Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies
MacEwan.ca/BPSJ
MacEwan University’s Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice (BPSJ) offers a comprehensive education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for careers in public safety and justice or further post-secondary education. The curriculum includes specialized courses in areas such as criminal justice, communication, cybersecurity, emergency management, and leadership, equipping graduates with the knowledge required to succeed in diverse roles within the field of practice. Students also gain a well-rounded education through electives and courses in social sciences, communication, and interdisciplinary studies. The BPSJ program accommodates students by offering a four-year degree path that includes options to declare a minor or incorporate a related diploma or certificate for added specialization.
Career Potential
Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice graduates gain knowledge and competencies that prepare them for entry into a broad range of related occupations – as well as for specific roles for which competencies are fostered via specialized streams in the program (policing, investigations, community justice and corrections, and emergency communications). Graduates therefore find work in areas such as: policing, emergency communication, corrections (parole/probation/institutions/community agencies), public safety (peace officers, border security, immigration), justice (courts, victim services, restorative justice), crime prevention/community development, private security, and investigations.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5221
E: bpsj@macewan.ca
Program Office
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-407, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
| Discipline | Minor |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Studies | ⦿ |
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
The following program of study will accommodate the program requirements for students entering and completing the program in four streams: first-year entry without an embedded credential, first-year entry with an embedded credential, a post certificate pathway while holding a department certificate (or equivalent), and a post diploma pathway while holding a department diploma (or equivalent).
Requirements:
- Students must earn a minimum of 120 credits
- Students can receive no more than 60 credits or the equivalent in a diploma incorporated into the degree.
- Students must receive a minimum of 60 credits or the equivalent from MacEwan University.
- Students must receive at least 72 credits at the senior-level and are limited to 48 credits at the 100 level.
- Students must receive a minimum of 72 credits from the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies.
- Students must receive 18 credits of specific general education and breadth elements (English, Communication Studies, Political Science, and/or Sociology.
- Students must receive a minimum of six 400-level credits in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) courses.
- All streams will allow for up to 30 elective credits to allow students to choose courses from outside the department or to declare a minor.
Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice - Program of Study
Core Requirements (30 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BCSC 216 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| WRIT 101 | First Year Writing (or any university-level English) | 3 |
| INTD 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | Foundations of Canadian Law and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 222 | Mental Health and Resiliency in Public Safety | 3 |
| PSJS 310 | Research Statistics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 315 | Research Methods in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 445 | Leadership and Ethics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 476 | Capstone Project I (Research) (or PSJS 475) | 3 |
| PSJS 486 | Capstone Project II (Research) (or PSJS 485) | 3 |
| Stream Requirements (60 credits) | ||
| Non-Disciplinary Requirements | 9 | |
| Students will take one of PSYC 104 or 105, one of POLS 101 or SOCI 100, and one of POLS 244 or a 200 level SOCI. | ||
| Disciplinary Requirements | 51 | |
| Students will choose 51 credits from CORR, ECRP, PSSC, PSJS courses as required by their chosen stream with a minimum of 12 credits at the 300- or 400- level. | ||
| Open Electives (30 credits) | 30 | |
| Students will complete 30 credits of university electives and may use these credits to fulfill the requirements of a minor. | ||
| Total Program Credits | ||
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Program Regulations
Residency Requirements
Students must complete at least 50 percent of courses through MacEwan University. Challenge examinations, transfer credit, and other special assessments (for example, prior learning assessment and recognition) are not included in the 50 percent.
In addition to the academic residency requirements of the University, upon admission to the Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice (BPSJ), students must complete at MacEwan University:
- A minimum of 30 credits at the senior level in the discipline, with 27 of those senior credits completed at the 300- or 400-level. All 400-level requirements are to be completed at MacEwan University.
- Students with a previous MacEwan University credential are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits upon admission to the BPSJ.
Students holding a baccalaureate degree from another post-secondary institution must complete at least 60 additional MacEwan University credits applicable to the BPSJ. Forty-five of these credits must be completed while the student is enrolled in the BPSJ. This credit requirement applies to students who began their studies at MacEwan University and completed a credential at another institution.
Students who interrupt their program and who must apply for readmission to the program will be required to comply with any new regulations upon resumption of their studies.
Certificate or Diploma Requirements
Students are eligible to incorporate a department certificate or diploma after the completion of their first year in the Program of Study. This declaration must occur by the last day of classes in their first year of study. Failure to declare this intention will result in a delay in obtaining the diploma within the 4-year Program of Study.
Minor
Students have the option of completing a minor (15 credit minimum) from inside or outside the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies, provided they can satisfy the requirements using Open Electives with non-duplicate coursework. Students are advised to declare their minor by the time they have completed 45 credits. The declaration deadline can be found on the Academic Schedule. Information about minors and further assistance with this decision is available from the academic advisors in the program. Minor courses must be completed at the senior level.
Restricted Enrolment Courses
The Department of Public Safety and Justice strives to accommodate all students wishing to enrol in a given course when it is appropriate to their own program: however, classes in some courses must, for academic reasons, be restricted in size. If such a course is found to be oversubscribed, priority in registration will be given to those students whose programs may require it (e.g., core/stream/minor requirements) and then to other students as space permits.
