Police Studies - Police and Investigations Diploma
Overview
With rapid societal change and evolving technology, there is a need for police officers dedicated to the community, to problem solving, and to making a difference. Policing in the 21st century requires a broad base of knowledge and skills. This challenging and rewarding two-year diploma provides potential police officers with knowledge and skills in leadership, ethics, and professionalism in policing, criminalistics, investigative techniques, communications, criminology, law, psychology, and sociology.
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
Graduates from Police Studies may gain employment with the RCMP, municipal police services (e.g., Edmonton Police Service or Calgary Police Service) across Canada, the CN Police, the Alberta Sheriffs branch, and the Canadian Forces Military Police. Graduates must apply directly to a police service and meet its minimum standards.
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 102 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| PSSC 112 | Policing in Canada | 3 |
| PSSC 122 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| PSSC 123 | Legal Evidence in Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| PSSC 130 | Public Safety Reporting and Communications | 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 203 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| PSSC 245 | Leadership, Ethics and Professionalism | 3 |
| PSSC 250 | Multiculturalism and Diversity in Public Safety | 3 |
| PSSC 255 | Investigative Interviewing | 3 |
| PSSC 260 | Selected Topics in Policing and Public Safety | 3 |
| PSSC 265 | Cybersecurity and Digital Investigations | 3 |
| PSSC 285 | Field Placement | 3 |
| SOCI 225 | Criminology 1 | 3 |
| SOCI 321 | Youth, Crime and Society | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a C-.
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 102 | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | 3 | PSSC 123 | 3 |
| PSSC 112 | 3 | PSSC 130 | 3 |
| PSSC 122 | 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 |
| PSJS 222 | 3 | PSSC 250 | 3 |
| PSSC 203 | 3 | PSSC 260 | 3 |
| PSSC 245 | 3 | PSSC 265 | 3 |
| PSSC 255 | 3 | PSSC 285 | 3 |
| SOCI 2251 | 3 | SOCI 321 | 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 an Alberta high school diploma (or equivalent) or GED diploma. 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 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 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 and must have completed a high school diploma (or equivalent) or GED diploma.
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 Office of the University Registrar
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.