Community justice service students discussing with one another

Ontario College Diploma

Community and Justice Services

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

(Brampton)

This program is not currently accepting applications. However, Sheridan offers many other Applied Health and Community Studies programs that you may be interested in.

Prepare for a career helping others in a justice setting.

Program Overview

Build a career in community justice

Be part of an exciting and in-demand field. Our Community and Justice Services program looks at criminal justice through the lens of corrections and rehabilitation. Learn to work with individuals in the court system, during imprisonment and after release. After graduation, you may work as a correctional officer or help others re-enter society at a halfway house or other community agency.

Outstanding career preparation

Sheridan’s Community and Justice Services program gives you a strong foundation that gets you ready for the workplace. You’ll explore the social sciences, such as psychology, criminal law and criminology. You’ll learn through lectures, guest speakers and group activities. You’ll also have the opportunity to make connections with community agencies.

What you'll learn

  • How to use static and dynamic security techniques.
  • How to develop and implement a correctional program.
  • Methods for crisis intervention and prevention.
  • Offender case management.
  • How to work with clients with addictions and mental illnesses.

Field experience

The Community and Justice Services program includes two field practicums. You’ll first have an interview to talk about your career interests. Then you’ll do a field placement in a community and justice agency. You could work at an adult institution, youth facility, community agency or residential facility. These practicums can be a great path to employment.

Required certifications

Before your practicums, you’ll need to become certified in Standard First Aid and CPR. You’ll also need to have a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check. These certifications are all at your own expense.

PCAJS

Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
    JUST 13344 Introduction to the Canadian Justice System 3
    LEIS 13678 Occupational Health and Fitness for Community and Justice Service Professionals 3
    JUST 13078 Community and Justice Career Preparation 3
    PSYC 15065G Psychology Core Concepts 3
    SOCI 16039G Introduction to Sociology 3
    Total: 18
  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    CSRV 10273 Diverse Populations 3
    JUST 15366 Community Corrections 3
    JUST 15812 Youth in Conflict with the Criminal Justice System 3
    FLPL 17491 Field Observation and Seminar 3
    PSYC 12399 Psych: Abnormal Behaviour 3
      General Education Elective 3
    Total: 18
  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    PSYC 29402 Addictions and Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System 3
    SOCS 19387 Criminology 3
    JUST 28824 Institutional Offender Management and Programming 3
    CSRV 26103 Intervention & Facilitation Skills 3
    FLPL 14349 Field Practicum 1: Community and Justice Services 5
    FLPL 10726 Field Seminar 1: Community and Justice Services 1
    Total: 18
  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    CSRV 15436 Resolving Conflict in Community and Justice Services 3
    SOCS 23270 Applied Criminology 3
    FLPL 21333 Field Practicum 2: Community and Justice Services 8
    FLPL 26217 Field Seminar 2: Community and Justice Services 1
      General Education Elective 3
    Total: 18

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

As well, applicants should be aware of the physical demands of the field, and course work, and explore possible field placement and employment related standards before applying.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Field placement requirements

Students will be required to provide additional documentation (such as criminal record checks and immunization records) directly to their field placement before the start of the placement and at their own expense. View Field Placement details for more information.

*Course duration for September starts is two academic years. Course duration for January starts is 16 months continuous.

Career Opportunities

Here are some places you might work:



  • Community agencies
  • Facilities for youth in conflict with the law
  • Group homes and foster homes
  • Jails, correctional centres and halfway houses
  • Homeless shelters
  • Schools
  • Social services

Degree Completion

If you've graduated from a Community and Justice Services (MTCU 50705) diploma (at Sheridan or at another institution) with a minimum final GPA of 3.0, you may be eligible to apply to Year 2 of Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Community Safety degree through Degree Completion.

Get your degree in less time

Degree Completion allows you to apply your diploma credits towards a Sheridan degree. You'll get significant credit for the courses you completed in your diploma, which means you can complete your degree and advance your career sooner.

As a Degree Completion student, you'll enter into Year 2 of the Community Safety degree program. You'll be required to take one additional course in the first semester of the program, and you may complete the degree in three years.