Graduation Grade Point Average
As part of the Graduation Grade Point Average regulation, Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice students must obtain an overall GGPA of 2.0 or higher.
Academic Performance Progression Requirements
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D (1.0); however, a higher grade may be required in some courses to fulfill program requirements, proceed in a program, meet prerequisites, or transfer a course to another program or institution.
Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfill Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice program requirements.
Regulations Governing Work Integrated Learning
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all Work Integrated Learning courses in accordance with the course learning outcomes and grading criteria. Work Integrated Learning hours may include days, evenings, and weekends. Students are required to arrange their own transportation for required Work Integrated Learning 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 Work Integrated Learning will generally be within a 150-kilometer radius of the MacEwan University site.
Students cannot attend Work Integrated Learning agencies as MacEwan University students except at times and locations authorized by the 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 and all program and agency-specific requirements prior to the start of any Work Integrated Learning course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the University reserves the right, at any point during a 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 from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Police Information Check
A student must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) 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 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 requirements as they may be denied required placements and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Students are responsible for obtaining Police Information Checks annually or at intervals specific to their field placement agency and for making these available upon request. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
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 | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTD 105 | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | 3 |
| WRIT 101 (or any university level English) | 3 |
| PSYC 105 (or PSYC 104) | 3 |
| SOCI 100 (or POLS 101) | 3 |
| Disciplinary Requirements and Open Electives | 15 |
| 30 | |
| Year 2 | Credits |
| BCSC 216 | 3 |
| POLS 244 (or any 200 level SOCI) | 3 |
| PSJS 222 | 3 |
| Disciplinary Requirements and Open Electives | 21 |
| 30 | |
| Year 3 | Credits |
| PSJS 310 | 3 |
| PSJS 315 | 3 |
| Disciplinary Requirements and Open Electives | 24 |
| 30 | |
| Year 4 | Credits |
| PSJS 445 | 3 |
| PSJS 476 (or PSJS 475) | 3 |
| PSJS 486 (or PSJS 485) | 3 |
| Disciplinary Requirements and Open Electives | 21 |
| 30 | |
| Total Credits 120 | |
Post Diploma Pathway
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Post Diploma Program of Study | ||
| Core Requirements (18 credits) | ||
| BCSC 216 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| PSJS 310 | Research Statistics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 315 | Research Methods in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 445 | Leadership and Ethics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 476 | Capstone Project I (Research) (or PSJS 475) | 3 |
| PSJS 486 | Capstone Project II (Research) (or PSJS 485) | 3 |
| Stream Requirements (12 credits) | ||
| Disciplinary Requirements | 12 | |
| Choose 12 credits from PSJS at the 300 or 400 level. | ||
| Open Electives (30 credits) | ||
| Students will complete 30 credits of university electives and may use these credits to fulfill the requirements of a minor. | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Post Certificate Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements (18 credits) | ||
| BCSC 216 | Professional Communication | 3 |
| PSJS 310 | Research Statistics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 315 | Research Methods in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 445 | Leadership and Ethics in Public Safety and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 476 | Capstone Project I (Research) (or PSJS 475) | 3 |
| PSJS 486 | Capstone Project II (Research) (or PSJS 485) | 3 |
| Stream Requirements (42 credits) | ||
| Non-Disciplinary Requirements | 6 | |
| Students will take one of POLS 101 or SOCI 100 and one of POLS 244 or a 200 level SOCI. | ||
| Disciplinary Requirements | 36 | |
| Choose 36 credits from CORR, PSSC, ECRP, PSJS courses with a minimum of 12 at the 300- or 400-level. | ||
| Open Electives (30 credits) | 30 | |
| Students will complete 30 university electives and may use these credits to fulfill the requirements of a minor. | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
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 to 23 -post-secondary-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more post-secondary-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Course Work.
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 used 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 for 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 to 23 post-secondary-level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more post-secondary-level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Course Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Course Work
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 completed one of the following from a recognized institution:
- A minimum of 24 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
OR
- Applicants must have completed a certificate from MacEwan University’s Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies (or equivalent) with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
OR
- Applicants must have completed a diploma from MacEwan University’s Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies (or equivalent) 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 are required to submit the following:
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 as equity admission spaces for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous. MacEwan University defines Indigenous as First Nations, Métis, 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 Learning Outcomes
• Critically analyze diverse perspectives on crime, justice, and public safety.
• Design, implement, and interpret research on public safety and justice-related topics
• Demonstrate effective, situation-specific communication skills, and other professional skills relevant to careers in public safety and justice.
• Interpret key issues from a social justice perspective.
• Develop an argument or response using logical reasoning and establish potential solutions to complex problems that are innovative and evidence-informed.
• Apply reflexivity and ethical principles to professional practice.
• Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and engage in collaborative problem-solving and decision-making to address public safety and justice-related issues.
• Build resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability to help navigate challenging and stressful situations impacting mental and physical well-being.
• Demonstrate effective leadership skills relevant to public safety and justice, exemplified by accountability, empathy, and cultural competence.