The University Arts and Sciences program at Northern Lights College serves individuals and communities by providing university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the arts and sciences. A wide variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and to engage in personal enrichment.
A Criminology Certificate is awarded to students who complete ten of the designated courses, the equivalent of one year of planned first and second-year courses, at Northern Lights College. The certificate is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment positions as well as continued studies in professional programs, including Corrections, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies, and Law Enforcement at university or university-college transferring institutions.
Career Prospects
By taking a planned combination of Northern Lights College courses, students may transfer to corrections, criminology, criminal justice, forensic studies, and law enforcement programs offered at provincial universities and university-colleges.
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chetwynd | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort Nelson | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Tumbler Ridge | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Length
30 credits (450 hours), minimum.
This is a one year program taken over two semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer. Students in this program select course loads and course schedules that fit their needs and course availability. Registration is completed semester-by-semester.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,581.40 | $ 149.76 | $ 0.00 | $ 3,731.16 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 11,580.00 | $ 149.76 | $ 0.00 | $ 828.00 | $ 12,557.76 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
English Requirement
For applicants from countries that practice Standard Written English, one of the following:
- English Studies 12 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
- English First Peoples 12 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
- ENGL 050 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
- ENGL 099 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
- Any university-level English course with a grade of C or higher
- NLC Writing Assessment with placement at the college level (100)
For all other applicants, one of the following:
- IELTS result with an overall score of 6.0 or higher with no band less than 6.0*
- TOEFL iBT of 78
- Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL) 60 overall band
- Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) 8 in each section
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) 57
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) 76
- Cambridge-Michigan Language Assessment (CaMLA) 69 plus NLC’s Writing Assessment
- A post-secondary level credential with equivalent English language requirements
- Two years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada and completion of English 12, English Studies 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, or equivalent with a minimum grade of B.
- Completion of the Citation in English for Academic Purposes Level 060
The General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements outline more details of the academic English requirements.
* Students with a writing band of 6.0 or less are required to complete ENGL 099 with a B grade or higher before or during the first semester of their program.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- Pre-calculus 11 with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher, or equivalent
- Principles of Mathematics 11 with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher, or equivalent
- Foundations of Math 11 with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher, or equivalent
- MATH 040 with a ‘C’ grade or higher, or equivalent
- Readiness for MATH 050 as determined by the CCP Math appraisal
Note
Elective courses may have specific prerequisites. Meeting entrance requirements for the program does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses.
Important Notes
This program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
Program Requirements
Residency Requirement
25% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College
Minimum Grade Requirements
2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA); D grade (50%) minimum in all courses
Semester One
All of:
- CRIM 101 – Introduction to Criminology (3.0 credits)
- CRIM 131 – Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)
- ENGL 100 – Academic Writing (3.0 credits)
- PSYC 101 – Introduction to Psychology I (3.0 credits)
- SOCI 101 – Introduction to Sociology I (3.0 credits)
Semester Two
All of:
- CRIM 135 – Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions (3.0 credits)
- Three Criminology Electives (see below) Minimum credits: 9.0
All of:
- ENGL 105 – Nonfictional Prose (3.0 credits)
- ENGL 110 – Introduction to Workplace Communications (3.0 credits)
- ENGL 111 – Poetry and Drama (3.0 credits)
- ENGL 112 – Prose Fiction (3.0 credits)
Criminology Electives
Select from:
- CRIM 103 – Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour (3.0 credits)*
- PSYC 102 – Introduction to Psychology II (3.0 credits)*
- SOCI 102 – Introduction to Sociology II (3.0 credits)*
Or one of:
- CRIM 120 – Research Methods in Criminology (3.0 credits)
- SOSC 220 – Research Methods for the Social Sciences (3.0 credits)
Or one of:
- CRIM 210 – Youth and the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)
- CRIM 213 – Women and the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)
* Recommended for students considering completing the Criminology Diploma
Credential
Certificate in Criminology