How to apply

Sheridan students and recent graduates

Apply through myStudentCentre: If you've recently been enrolled in a Sheridan program (Fall 2021 or later), you can apply directly to Sheridan through our internal application process on myStudentCentre. (In your dashboard, select the "Registration Status" tile and then "Apply to new program" to get started.) To apply as a Degree Completion student, select "Honours Bachelor of Community Safety Degree Completion – PBCMS" as your program of choice.

Graduates from other institutions

Apply through ontariocolleges.ca: If you're new to Sheridan, you'll need to apply through ontariocolleges.ca. To apply as a Degree Completion student, submit an application using the program code PBCMS.

Contact us

Have a question about Degree Completion? Please get in touch – we're happy to help!

Learn from the comfort of home with our virtual option

Sheridan’s Social Service Worker – Gerontology program is the first in the province to offer our diploma program entirely online.

  • This virtual, synchronous program will allow you to access the program from wherever you live. *
  • Our synchronous delivery will allow us to offer the same hands-on, supportive environment that Sheridan is known for while addressing some of the barriers to accessing an in-person program.
  • If you live in Ontario, practicum opportunities will be developed local to you, even if you reside outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • Predictable schedules for synchronous learning will allow you to manage work and personal life while in school.

* Note: At this time, the virtual option is only open to domestic students.

Advanced Entry Challenge Exams

Get credit for what you know

Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

How do Challenge Exams work?

AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.

I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan.

What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

  • Programming – Introductory
  • Programming – .NET
  • Programming – Advanced Java
  • Networking
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Databases
  • Software Design
  • Mobile App Development – Android
  • Mobile App Development – iOS
  • Game Development – UNITY
  • Wireless

You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you.

How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

Step 1: Make sure you meet the program admission requirements

You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

Complete a free self-assessment test for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program.

To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees For Canadian Students

Fees for Canadian students

$4,416.50
Fees for International Students

Fees for International students

$18,481.50

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

International students beginning their full-time postsecondary studies at Sheridan may receive an entrance scholarship. A separate application is not required. Visit the International Entrance Scholarship page for details.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program graduates will have the ability to:

  • Work and communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, a respect for self, others, and relevant law and legislation.
  • Employ all relevant security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, and the security of the staff, and clients in institutional, residential and community settings.
  • Intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage problems and to facilitate constructive behaviour change.
  • Observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately, and respond appropriately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
  • Assist in the prevention and resolution of conflict, crisis and emergency situations using methods consistent with legal requirements and organizational policy.
  • Establish and maintain constructive relationships with clients, staff, professionals and the community.
  • Participate in program planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff and administration within the organizational environment.
  • Apply knowledge of social sciences concepts when interacting with clients, staff, professionals and the public.

Educational philosophy

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

Program goals

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

  • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
  • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
  • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
  • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

How to apply: Submit an application using the program code PBHSB.

Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

  • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
  • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
  • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

Course exceptions

After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program, with the following exceptions.

You will additionally take:

  • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
  • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
  • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

You will not need to take:*

  • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
  • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
  • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
  • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
  • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
  • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
  • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

*Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

  • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

Program Mission

Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

Program Vision

Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

Critical Performance Statement

Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

Field Placements

The Community and Justice Services program includes two practicum terms. You could work at an adult institution, youth facility, community agency or residential facility. These practicums can be a great path to employment.

Placement details

Semester 3:

  • FLPL 14349: Field Practicum 1
  • Placement days per week: Two days per week for 13 weeks.
  • Total hours: 200 hours

Semester 4:

  • FLPL 21333: Field Practicum 2
  • Placement days per week: Three days per week for 13 weeks.
  • Total hours: 300 hours

Field placement requirements

Sheridan field placement agencies require a police record check for criminal offences, including a vulnerable sector check and a current acceptable record of immunization. Before your practicums, you’ll also need to become certified in Standard First Aid and CPR.

You'll be required to provide this documentation before the start of Semester 2 and directly to your field placement before the start of each placement. These certifications are all at your own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements will not be able to complete field placement opportunities.

Writer-in-Residence program

Each year, Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing (CW&P) program hosts a Writer-in-Residence. The 8-month residency is awarded to a writer who embodies the distinctiveness and dynamism of the & in our program name.

