If you are a recent college graduate looking to supplement your education and have an interest in protecting and serving others and upholding the law, consider pursuing a combined honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing. A law enforcement career is both challenging and fulfilling, and, with a higher degree, can be especially rewarding and lucrative.
As a student of criminology and policing, you will study a wide range of perspectives, theories, techniques and practices. Courses focus on everything from organizational leadership and psychology in law enforcement to cybercrime and forensic investigation. Upon program completion, you will understand why crimes occur, including the social and psychological factors that contribute to crime; you will effectively apply improved research, organizational and communication skills; and you will be poised to pursue many different job opportunities.
In Canadian police services, there are several different avenues to explore. Most police officers work for municipal or provincial police services, such as the Vancouver Police Service, or the Ontario Provincial Police. But you could also join any number of federal, military or railway agencies that serve and protect Canada, such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Forces Military Police or the Canadian National Railway Police Service, just to name a few. In addition to these opportunities, there are countless jobs in other areas including private security, detective work, insurance fraud and more.
There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in law enforcement. The current labour force in Canada is aging, giving young workers a great opportunity to find and succeed in rewarding, lucrative, professional jobs. Many entry-level policing jobs offer salaries upwards of $50,000 according Canadian government sites and Payscale.com. With a combined honours BA, you will be highly competitive in your field with great earning and advancement potential.
Consider getting your BA in Criminology and Policing at Wilfrid Laurier University (Laurier). Classes are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that you can progress at your pace and on your schedule. You already have the experience as a student, just consider amping your education to the next level as a specialist with a BACP from the respected Wilfrid Laurier Online program.