Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.

  • The Victimology Research Centre provides students an opportunity to learn/expand research skills by contributing to active projects and/or publications
  • Mock scenarios facilitated by frontline victim service professionals provide practical knowledge in victim-centered care during crisis and beyond.
  • Combines theory and learning in a 146-hour field placement where students gain experience in victims' issues and needs, volunteering alongside victim service workers

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2025

No

Schedule

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Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate (1 Year)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Public Safety and Legal Studies

School

School of Wellness, Public Safety & Community Studies

Campus

Ottawa

Other Delivery Options

Work Integrated Learning

The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.

Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims` issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field....(read more)

Overview

Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.

The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.

Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims` issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field.

Practicum options include:

  • victim crisis units
  • police services
  • victim advocacy centres
  • Indigenous healing centres
  • women`s shelters
  • community action groups

Overall, you develop knowledge of crisis response, sudden and traumatic loss, and victim populations. Learn about crime and its effects on victims in the criminal justice system. In your practicum, you integrate theory with practice and contribute to victim service initiatives within your community.

The Victimology program offers you the means to pursue a unique career. This program is the first graduate certificate program offered by a Canadian college specializing in victimology. More than just theory, this program puts you in the field, allowing you to learn how to look at issues from the victim`s perspective.

You may find work in a wide variety of fields helping victims of crime. Work opportunities may exist in:

  • social services
  • child protection
  • crisis response
  • the criminal justice system, and
  • in other areas related to victimization

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited to students who:

  • Are committed to developing specialized knowledge and skills related to victimology and victim services.
  • Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Work successfully in a team environment.
  • Thrive in challenging work settings and ability to work effectively in stressful situations.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a variety of occupational fields providing services to victims of crime, including social services, child protection, crisis response, the criminal justice system and in policy areas related to victimization.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Assess individuals, families and groups for the risk and experience of victimization.
  2. Advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems.
  3. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at prevention and healing for victims of crime.
  4. Refer victims of crime to appropriate services.
  5. Design and deliver victim service education to other professionals and members of the community.
  6. Collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and initiatives.
  7. Identify, analyze and apply current research and theory to victim services.
  8. Assess the personal impact of delivering victim services and employ self-care strategies.
  9. Plan and participate in ongoing professional development.
  10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

Admissions Requirements

Program Eligibility

  • Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in a Medical, Legal, or Social Services field.
  • Applicants who hold a diploma or degree in a discipline other than listed above will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package.
  • Eligibility Package submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website at: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.

Successful completion of a field placement is a requirement for graduation from the Victimology program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require proof of a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program and do not have a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.

It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your proposed placement agency and to pay any associated costs. Application processing delays are possible; please submit your application promptly upon placement agency or program request.

Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement students must successfully complete all program course prerequisites.

Should you require further information, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Application Information

VICTIMOLOGY
Program Code 1611X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Additional Information

Program Resources

This program is also available through AC Online. For more information, visit the AC Online website at https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/.

Field Placement/Clinical Experience:
In collaboration with faculty and agency personnel, students work in a variety of settings including community agencies, the criminal justice system and policy related placements, providing victim-centred services advocacy. This practicum experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and to contribute to victim service initiatives within seminars, discussions and journals.

Contact

Jennifer Barkley

Program Coordinator

barklej@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5246

Room P112O

View Bio

Jennifer Barkley

Program Coordinator

barklej@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5246

Jennifer Barkley is the Program Coordinator, Field Placement Coordinator and part time instructor of the Graduate Victimology Certificate at Algonquin College in Ottawa Ontario. She holds a B.A. Honours in Criminology, with a minor in Forensic Psychology from Carleton University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Victimology from Algonquin College. Jennifer conducted research for a Canada-wide study on resilience and victims of violence, aimed at enhancing the assistance provided to victims.

Engaged in public speaking about a murder in her own family, Jennifer promotes an increased understanding of the journey encountered by victims following violence. Victim-centered care is close to Jennifer’s heart and provides the focus of her professional path.

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