Student Experience

What To Expect

The two year Community and Justice Services program prepares you for employment in a variety of careers in the community and justice services field. You are taught skills to support people in the community and justice field, to promote social justice, and to work towards alternatives to policing and prisons. You are trained to work with individuals, families, groups and communities, and will develop intervention skills to work with each of these populations. You also study topics such as Indigenous Studies, Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Trauma Informed Practice, Addictions & Harm Reduction, and Community Building Practices.

The faculty in the program have extensive knowledge and experience in the field. They are committed to preparing you for your field placements with current practices and skills. They will use a variety of teaching methods, including role-playing and group activities, guest speakers, as well as individual assignments that simulate field practices and experiences.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Hear from graduate, a student and Cat Baron, Program Coordinator on how the Community and Justice Services program prepares you to work towards social justice in our communities.

“Enroling in the Community and Justice program was one of the best decisions I have made. The program’s multi-disciplinary approach provides the perfect blend between practical and theoretical knowledge to prepare students in making a direct impact on the front lines within our community.

Upon graduation, I was confident and prepared to work in the criminal justice system where I was able to make a direct impact, while using transferable skills gained from the program. After working within the front line capacity for several years, I was able to use my front line experience and gain employment within an advisory role where I could make larger scale impacts. The CJS faculty provides invaluable knowledge and perspectives to students by exemplifying the course material. I would like to thank the CJS faculty for providing me with the knowledge and support in helping change our community…from the inside.”

-Akshay Sharma, Graduate, Correctional Service Canada

“Community Justice Services (CJS) is hands down the best decision I have made. It helps you reach your dream job from policing to different social services and beyond. Your professors will help you build and expand you skill set to ready you for the real world and placement. The placement is the most difficult and enjoyable part of the program and it gives you the hands-on experience you need for the field of helping those in our community.

Without this program, I could have never been able to move across Canada, work as a housing support worker and feel like I have the tools to be successful. You cannot go wrong with choosing CJS program to improve your future.”

-Ben Shell, Graduate, Housing Support Worker

“The Community and Justice Services program provides students with valuable knowledge, continuous support and a memorable experience of working in the field. This program was the real first big step towards starting my career. Shortly after graduation, I obtained a full-time position in the field and am now currently pursuing my degree at Carleton University. I would highly recommend this program to those who want to give back to our community and make a difference!”
-Vicky Venne, Graduate

“Experiencing hands on work in the Community and Justice Services program brought skills and communication to my toolbox. The field placement was the start of my career journey, and turned into employment two years after graduation.

Currently, I have a full time job as a Criminal Court Diversion Worker within my own community.”
-Natasha Mitchell, Graduate, Criminal Court Diversion Worker

“When I got accepted to Algonquin College’s Community and Justice Services program, I never thought that when it ended I would become emotional because I didn’t want to leave. My amazing professors and classmates helped me get on a path to become the best version of myself in the field and in my personal life. The family atmosphere that the program provides helped me significantly to be comfortable in finally letting my “inner Brody” out and loving who I am. I am forever grateful that the program gave me the confidence I needed, so I can have a rewarding career making a difference in people lives, and so I could lead a happy and positive life.”
-Brody Leroux, Graduate, Recipient of the Shanley Most Progress Achieved Award

“The Community & Justice Services Program exposed me to the field of corrections and the knowledge and skills I needed to excel as a correctional professional. My placement experience with the John Howard Society of Ottawa was critical to my success as I began my first front-line position working with youth in custody before I even graduated the program.

Today, I can say I have held various positions in and out of uniform, both in the institution and the community supporting managers in correctional operations, case management and correctional interventions at sites all across the country. This program put me on the path to have a successful and rewarding vocation and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a career related to public safety.”
-Johanna de Vries, Graduate

Work Integrated Learning

In addition to the in-class sessions you will also gain hands-on, practical experience through tours of community and institutional programs, and volunteer opportunities. You will participate in seminars to develop the necessary interpersonal, communication and leadership skills to work in this field., If you qualify, you will participate in a 12-week field placement in a community and/or justice service agency.