The two-year Justice Studies Diploma program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and values sought by employers across a variety of justice-related careers emphasizing law, criminology, ethics, and community engagement through practical, inclusive learning. The program also prioritizes wellness, diversity, and trauma-informed care to prepare graduates to support individuals and communities with empathy and cultural awareness.
Main 2-Year Program
This program is delivered in person at Bow Valley College's Calgary campus. Students attend scheduled classes on campus, providing opportunities for face-to-face learning, collaboration, and engagement with instructors and peers. Exams and other in-person assessments are completed at the Calgary campus.
Online-Synchronous 2-Year Program
This program is designed for students who require greater flexibility, including those who are working or living outside of Calgary. Courses are delivered online through scheduled virtual classes using MS Teams allowing students to participate remotely while maintaining regular interaction with instructors and classmates. Lectures are recorded to support students who are unable to attend live sessions.
Select assessments and all exams take place during scheduled class times and are completed either at the Calgary campus or through an approved proctoring location. Students are responsible for any applicable proctoring fees.
Note: Future career and volunteer opportunities within justice will be negatively impacted for individuals who have any criminal convictions for which they have not yet received pardon or record suspension or have any criminal charges that remain pending or await disposition from the courts. It is unlikely that Justice Studies graduates who have a criminal history will have any advantage when competing for employment. Applicants with further questions are advised to contact the Justice Studies program chair.
After Graduation
The Justice Studies Diploma program prepares graduates for opportunities across Canada's criminal justice system and community-serving sectors, including policing, corrections, community justice, victim services, youth justice, court services, and public safety. Explore potential career opportunities.
For students interested in continuing their education, the diploma can also serve as a pathway to further study through transfer agreements with institutions such as:
Work Integrated Learning Requirement
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a required component of the diploma program and gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Students may choose between Applied Research (JUST2996) or Practicum (JUST2995) as their WIL pathway.
Students completing Practicum will be required to travel to their placement site, which may be located anywhere within or outside the City of Calgary, and are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Students residing outside of Calgary may request a placement in their local area, subject to availability.
Preparing for Work Integrated Learning
A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to term 4 Practicum or Applied Research. Results of this check may restrict opportunities for placement.
If students do not meet the requirements for Work Integrated Learning by the program’s submission deadline date, they will not be permitted to participate in WIL experiences for that term. The submission deadline date will be communicated to students during their third term in the program.
Program availability and start dates are subject to change. Admission is based on first applied, first qualified.
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If English is not your first language, please review the English language proficiency requirements.
Missing a required admission criteria? Complete academic upgrading before applying.
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. See where this program can transfer to.
If you studied outside of Alberta, you can see which of your courses is equivalent to an admission requirement.
If you live in the service area surrounding Calgary and want to take a course, visit our Regional Stewardship page.
Estimated total tuition:
Estimated total tuition:
Not all delivery modes are available for all courses or programs, and not all courses are available each term. Students should follow up on their individual program areas or their MyBVC for information for courses delivery types and availability.
Delivery modes, descriptions, and availability of courses each term are subject to change.
Gain the skills to make a meaningful impact in social work, community development, the nonprofit sector, social enterprises, and social economy organizations, all while helping create stronger, more efficient communities.
Help to transform communities.
