Format
6 required courses (288 hours)
Delivery
Online | Learn more
Duration
Complete in 1 year, or up to 3 years
Police Studies involves theory and practical skills that prepare you for a career in the justice field.
Gain new knowledge of the Canadian justice system and develop skills and personal qualities for your career in justice. These online courses cover many topics, from the history of the Canadian justice system to criminal law to trends and issues in policing.
Learn about Canadian legislative bodies, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, corrections and after-care services in the community. Build your understanding of the major theoretical concepts in criminology through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime, criminals, criminality and crime prevention.
Explore issues of diversity and justice within Canadian society as you assess the workings of the Canadian criminal justice system in relation to minorities. Develop an in-depth appreciation of the link between minority group status and justice. Delve into the issues pertaining to law enforcement in a modern democratic society.
Please note: A career in law enforcement requires a combination of education, experience and a criminal records check. Many positions also require the completion of a written examination, medical examination and an interview to assess personal suitability.
Highlights and benefits
Earn a recognized credential | Enhance your career prospects
Enhance your life | Develop your personal and professional skills
Real-world knowledge | Learn from experienced industry professionals
Online delivery | Enjoy the flexibility of online learning and complete this program from anywhere
Information session
Interested in learning more about our Police Studies Extension Certificate? Speak with program staff and instructors, and have your questions answered. Join us for a free virtual information session on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. MT
Register nowCourse schedule
Course schedule by semester
| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan. - April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Criminal Justice Systems | ON | ||
| Interpersonal Relationship Skills | ON | ||
| Criminology Concepts | ON | ||
| Human Diversity in Justice | ON | ON | |
| Trends and Issues in Policing | ON | ||
| Canadian Criminal Law | ON |
Legend
BL: Blended (Online & Classroom)
CL: Classroom
FT: Fast Track
ON: Online
IDS: Independent Study
P: Practicum
This schedule is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration is available in June; Winter schedule and registration is available in November; and Spring/Summer schedule and registration is available in March.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this program intended for?
This program is intended for individuals interested in learning about the justice system in Canada and for those wanting to pursue a careeer in policing, corrections, border services, security, or community policing. Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
What type of career options are available if I complete this certificate?
Roles such as police officer, corrections officer, border services officer, community peace officer, or security officer. It may open doors to civilian positions within police services, such as crime analyst, victim advocate or roles with youth justice and victim support.
Note: additional education and training may be required for some positions.
Do I have to take the courses in order?
No, each course is designed to stand alone. You may begin taking courses in any semester and in any order.
How will I be graded in each course?
Each course has several graded assignments. These assignments vary per course; however, they are all designed to assess the outcomes of each course. These assessments include, but are not limited to, discussions, journal reflections, assignments, and exams.
How many hours am I expected to work on each course?
You should plan to access your D2L course site at least 3 times per week. Depending on the course, you can expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week reading material, completing learning activities or assignments, and attending Google Meet sessions.
How many courses can I take at a time?
You can take as many courses as your schedule will allow. There are no restrictions on the number of courses you can take at one time.
Will I get a job once I'm done the certificate?
While having a professional certificate will certainly put you in a favourable position when looking for employment, there are many factors to consider for each individual that it would be impossible to pre-determine your employment success. Our graduate statistics have shown that a significant percentage of past students have experienced a measurable increase in salary, responsibility, and/or activity after completing our programs.
Will Mount Royal help me locate career opportunities?
No, Mount Royal does not have a system in place to assist students with career opportunities upon completion of our certificate. However, there are periodic job postings advertised on our website.
Additional information
Refer to CE Student Information for more information.
Program questions?