Overview
Graduates of the Criminology Diploma program are employed in nearly every aspect of the justice system. Work activities might include protecting the public, detecting and preventing crime, probation supervision, social advocacy, counselling or conducting research.
Careers and Opportunities:
Criminology students are sought after for their knowledge of crime, their understanding of the Canadian legal system, and their critical thinking skills. A background in criminology is a strong foundation for a wide range of eventual careers, including:
- Counsellor
- Corrections Officer (both Federal and Provincial)
- Criminologist
- Criminal Forensic Investigator
- Fraud Prevention Officer
- Law Enforcement (including RCMP, municipal police forces, Canadian border services, sheriff services)
- Parole Supervision
- Policy Analyst
- Private Investigations
- Probation Officer
- Researcher
- Victim Service Worker
Graduates may also continue their education in criminology, law, political science, psychology, and social work.
Diplomas from CNC transfer into university programs and give you preferential admission at public universities and university-colleges in BC. (Consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide and check with CNC advisors to verify transferability of credits.)
What You Will Learn:
The Criminology Diploma provides introductions and theoretical foundations that apply to every aspect of the justice system, including:
- Legal rights and responsibilities
- Insights into criminal psychology
- Sociology of deviance and crime
- Policing
- Criminal Law
- Corrections and prisons
Criminology Diploma Courses
Graduates of the Criminology Diploma program are employed in nearly every aspect of the justice system. Work activities might include protecting the public, detecting and preventing crime, probation supervision, social advocacy, counselling or conducting research. Graduates may also continue their education in criminology, social work, psychology, law and related social and behavioural sciences.
Required Courses
One of:
PHIL 220 - Political Philosophy,
One of:
One of:
PSYC 131 - The Administration of Justice
One of:
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COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Four electives chosen from:
ABST, ANTH, COM, CSC, ECON, ENGL, GEOG, HIST, MATH, PHIL, PSCI, PSYC, SOC, OR WMST
Note: Students transferring to SFU Criminology should choose electives that receive direct transfer credit to that program.
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COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
Entry Requirements
Successful completion of the following:
- High school graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or ENGL 050 or ENGL 051 (minimum “C-”) or equivalent
- Foundations of Math 11 or MATH 043 (minimum “C”) or equivalent.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Open admission
Any program of study that does not have a selective admission process or fixed capacity and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
Please check the Fee Schedule for up-to-date information.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.