Justice Studies - High School Student
Overview
Graduate with a degree that opens doors to multiple career pathways where you can make a difference. Discover where your interests lie in the broad field of Justice Studies.
Learn about the Canadian justice system, understand social justice issues, and explore the development of community programs, ways to work with victims and offenders, and methods of crime prevention.
Study diversity, inclusion and equity; mental health and first aid; and globalization. Build key skills such as critical thinking, research methods and how to write effectively and prepare for a future in private, institutional or community settings.
1st year: Build a foundation in justice and related fields.
2nd year: Begin to take courses that touch on various services and how they are delivered including counselling, conflict resolution, forensics and policing. Decide which diploma to pursue:
- Diploma in Community & Justice Services: Focuses on social issues and explores the development of community programs, ways to work with both victims and offenders, and methods of crime prevention.
- Diploma in Police Foundations: Prepares you for a career in the various levels of law enforcement in the Canadian justice system.
3rd/4th years: Move on to advanced courses that immerse you in topics such as ethics; rights and freedoms; youth and the law; and criminology.
Be career ready
Get the preparation needed for law school, locally or abroad. Our graduates come back to tell us just how well-prepared they were for their studies, standing out among their peers. Our student-led, justice-focused extracurriculars are outstanding hands-on experience. Other steps you can take include:
- Select a placement in a law office or perhaps the Crown Attorney's Office
- Take advantage of GH info sessions for LSAT and applying to law school
We can prepare you for work in police services, border services and other law enforcement. Evaluate staged crime scenes in our crime scene investigation (CSI) room. Use mock court to role-play a case. Learn investigative techniques and how to handle evidence.
Looking for other grad school options? You’ll get the academic foundation and practical applications to prepare you for a range of graduate studies.
200 hours of workplace experience
100 hrs 2nd Year + 100 hrs 3rd Year
Past placements include:
- Various police services
- Law offices
- Ministry of the Attorney General
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Forensic Psychiatry Program
- Private investigation/security companies
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Toronto South Detention Centre/Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
- Elizabeth Fry Society
- Public Safety Canada
- Toronto Court Services
- Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services
- Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
Note: You may be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening and/or Criminal Reference Check prior to placement.
Popular course: Investigative Techniques
- Crime & Criminal Justice
- Forensic Techniques
- Conflict Resolution
- Youth & the Law
- Ethics & the Justice System
- Addictions & Mental Health
Note: Courses listed above are a selection from all four years of the program. For a course breakdown by year, click on the Program Overview below.
Get to know us better
Awards and competitions
Join our award-winning teams to represent the University in justice case competitions against other postsecondary institutions (local, regional and abroad). Solve complex problems, earn valuable experience and network with top professionals.
Wrongful conviction
Join the work of Innocence Canada to work on correcting wrongful convictions. Alpha Phi Sigma is a partner with Innocence Canada and hosts a Wrongful Conviction Week each year.
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What made me fall in love with U of GH every week was the comforting feeling of opportunity constantly on the horizon. UofGH had so much in store for me, and it transformed me as a student, person and leader.
Get certified
Register to take part in mental health first-aid training, and have it officially recognized on your Co-Curricular Record.
Future career options
- Anti-terrorism Analyst
- Police Officer
- Corporate Investigator
- Victim Services Worker
- Bylaw Enforcement
- Crime Analyst
- Police Officer
- Anti-money Laundering Investigator
- Research Analyst
- Corporate Security Manager
- Court Reporter
- Parole Officer
- Forensic Investigator
- Certified Protection Professional
- Border Services Officer
Graduate school and further education
- Law School (local/international)
- Bachelor of Education (Teachers College)
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Arts in Political Science
- Master of Arts in Social Justice
- Master of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy
- Graduate Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Graduate Certificate in Insurance Management - Property & Casualty
- Graduate Certificate in Advanced Investigations & Enforcement
Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
If you don't see your career goal listed here, talk to us! There are many more options.
Instructors in the industry
You are taught by professionals currently working in their field. They will tell you what they’re experiencing in law offices, police services, corporate offices, emergency services, etc. in real time.
Supported learning
- Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
- Your instructors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
- Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away. Your team includes your Academic Advisor, Placement Coordinator, Career Coordinator, Librarian and Student Life Coordinator.
Safe spaces
Once you experience it, you’ll recognize it. U of GH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of the Chairs, professors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.
Heading to law school
Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with City St George's, University of London in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.
A step ahead
After graduation, take advantage of our partnership for a Master of Science degree with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) MSc in Management. Speak with Career and Placement Services for more information.