Wilfrid Laurier University Policing and Public Safety Undergraduate Programs

Online

■ HONOURS BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLICING

■ HONOURS BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINOLOGY & POLICING

■ HONOURS BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Welcome to Laurier!

For more than a century, Wifrid Laurier University has been known for academic excellence. But we’ve also been dedicated to the philosophy that our students’ success is measured through more than grades – it’s based on the quality of the lives they lead, and those they inspire.

Our students study on three physical campuses, three other university locations and online. But no matter where you study, you’re a Golden Hawk!

■ Brantford Campus

■ Waterloo Campus

■ Milton Campus

■ Kitchener: Lyle S. Hallman School of Social Work

■ Toronto Office and part time MBA program

■ Chongqing, China

■ ...and Online!

Right Where You Belong

No matter where you are studying, you’ll discover people inspired to learn, lead and leave their mark - to give their all and to give back. From meaningful staff-student relationships, to groundbreaking research projects, to the peer-to-peer support Laurier is famous for, you’ll know and feel like you belong.

inspired. together.

Online Experience

Whether you plan to advance to a leadership position, change careers or just want to improve your skills, Wilfrid Laurier University makes it possible for you to achieve your goals at a time and place most convenient for you.

Laurier understands your needs as a busy professional. That’s why we make course content available to you 24-hours a day, seven days a week through MyLearningSpace by Desire2Learn. From anywhere with an Internet connection, you can access your assignments, take quizzes and participate in discussion groups.

Laurier online instructors take a student-focused approach to their course materials – constantly striving to inspire and encourage through engaging material, unprecedented support and innovative online education strategies.

You can contact your instructors when questions arise; you’ll also have access to a dedicated Academic Advisor who will ensure you have the tools, information and resources you need to succeed.

100% online for working adults created in collaboration with law enforcement and safety professionals

save time by completing coursework on your schedule

With its up-to-date and relevant content, the Criminology and Policing program is providing me with the knowledge to excel in my future employment. Being able to access course material at any time online gives me complete control over when I study and saves me several hours every week in commuting time.

- Ryan Wilson, 2023 Graduate

Tuition and Financial Aid

TUITION

At Wilfrid Laurier University, we consider education an investment and we work side-by-side with you to help maximize your educational return on investment.

When you take courses in an online bachelor’s program, you can apply for financial aid. Qualifications for financial aid depend on several factors.

The exact cost of tuition for our undergraduate Policing and Public Safety courses depends on your situation, as students may qualify for advanced standing based on previous educational and professional experience and be granted up to 10 transfer credits upon admission. Excluding incidental fees (amounting to approximately $400 per term) tuition fees are:

FINANCIAL AID

Although the specific costs associated with our online programs depend on your specific situation and the number of courses you must take to complete the degree program, students at Laurier can apply for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office.

When you decide to start our online programs, you can apply for a student loan to help pay for the costs of tuition. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for certain scholarships to further reduce the out-of-pocket costs of the program.

If you need help applying for financial aid, our Student Awards Office offers information and tools to start the process of applying for financial aid. We offer different financial aid options, including loans and scholarships, based on your situation and various qualifying standards. Current and future students may apply for financial aid through the school.

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing

The online Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program is made up of 10 credits of required police courses and 10 elective credits. Each course in the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program is 12 weeks long.

Courses can be taken at any pace to a maximum of three courses per term. (Students may also take a term or more off to accommodate personal schedules.) By completing two to three courses per term, officers can earn their degrees in three to four years.

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing

For a police or peace officer with a rotating shift and a demanding schedule, traditional classroom learning is not typically an option. The Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program at Wilfrid Laurier University helps eliminate this issue by making class accessible to you online – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Designed in partnership with law enforcement throughout Canada, Laurier’s Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program delivers an engaging curriculum designed to improve your critical thinking and analytical skills. Additionally, the online Policing courses provide you with the skills to evaluate and apply different perspectives to better operate in a society that often scrutinizes and challenges police actions.

■ Receive education in areas deemed critical by law enforcement leaders across Canada.

■ Take courses online with other police officers, peace officers, and civilian members of police services.

■ The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development recognizes crime and justice as areas of institutional strength for Laurier.

■ Hear first-hand experiences related to experiencing trauma and critical incidents to help you develop strategies for personal resiliency.

The fully online nature of the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program, and the fact that admission is restricted to officers and civilian members with a minimum of 12 months of on-the-job experience, make it unlike any other policing program found in Canada.

Admission Requirements

The Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing online program is designed for working and retired police officers, peace officers, and civilian members with at least one year of professional work experience. Proof of a minimum of one year of full-time employment up to and including the time before classes begin for each police or peace officer must be verified by an official letter from the human resources department of the service(s) from which the officer has been employed.

