The Bachelor of Arts Community Criminal Justice is designed to prepare graduates for opportunities in community-based justice, which are emerging within community agencies and traditional youth justice, policing, and correctional agencies. In addition to preparing students for high-demand occupations in criminal justice and other agencies, the degree can be tailored to meet the needs of those interested in managing community-based programs, and will prepare students for further study at the graduate level. The BA (Community Criminal Justice) also provides excellent preparation for students interested in applying to law school.

Priority will be given to students who commit to full-time study (5 courses per semester). Students may be permitted to enroll in a reduced course load, provided that they register for all required courses offered in a given semester (approximately 3 courses per semester). Students unable to meet this commitment may be dropped from the program, but can reapply at a later date, space permitting.

Years one and two consist of the Associate of Arts degree with a specialization in Criminology (see Associate of Arts program for requirements). In these first two years, students take courses in the humanities, social sciences, and law, and develop skills and abilities essential for academic success.

Years three and four concentrate on applications of law and social sciences to community-based factors that affect levels of crime and safety, and to community-based responses to social problems. Third- and fourth-year courses will allow students to develop the conceptual, critical and applied skills to work in both public and private sector fields where a legal/justice focus is beneficial. Specific upper-division courses build skills in:

Students will also become familiar with the use of information technology for communicating, researching, writing, and presenting findings. They will have experience working effectively and collaboratively in small groups. Optional courses allow students to apply these skills in community or criminal justice settings through practicum or research placements.

Some unique features of this degree include:

Labour market predictions for criminal justice and related areas are very favourable, as demographic trends and public safety and security concerns have increased demand for criminal justice professionals. Kwantlen University College’s Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice features a unique focus on community-based programs, which will prepare students well for anticipated trends within criminal justice agencies and related community agencies. The conceptual, critical and applied skills that students acquire in this program will be attractive to employers in a wide range of settings.

An Associate of Arts Degree in Criminology (or equivalent) with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 is required for entry to the third year of the new degree program. Where space permits students with less than a 3.00 CGPA (but not less than 2.67) may be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission. Students holding a Diploma in Criminology from Kwantlen University College, or another institution, may be eligible for admission subject to the successful completion of a group of qualifying courses.

Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program. In addition to Kwantlen’s standard application start date, students will be considered for admission based on the date of qualification. Third-semester students should apply on the condition that they will have completed their AA degree by the semester prior to entering 3rd year or by the end of the summer semester.

The Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice requires 120 credits of post-secondary studies (132 credit hours for the honours option). The initial two years consist of 60 credit hours based upon completion of the Associate of Arts degree (or equivalent) specializing in Criminology. In addition, students must successfully:

Students interested in applying for graduate studies may apply to undertake a structured program leading to a BA (Honours) degree. Students will normally have completed 90 credits at the time of application, and will be expected to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 (B). This CGPA will be required for registration in the Honours Thesis courses. Admission to the program will be by application to the Degree Program Coordinator. Students undertaking this option will complete 72 credits beyond their Associate of Arts Degree (or equivalent), including a minimum of 60 upper division credits, at least 54 of which will be upper-division Criminology courses. Requirements of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Criminal Justice include:

Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice, or Bachelor of Arts in Community Criminal Justice, Honours option.