Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice

The new four-year Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice program builds on Mount Royal University’s strong reputation for leadership in justice education. For more than 35 years, Mount Royal has met the demand in the justice industry with leading-edge programs, first with a diploma, then an applied degree and now a university-level bachelor’s degree.

Unique in Alberta, the Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice will prepare you for a career in fields such as social justice, criminology, law, police services and more.

Career opportunities

Graduates with justice-related backgrounds are in high demand, and 97% of alumni are employed in the field within six months of graduation.

Employers range from the RCMP to Canada Border Services, correctional services and social agencies. Job titles include:

• Police officer
• Police research analyst
• Probation officer
• Program coordinator for at-risk youth
• Canada Border Services officer
• Outreach coordinator
• Youth outreach worker
• Private investigator
• Victims assistance advisor

Justice in demand

Police and government agencies across Canada are facing an unprecedented round of retirements. For example, the RCMP projects a need to hire about 1,000 new officers each year for some time to replace retiring officers. Calgary Police will be recruiting approximately 100 new recruits per year.

In addition, emerging career opportunities within social agencies mean graduates are in demand for their intervention, mediation and research skills as facilitators working with at-risk youth and adults.

Why Mount Royal University?

Blend of theory and practice — Mount Royal offers the unique combination of criminological theory, experiential learning, research methodology and skills development that employers are looking for.

A broad educational foundation — A pivotal part of the program is the integrated Mount Royal General Education requirement. You complete 12 courses in areas outside the justice field, expanding your academic foundation in:

• numeracy and scientific literacy
• communication
• community and society
• values, beliefs and identity

Practicum stream — Apply the theoretical concepts you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Although the mandatory practicum is unpaid, you will benefit from working in a justice-related agency for two and a half days per week with an agency professional as your mentor. You'll develop new skills, make valuable contacts within the justice community and earn seven credits towards your applied degree.

Honours stream — If you wish to pursue law school or graduate studies in fields such as social work or education, you can take advantage of an honours stream within the Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice.

Program foundations

Mount Royal University’s BA—CJ is based on the following outcomes, which are integrated throughout the degree.

Foundation in Criminal Justice Systems
You will acquire basic substantive knowledge about the study of criminology and the practices of the Canadian Criminal Justice System.

Interpersonal Relations
To become an effective justice practitioner, you will refine your human relations skills so you can accurately convey and solicit information, as well as resolve crises and conflict.

Social Justice
Justice practitioners must have respect for diversity and recognize the central role that human rights plays within the development and enforcement of criminal law. You will learn that ethical practice is the cornerstone of justice.

Criminological Literacy
You will delve into the social science of criminology and become conversant with the criminological enterprise (theories and methods).