Honours Bachelor of Police Studies

Program: BAPS
Credential: Honours Bachelor Degree
Delivery: Full-time (BAPS) + Advanced Standing (BAPA) + Part-time
Work Integrated Learning: 1 Co-op Work Term
Length: 8 Semesters, plus 1 work term
Duration: 4 Years (BAPS), 2 Years (BAPA)
Effective: Fall 2024
Location: Orillia

Description

The Honours Bachelor of Police Studies degree encourages a broadened critical understanding of the nature, role and function of policing. Students will explore a variety of topics offering opportunities for careers in law enforcement. The program learning outcomes value an integrated learning approach to police education that will provide a diverse range of students with the critical mix of professionalism, technical/legal expertise and analytical skills necessary to succeed in justice-related careers. This multi-dimensional degree complements, rather than duplicates, existing educational initiatives, offering courses that encourage increasing levels of thinking and analysis, which are dynamic in design, rationale and delivery. The learning outcomes are designed to directly calibrate with the policing community and its high professional standards.

Career Opportunities

This program will prepare our graduates with a variety of career and educational opportunities. The primary career categories include the Ontario Provincial Police Service and municipal police services. Opportunities may also include out-of-province police services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Armed Forces, By-Law Enforcement, Private Police and Investigators, Canada Border Services and Corrections. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. understand historical, current and future global trends affecting the professional police sector;
  2. employ effective problem solving skills with respect to critical incident management in law enforcement;
  3. apply computer literacy and effective oral and written communication skills applicable to the policing profession;
  4. utilize interpersonal and team building skills in diverse settings and apply leadership skills appropriately;
  5. understand national and international political, justice and legal systems including the wide variety of criminal and civil justice agencies and services;
  6. research, organize, evaluate, synthesize and analyze evidence and statistical data based on investigation;
  7. provide ethical, accountable and effective professional practices to individuals and groups in the community from a variety of diverse backgrounds;
  8. assess and analyze the effectiveness and current relevance of judicial policies and procedures;
  9. apply knowledge of individual and group behaviour within the context of current social issues and crime and deviance;
  10. analyze and apply business strategies to police services;
  11. develop short and long term personal and professional goals and networking that assist with ongoing career planning;
  12. show an appreciation for life-long learning and a broad range of interests;
  13. apply critical thinking and analytical skills inside and outside the discipline;
  14. apply learning from one or more areas outside the discipline.

Practical Experience

All co-operative education programs at Georgian contain mandatory work term experiences aligned with program learning outcomes.  Co-op work terms are designed to integrate academic learning with work experience, supporting the development of industry specific competencies and employability skills.

Georgian College holds membership with, and endeavours to follow, the co-operative education guidelines set out by the Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and Experiential and Work-Integrated Ontario (EWO) as supported by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Co-op is facilitated as a supported, competitive job search process. Students are required to complete a Co-op and Career Preparation course scheduled prior to their first co-op work term. Students engage in an active co-op job search that includes applying to positions posted by Co-op Consultants, and personal networking.  Co-op work terms are scheduled according to a formal sequence that alternates academic and co-op semesters as shown in the program progression below.

Programs may have additional requirements such as a valid driver’s license, strong communication skills, industry specific certifications, and ability to travel. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be unable to complete the program progression as shown below. Please refer to Georgian College Academic Regulations for details.   

International co-op work terms are supported and encouraged, when aligned with program requirements.

Further information on co-op services can be found at www.GeorgianCollege.ca/co-op

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake - BAPS (direct entry stream)

  • Sem 1: Fall 2024
  • Sem 2: Winter 2025
  • Sem 3: Fall 2025
  • Sem 4: Winter 2026
  • Sem 5: Fall 2026
  • Sem 6: Winter 2027
  • Work Term: Summer 2027
  • Sem 7: Fall 2027
  • Sem 8: Winter 2028

Fall Intake - BAPA (advanced standing stream)

Note: The advanced standing stream follows the Fall 2022 curriculum.

  • Sem 5: Fall 2024
  • Sem 6: Winter 2025
  • Work Term: Summer 2025
  • Sem 7: Fall 2025
  • Sem 8: Winter 2026

Articulation

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at https://www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or mature student status
  • minimum overall average of 65 per cent
  • six Grade 12 U or M level courses
  • Grade 12 English (U)

Note: Police Foundations diploma graduates can apply to our advanced standing stream through OCAS using the major code of BAPA. 

Mature applicants may also be considered for admission to this program providing their previous school performance and/or recent work record suggests a strong possibility of academic success. In order to qualify, applicants must be 19 years of age by December 31 of the year of admission and must have been away from formal education for at least one year immediately prior to beginning studies. Mature applicants must meet subject prerequisites prior to registration.

Applicants should be aware that first-year enrolment is limited; satisfying minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

Selection is based on academic grades and subject prerequisites; applicants must meet minimum averages to receive final acceptance.

Additional Information

The College has been granted consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Non-core courses are required in all degree programs to meet the Ministry of Colleges and Universities benchmark for depth and breadth in degree-level learning. These courses are designed to give students the tools to develop interdisciplinary perspectives that inform their approach to their own discipline, their continued education and their life outside work.

