 1
The minimum grade required 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 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
- Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
- One subject from Group A, B, C, or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average 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. MacEwan University defines Indigenous as First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada.
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.
Program Regulations
Academic Residency - Exemption
A student in Police and Investigations (Police Studies or Investigative Studies) must complete at least 30 per cent of courses through MacEwan University. Challenge examinations, transfer credit and other special assessments (for example, prior learning and recognition) are not included in the 30 per cent.
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 attend 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 in consultation with the Dean, the student will be assigned a grade of F in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, field placement, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student's performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student's program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw form the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Police Information Check
Students must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) requirement as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC annually and submitting these to the program prior to September 1 for the duration of the program or as requested by their field placement agency and for making these available upon request. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student's ability to complete the program and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Manage an investigation and interpret/present findings.
- Gather information, statements, and evidence to present a case.
- Demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills and an ability to engage effectively with others – as individuals and as part of a group.
- Demonstrate an awareness of global issues and their impact on public safety, criminal justice, and the law.
- Exercise a high standard of ethical and professional behaviour as it relates to professional practice in the fields of policing and investigations.
- Work effectively in teams, guided by principles of equity, diversity, Indigeneity, and inclusion.
- Engage in social-scientific research related to issues in policing and investigations.
- Employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills in relation to key issues and professional practice in policing and investigations.