At Nipissing you have the option to focus on one of our four streams: Policing, Corrections, Criminology or Criminal Justice Studies. Our flexible program is designed to give you a balanced combination of theory and practice. Through field placements, projects, and research, you will have opportunities to work alongside real criminal justice professionals.
All students complete a common core of courses in criminology, law, and research methods but can take electives from any stream.
Policing Stream
As a student in the Policing stream, you will examine the criminal code, the young offenders system, and learn the skills and techniques you need for a successful career in policing. You will complete courses at both Nipissing University and Canadore College, and graduate with a college diploma and a university degree in just four years! Ethical reasoning and community policing are also key concepts in this stream.
Criminology Stream
In the Criminology stream, you will learn how to understand essential theories and methodologies used in the Criminology field. This stream gives you essential skills in communication, statistics, and analysis. We regularly offer courses in special topics like Women and the Criminal Justice System, and Youth in Conflict with the Law.
Corrections Stream
If you choose to pursue the Corrections stream, you will earn a college diploma from Canadore College and a university degree from Nipissing University in just four years. At Canadore College you will study psychology, community re-integration, programming, and interviewing, and you will also complete a field placement. As a Corrections stream student, you will gain skills and knowledge in areas like administration, group dynamics, and counselling.
Criminal Justice Studies Stream
In the Criminal Justice Studies stream, you will take a wide variety of courses that will give you broad knowledge of the Criminal Justice system. You will also take courses in Sociology and Psychology, and you will learn how they relate to the field of Criminal Justice.
Because of our focus on blending theory with practice, and all the opportunities our students have to gain practical experience in the field, our graduates find employment very easily after graduation. Many have gone on to work with the Ministry of Correctional Services, the Ontario Provincial Police, RCMP the Canadian Antifraud Centre in various capacities. Some have become research and business analysts, correctional officers, police officers, or court liaison officers. Still others continue their education with law school, or graduate studies at the Master and Doctorate levels.
Career and Academic Options
Graduate Studies
Professional School (Education, Law, MBA)
Employment as a police officer, crime analyst, research and policy analyst, correctional officer or probation/parole officer
Careers with the RCMP, OPP, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Correctional Service of Canada, Canada’s armed forces, regional, municipal, military and First Nation community police services