Due to the broad range of police work that is available, the program is specifically designed for:

■ Those currently employed by, or retired from, a police service or law enforcement organization who meet the definition of police officer under s.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada or similar legislation defining police officer at the provincial or federal level of government;

■ Police officers who are employed by a First Nations Police Service;

■ Special Constables who are employed by a governmental agency;

■ Those with at least one year of professional work experience in policing/law enforcement;

■ Those authorized by, and accountable to, the appropriate jurisdictional legislation (e.g., Police Services Act, RCMP Act) to enforce provincial and federal legislation;

■ Peace officers, including members of Canadian Forces engaged in civil service, correction officers, mayors and more;

■ Civilian members.

In addition to the required Laurier Honours BA in Policing courses, more courses from Laurier or another Canadian university to satisfy the graduation requirements of 20 total credits are required.

Laurier accepts applications year-round and the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing program offers three start dates per year.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the Wilfrid Laurier University Honours BA in Policing, you should be able to:

■ Articulate the major methodological, theoretical and political debates in contemporary criminology and criminal justice.

■ Select appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these methods to analyze and interpret data.

■ Apply criminological and psychological theories and perspectives to interpret and critique contemporary law enforcement issues.

■ Demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the complexity of Indigenous justice systems and identify the role of law enforcement officials in First Nations communities.

■ Utilize leadership skills to conduct and evaluate performance assessments for law enforcement personnel.

■ Review and interpret policy surrounding law enforcement program development, implementation and evaluation.

■ Demonstrate knowledge of the effects and consequences of experiencing trauma and critical incidents to develop the ability to maintain resiliency in personal and professional relationships.

■ Respond to criticism and feedback respectfully and non-defensively.

■ Recognize the role of social media in law enforcement and use discretion, courtesy and professionalism when using social media platforms.

Honours BA in Policing Program Curriculum

Transfer credits are offered for previous courses completed at community college, university or via police colleges or academies. After you apply, an admissions coordinator will assess your transcripts to determine how many transfer credits you may receive, up to a maximum of 10 credits, which is half of the required 20 credits you need to graduate with an Honours BA in Policing.

REQUIRED COURSES

* all courses below are 0.5 credit

■ PD100: Models of Policing

■ PD101: Communications for Policing

■ PD200: Police Psychology

■ PD201: Intercultural Communication in Policing

■ PD202: Leadership and Career Development in Law Enforcement

■ PD203: Diversity in Policing

■ PD205: Psychology and Law Enforcement

■ PD206: Public Safety Policy Analysis

■ PD300: Research Methods I (Quantitative Methods)

■ PD301: Policing a Complex and Diverse Community

■ PD302: Indigenous Peoples’ Political Structures

■ PD303: Mental Health, Addiction, and Crime

■ PD304: Domestic Violence

■ PD305: Media, Social Media, and Crime

■ PD306: Ethics, Corruption, and Police Accountability

■ PD400: Research Methods II (Qualitative Methods and Legal Research)

■ PD401: Civil Unrest: The State’s Use of Force Against its Citizens

■ PD402: Indigenous Communities and Policing

■ PD403 : Immigration and Conflict Zones

■ PD404 : Cybercrime

Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing

The Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing program consists of a combination of core and elective courses that will complete the 20 credits degree requirement. Each course in the Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing program is 12 weeks long.

Courses can be taken at any pace to a maximum of three courses per term, depending on course availability. (Students may also take a term or more off to accommodate personal schedules.) By completing two to three courses per term, individuals can earn their degrees in four to five years.

Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Policing

The online Combined Honours BA in Criminology and Policing is 20 credits, including 12 credits of Policing and Criminology courses. Elective transfer credits may be granted depending on assessment of previous studies from another institution. Courses are 0.5 credit each and will run for 12 weeks beginning in Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April) and possible Spring (May – August) terms. Students may enroll in a maximum of three courses per term (depending on course availability), and are encouraged to consider a workload that fits their personal schedules each term. Registration remains accessible even after enrolment lapses of up to 17 months. This program is available to fully online students only.

Admission Requirements

The combined Criminology/Policing dual degree program requires a mid-70s average with high school, university-level English or equivalent at 60%. No prior experience in law enforcement is needed. In addition, transfer credits may be granted depending on previous educational attainment. After you apply, an admissions coordinator will assess your transcripts to determine how many transfer credits you may receive.

Program Goals

Wilfrid Laurier University has produced career-ready professionals for more than 100 years. As a result, you’ll enter a program with an established curriculum taught by faculty who have worked in the field including positions as: research officers, legal analysts, investigators, corrections workers and more.

■ Answer the main question in criminology, “why did a crime occur” and the social as well as psychological aspects in answering that question. Policing focuses on the critical issues identified by law enforcement leaders across Canada.