In addition to working on at least one specific writing project of their own during their tenure, the Writer-in-Residence is responsible for creative leadership, mentoring and public outreach in the area of creative writing and/or publishing.

How our Writer-in-Residence supports Sheridan students

Students in our CW&P program benefit from the work and mentorship of our Writer-in-Residence, who:

  • shares their expertise and experience as a creative professional and working writer;
  • performs public readings from their recently published work and/or current work-in-progress;
  • organizes public lectures and/or workshops; and
  • works with faculty to augment existing curriculum in the area of creative writing, publishing and/or creativity.

2024–25 Writer-in-Residence

Cassidy McFadzean
Photo credit: Tony Tulathimutte

Fiction writer, editor and poet Cassidy McFadzean is joining Sheridan as the 2024–25 CW&P Writer-in-Residence.

McFadzean was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned an MA from the University of Regina. She went on to earn an MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa, and an MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College, where she was co-Editor-in-Chief and Fiction Editor of The Brooklyn Review.

McFadzean is the author of three books of poetry: Crying Dress (House of Anansi, 2024), Drolleries (McClelland & Stewart, 2019), and Hacker Packer (M&S, 2015). Her poetry has appeared in magazines across Canada and the U.S., has been anthologized in The Best Canadian Poetry, In Fine Form 2, and The New Wascana Anthology. Her fiction has appeared in Joyland, EVENT, Maisonneuve, and The Best Canadian Stories, and is forthcoming in Hazlitt, The Walrus, and Invisible Publishing's collaborative anthology Dead Writers.

In welcoming her to the post, CW&P's Associate Dean Morgan Dennis highlights McFadzean’s expertise in both poetry and fiction, as well as her editorial work at The Brooklyn Review: “McFadzean is such a well-rounded talent, which is exactly what our students are looking for. Plus, her experience in the literary journal market will be of great value to our in-house magazine—The Ampersand Review of Writing & Publishing."

Free professional development opportunities

Are you a business lead who's looking to level up your company's culture of creativity and entrepreneurship?

Sheridan offers FREE, one-hour PD sessions on topics such as:

  • Creative Strategies for an EDI-driven World
  • The Science of Creativity and Innovation
  • Intra- and Entrepreneurial Thinking, and
  • Creative Team Leadership

These workshops will catalyze your climate of innovation and give your team an exclusive look into Sheridan's one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation.*

Register your team for a FREE online one-hour masterclass!


*Advance further with our Applied Creativity and Innovation graduate certificate

Our new graduate certificate in Applied Creativity and Innovation is a great professional development (PD) opportunity for many company teams. The program teaches complex problem-solving, creativity, innovation and negotiation skills — competencies that make companies more resilient and adaptable as they face the unique challenges presented by the future of work.

Why this program is a great choice for PD:

  • Flexible hours — your employees can complete their graduate certificate online, at their own pace.
  • Relevant coursework – they can choose electives that are most applicable to their position at your company.
  • Award-winning faculty – they’ll learn from instructors who are on the cutting-edge of creativity and innovation research.
  • Practicum project – they’ll work alongside our team of experts to resolve an issue that your business is facing today — whether it’s how to leverage artificial intelligence technology, advance your sustainability efforts, update your marketing strategies, address supply chain inefficiencies or another challenge.

Apprenticeship Exemption Test

The Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET) provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams).

Apprenticeship Exemption Tests are administered at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, through Sheridan's Assessment Centre.

Learn more about the AET, including eligibility criteria, available tests and how to register.

Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

Our 2025-26 Digital Viewbook is here!

Learn about Sheridan’s campuses, programs, support services, alumni and more.

Program availability

Domestic
International

Ontario College Diploma

Full-time 2 years Program code: PCAJS

Ontario College Diploma
Start date Campus Delivery Status
Jan 2025 Davis Campus (Brampton)
In Person
Domestic Closed
International Closed
Sep 2025 Davis Campus (Brampton)
In Person
Domestic Closed
International Closed
Jan 2026 Davis Campus (Brampton)
In Person
Domestic Closed
International Closed

Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

Contact Centre hours of operation:

Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Contact Sheridan

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