Get the most up-to-date info on our Combined Honours BA in Criminology and Policing program here or access your program guide for curriculum, admissions and tuition details.
At Wilfrid Laurier University, we are proud to be the first university to offer a fully online Combined Honours BA in Criminology and Policing program in Canada. We provide students with the foundational knowledge on the criminology and policing fields so they are prepared to enter the public safety field. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions that we often hear students ask about our program before they decide to enroll in the honours undergraduate degree.
What is covered as part of the criminology and policing program?
Criminology is the study of why crimes occur while policing is a focus on critical issues facing law enforcement. Criminology 100 and PD 291 Introduction to Policing give you the building blocks of the two fields You’ll gain a foundational understanding of criminology and policing in Criminology 100 and PD 291 .
The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics while also focusing specific areas. Courses that students take include:
- Introduction to Criminology
- Interpersonal Communications in Contemporary Society
- Organizational Leadership
Many elective classes are available as well such as:
- Policing a Complex and Diverse Community
- Domestic Violence
- Ethics, Corruption and Police Accountability
- Immigration and Conflict Zones
- Cybercrime
- Qualitative Methodologies in Criminology
Can this program be completed entirely online?
This program is 100% online. If you are a working professional or need flexibility in your schedule, you have access to class materials 24/7 that allow you to take your education on your terms. The online program does not have a set class schedule. Expect to engage with faculty and your peers as you participate in lectures and webinars, take part in group projects,, and use multimedia components.
What are the admissions requirements?
Students are required to have a minimum of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or an equivalent type of diploma with a mid-70s average, including university-level English at 60%. Those with a higher degree or university experience may also quality for transfer credits. After the application is submitted, a member of the Admissions team will assess each applicant's transcripts to determine how many transfer credits apply.
What career options are available after graduation?
There are many career options for students to consider after they graduate. Some of the top career choices include:
- Law enforcement officer. Learn more about law enforcement careers here.
- Correctional worker. Learn more about how to become a correctional officer here.
- Border Services officer. Learn more about how to become a border services officer here.
- Member of Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Learn more about how to become a member of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service here.
- Probation & Parole Officer. Learn more about how to become a probation and parole officer here
- Forensic officer. Learn more about how to become a forensic officer here.
You can learn more about the program through our informative webinar. If you have additional questions, would like to learn more about the online Combined Honours BA in Criminology and Policing program to determine if it's the right fit for you, contact Wilfrid Laurier University today.