■ Diversify your knowledge through courses such as: Youth Justice, Crimes Against Humanity and more.

■ Improve your research, communications and writing skills to become a desirable candidate—whether you want to work more hands-on with the justice system or want to go into an academic setting.

■ Test and challenge your knowledge through innovative lectures, case studies and seminars.

Criminology & Policing Career Resources

Your education plays a key role in your career and future. When you plan to work toward a leadership position in criminology or want to improve your knowledge of the criminal justice system, an online degree from Wilfrid Laurier University provides the foundation you need to accomplish your goals.

Our online program is an innovative solution to build on your passion and develop your skills. We focus on the skills you need as a professional in the criminal justice field and the information you need to become a leader in your field.

Career Options for Honours BA in Criminology & Policing Graduates

Addictions Counsellor

Airport Security

Animal Cruelty Investigator

Arson Investigator

Behaviour Profiler

Child Protection Worker

Claims Examiner/Adjudicator

Coast Guard

Community Outreach Worker

Community Relations Officer

Community Researcher

Consumer Affairs Investigator

Corporate Security

Corrections Officer

Court Clerk/Officer

Court Reporter

Credit Investigator

Crime Reporter

Crime Scene/Forensic Analyst

Criminology Assistant

Customs Officer

Demographer

Facilities Manager

Gaming Enforcement Housing Officer

Human Resources Recruiter

Immigration Officer

Insurance/Fraud Investigator

International Aid Worker

Loss Prevention Specialist Mediator

Ombudsperson

Paralegal

Park Ranger

Potential Employers

Airlines/Airports

Canada Border Services

Casinos/Resorts

Correctional Facilities

Courts Government Insurance Companies

International Aid Organizations

Parole/Probation Officer

Police Officer

Policy Analyst/Advisor

Politician

Polygraph Technician

Pre-trial Services Officer

Private Investigator

Program Coordinator

Public Administrator

Public Safety Educator

Recovery Expert

Security Management

Social Worker

Statistician

Underwriter

Victims Advocate

Youth Worker

Military Police Service/RCMP

Private Corporations

Social Service Agencies

Honours BA in Criminology & Policing Program Curriculum

Transfer credits may be offered for previous courses completed at community college, university or via police colleges or academies. After you apply, an admissions coordinator will assess your transcripts to determine how many transfer credits you may receive.

REQUIRED COURSES

* all courses listed below are 0.5 credit courses

■ CC 100: Introduction to Criminology

■ OL200/MB200: Communication Skills for Leadership

■ CC102 : Introduction to the Criminal Justice System

■ CC210 : Psychology of Crime

■ OL233/HS233/CC233: Introduction to Social Science Research Methods

■ CC290 : Theories of Crime I

■ CC291/PD291 : Introduction to Policing

■ PD200 : Police Psychology

■ PD201 : Intercultural Communication in Policing

■ PD203 : Diversity in Policing

■ PD205 : Psychology and Law Enforcement

■ PD206 : Public Safety Policy Analysis

■ OL224/PD224 : Organizational Leadership

■ CC/HS/PD312 : Mental Health and Justice

■ CC390 : Theories of Crime II

■ CC327 : Statistics in Criminology and Criminal Justice

■ CC426/PD426 : Qualitative Methodologies in Criminology

A full description of course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety

The online Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety (BAPS) program is made up of 10 credits of required courses. Each course in the BAPS program is 12 weeks long. This program is designed for students who have already completed a twoyear college diploma in a discipline related to public safety. Advance standing will be granted.

Courses can be taken at any pace, to a maximum of three courses per term. (Students may also take a term or more off to accommodate personal schedules.) By completing two to three courses per term, students can earn their degrees in as little as 2.5 years.

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety

In order to meet the challenges facing the public safety sector, education is now a key hiring factor in disciplines such as fire services, emergency management and border security and policing. To be considered for leadership positions candidates must be critical thinkers, comfortable with new perspectives and technologies.

The Bachelor of Public Safety program is focused on the application of coursework to workplace situations, preparing you for future leadership opportunities in public safety careers.

You will learn the critical thinking and awareness skills required for responding effectively to a wide variety of trauma victims while working collaboratively with other emergency organizations.

Among many valuable learning outcomes, graduates of the BAPS program will be able to successfully:

■ Demonstrate knowledge of historical, social, and political contexts in the development of modern public safety strategies in Canada.

■ Incorporate the use of technology and computerbased analytics in a variety of applications that are necessary for public safety practitioners.

■ Analyze ethical considerations and other consequences of action or inaction in public safety situations.

■ Craft and deliver arguments using sound reasoning and argumentation.

■ Respond to criticism and feedback respectfully and non-defensively.

■ Demonstrate intercultural competence and sensitivity, and apply these skills in working with marginalized populations and evaluating public safety systems.