Students are required to take: at least one first year interdisciplinary course (INTS1xxx); two introductory courses in their choice of disciplines outside their main field of study, which may include psychology (PSYC 1000 or PSYC 1001), social science (SOCI 1000), humanities (HUMA 1012), or science (SCEN 1000); one advanced course in a discipline (ex. PSYC3xxx, SOSC3xxx, HUMA3xxx), and; one upper level interdisciplinary course (INTS4xxx). These courses and any remaining non-core course requirements to be selected from the program list.

Please Note

In Canada the various federal, provincial and municipal acts and regulations outline special requirements for those entering a career as a law enforcement officer. Students wishing to pursue such careers should ensure that they will be able to meet the physical and educational requirements before enrolling. Potential students with a criminal record will need to discuss their personal situations with college before enrolling in the program. In some cases an official criminal record may make it more difficult for students to complete the program requirements and find related employment after graduation.

Graduation Requirements

27 Core Courses
4 Non-Core Courses
1 Non-Core Psychology Course
4 Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)
4 Elective Non-Core Courses
1 Co-op Work Term

Note: The advanced standing stream follows the curriculum and progression for the Fall 2022 intake.

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60 percent or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester, and have an overall average of 65 percent in core courses and 60% in non-core courses.

Program Tracking - BAPS (direct entry stream)

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
Core Courses  
POLC 1000 Introduction to Police Studies 42
POLC 1001 Interpersonal Communication 42
POLC 1002 Canadian Criminal Justice 42
POLC 1009 Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights 42
Non-Core Courses  
INTS 1007 Interdisciplinary Modes of Communication 42
 Hours210
Semester 2
Core Courses  
POLC 1004 Fundamental Concepts of Criminal Law 42
POLC 1005 Human Kinetics for Policing 42
POLC 1008 Community Policing 42
POLC 1010 Document and Case Management 42
Non-Core Courses  
INTS 1002 Introduction to Multidisciplinary Research 42
 Hours210
Semester 3
Core Courses  
POLC 2003 Police Powers in Canada 42
POLC 2006 Provincial Offences 42
POLC 2008 Ergonomics and Wellness 42
POLC 2009 Youth Crime and Justice 42
Non-Core Psychology Course  
Select either PSYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology 1 or PSYC 1001 Introduction to Psychology 2 during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 4
Core Courses  
POLC 2007 Mental Health Issues 42
POLC 2010 Introduction to Forensic Science 42
POLC 2011 Criminology 42
POLC 2012 Principles in Traffic Law 42
Non-Core Course  
SOCI 1000 Introduction to Sociology 42
 Hours210
Semester 5
Core Courses  
POLC 3002 Foundations of Interviewing 42
POLC 3012 Policing and Society 42
POLC 3007 Criminal Law: Advanced Theories 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-core Courses  
Select 1 course at the 3000-level from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 6
Core Courses  
POLC 3008 Criminal Procedures and Evidence 42
POLC 3013 Principles of Ethical Reasoning and Policing 42
POLC 3014 Introduction to Research Methods for Policing 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 7
Core Courses  
POLC 4005 Human Resources Management in Policing 42
POLC 4014Mediation and Dispute Resolution 42
Non-Core Course  
MNGM 1000 Leadership Models and Theories 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Courses: Core and Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course at the INTS 4000-level from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 8
Core Courses  
POLC 4001 Professional Standards in Policing 42
POLC 4015 Criminal Behaviour and Analysis 42
POLC 4016 Honours Research Capstone 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
 Total Hours1680

Program Tracking - BAPA (advanced standing stream)

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 5Hours
Core Courses  
POLC 3002 Foundations of Interviewing 42
POLC 3007 Criminal Law: Advanced Theories 42
POLC 3012 Policing and Society 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 6
Core Courses  
POLC 3008 Criminal Procedures and Evidence 42
POLC 3013 Principles of Ethical Reasoning and Policing 42
POLC 3014 Introduction to Research Methods for Policing 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 7
Core Courses  
POLC 4005 Human Resources Management in Policing 42
POLC 4014 Mediation and Dispute Resolution 42
Non-Core Course  
MNGM 1000 Leadership Models and Theories 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
Semester 8
Core Courses  
POLC 4001 Professional Standards in Policing 42
POLC 4015 Criminal Behaviour and Analysis 42
POLC 4016 Honours Research Capstone 42
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-core)  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
Elective Non-Core Courses  
Select 1 course from the available list during registration. 42
 Hours210
 Total Hours840
Plan of Study Grid
Co-op Work TermHours
COOP 1018 Police Studies Work Term 1 560
 Hours560
 Total Hours560
Elective Courses (Specialty Topics: Core or Non-Core) may include:
BSNS 2004Organizational Behaviour
BSNS 4003Risk Management
MNGM 1001Management Principles
MNGM 2001Project Management
MNGM 4000Strategic Management
POLC 3009Biology of Crime
POLC 3010 Terrorism
POLC 3011Physical Fitness Training for Policing
POLC 4003Major Incident Command and Negotiating Skills
POLC 4004Public And Media Relations
POLC 4006Forensic Science: Advanced Techniques and Application
POLC 4007Contemporary Social Movements
POLC 4008Organized Crime
POLC 4009 Cybercrime: Trends and Issues
POLC 4010Corporate and White Collar Crime
POLC 4011Police Governance
POLC 4012Victimology
POLC 4017Police Studies Advanced Perspectives

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of four years (as stated above) may take a maximum of eight years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.

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