Course Description

Program Description Humber’s Bachelor of Social Science – Criminal Justice degree program provides you with a broad-based understanding of the criminal justice system, why crime occurs and how best to respond to crime on both a societal and individual level. The curriculum combines both theory and applied skills, providing the breadth of knowledge and experience you need to meet the demands of working in this field. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the perspectives of offenders, front-line professionals, administrators, the community and others who come into contact with the criminal justice system. In your first year of study, you will participate in a social science foundation year (common platform with other students from the School of Social and Community Services). In years two through four, the curriculum will then focus on content specific to the criminal justice system. Your studies will allow you to develop knowledge and skills critical to a variety of fast-paced, ever-changing settings within the criminal justice system. You will gain a fundamental understanding of key concepts and theoretical approaches developed in relation to crime, victimization, criminalization, criminal justice and penal practice. Your courses will include an in-depth study of the nature and causes of crime, processes for managing crime, deviance, victimization, mental health, community safety, rehabilitation, recidivism, progressive reforms, restorative justice, and alternatives to incarceration. Humber’s multidisciplinary teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking, as well as analytical, organizational, research and writing skills. These are combined with the development of professional skills including communication, interpersonal skills, conflict management, problem solving, team building and leadership. Students engage in two work placement periods on a full-time or part-time basis (280 hours per term). Work placements provide students with practical learning opportunities where they can apply theoretical and course-based content to real-world job experience. The placements, which are typically unpaid, are arranged with the assistance of a Humber field placement advisor. Your career will allow you to help contribute towards creating safe and healthy communities. You may find yourself in a variety of roles such as police officer, court officer, provincial probation or parole officer, federal parole officer, provincial or federal adult correctional officer, provincial youth service officer, open custody youth worker, community crime prevention worker, victim services worker, insurance fraud investigator, transportation enforcement officer, border services officer, finance inspector (tobacco) and policy analyst. Employment opportunities exist in a variety of settings such as institutional or community corrections, police services, government agencies, and non-government organizations. Many students also go on to pursue graduate studies upon completion of this degree.

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