Admission Requirements

The Honours Bachelor of Arts in Public Safety is uniquely designed for college graduates from a public safety-related program. To be considered for admissions to the program, you must have minimum admission average of 75% from an approved diploma program (listed below) and a minimum of 60% in 4U English or the college equivalent. Admitted students will be granted 10.0 transfer credits towards the BAPS program.

Aboriginal Community Advocacy

Advanced Care Paramedic

Architectural Technician

Aviation Management

Border Services

Chemical Engineering Technology

Community Justice Services

Computer Systems Technology

Construction Management/Engineering

Court and Tribunal Administration

Customs Border Services

Court and Tribunal Administration

Cyber Security

Ecosystem Management Technology

Environment Landscape Management

Environmental Technician

Fire Inspection and Fire Safety Education

Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician

Fire Safety

Fire Services

Forestry Technician

GIS and Urban Planning

Insurance – Property/Casualty

International Transporation and Customs

Investigation – Public and Private

Law Clerk/Legal Asst./Office Admin – Legal

Natural Environment Technician

Paralegal

Paramedic

Police Foundations

Protection, Security, and Investigation

Public Relations

Social Service Worker/Community

Development

Survey Engineering Technician

Urban and Regional Planning Technician (GIS)

Other:

Disaster and Emergency Management (NAIT)

Recreation, Fish and Wildlife (Selkirk)

Program Goals

Wilfrid Laurier University has produced career-ready professionals for more than 100 years. As a result, you’ll enter a program with an established curriculum taught by faculty who have worked in the field including positions as research officers, legal analysts, investigators, corrections workers and more.

■ Understand the complexities of public safety issues in relationship to social justice issues faced in our modern society.

■ Analyze and find solutions to the most contentious and complex problems threatening public safety today.

■ Critically assess and aim to improve the performance of public safety organizations.

■ Assume policymaking and research responsibilities.

■ Set and reach strategic organizational goals.

■ Become an inspirational, ethical and innovative leader within your respective field.

Public Safety Career Resources

Your education plays a key role in your career and future. When you plan to work toward a leadership position in public safety or want to improve your knowledge of the public safety system, an online degree from Wilfrid Laurier University provides the foundation you need to accomplish your goals.

Our online program is an innovative solution to build on your passion and develop your skills. We focus on the skills you need as a professional in the criminal justice field and the information you need to become a leader in your field.

Career Options for Honours BA Public Safety Graduates

Firefighter Law Enforcement Personnel

Border Or Customs Service Officer

Parole Officer

Paramedic

Intelligence Analyst

Emergency Management Officer

Emergency Management Consultant Emergency Response Team Responder

Security Supervisor Manager Of Safety, Security And Emergency Management Police Officer

Potential Employers

Airlines/Airports

Canada Border Services

Casinos/Resorts

Correctional Facilities

Courts Government

Insurance Companies

International Aid Organizations

Social Worker Lawyer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Advocate

Urban Planner

Public Safety Program Officer

Policy Analyst

Military Police Forces/RCMP

Private Corporations

Social Service Agencies

Honours BA Public Safety Program Curriculum

The Honours Bachelor of Arts Public Safety program is a part-time, online, professionally focused program designed exclusively for specific college program graduates interested in the application of knowledge, and the demonstration of appropriate communication and professionalism skills necessary for success in public safety careers. Students will be granted Advanced Standing status upon entrance into the program. Transfer credits will appear on the students’ records in the last term of study prior to graduation. This program is not eligible for OSAP.

REQUIRED COURSES

■ HR260/SOJE260: Introduction to Human Rights

■ HS200: Social Determinants of Health

■ OL200/MB200: Communication Skills for Leadership

■ SAFE200 : Public Safety Administration and Government Relations

■ HS302: Issues in Mental Health

■ OL233/HS233/CC233: Introduction to Social Science Research Methods

■ OL300 : Leadership Ethics

■ PD301 : Policing a Complex and Diverse Community

■ PD302 : Indigenous Peoples’ Political Structure

■ PD403 : Immigration and Conflict Zones

* all courses listed below are 0.5 credit courses A full description of course requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar

■ PO301/NO301 : Drugs, Guns and Trucks: Commerce and Contraband Across North America

■ PO322 : Contemporary Security Issues

■ PD206 : Public Safety Policy Analysis

■ PD400 : Research Methods II (Qualitative Methods and Legal Research)

■ SAFE203 : Critical Infrastructures

■ SAFE313 : Principles of Fire and Emergency Services

■ SAFE314 : GIS and Data Analysis in Public Safety

■ SAFE316 : Theories of Correctional Justice

■ SAFE402 : Cultural Competencies and Trauma

■ SAFE416 : Information Security in the 21st Century