Career Programs

Criminology Intervention

Overview

This is the new and improved Youth and Adult Correctional Intervention program starting in Fall 2023.

The new Criminology Intervention will give students more practice to better prepare graduates in the field. Course description available soon.


Criminology Intervention is a 3-year intensive professional program training students in an interdisciplinary curriculum of study in psychology, social work and criminology. Students will develop professional skills through intervention oriented and practical courses as well as acquire practical field experience through stage settings.

This program is for you if…

  • You are mature and possess good people skills.
  • You enjoy working as part of a team.
  • You can show empathy while acting as an authority figure.
  • You are ready to act as a role model.
  • You are physically able to master required self-defense (successful completion of this course is mandatory for graduation).
  • You enjoy participating in scenarios where you conduct an interview with someone about a specific issue.
  • You like participating in scenarios where you will have to help and calm someone who is having a crisis.
  • You are comfortable learning about subjects such as sexual assault, murder, child abuse, suicide, spousal abuse, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, pedophilia, organized crime, youth protection, drugs and more.
  • You are willing to work with a clientele who may sometimes be difficult.
  • You possess a basic knowledge of French (an asset).

Real Life Experience through Fieldwork

Student activities and fieldwork play an integral part in the program. Students apply their knowledge during two practical fieldwork placements totalling over 700 hours of experience. Fieldwork settings involve various opportunities working with either youth or adult clienteles.

You may be required to obtain a proof of good conduct prior to a stage placement. Fieldwork locations have the right to refuse a student for a visit or placement. The College cannot guarantee access to a placement if a student has a prior criminal record or whose conduct is deemed incompatible with their future duties.

Where Criminology Intervention Can Take You!

Although graduates of the program find rewarding and challenging careers in various related settings, our program is also an excellent platform from which to enter studies at the university level in criminology, sociology, law, psychology or social work. Our program is recognized by many universities in Canada and abroad, who grant our graduates advanced standing in certain disciplines. For example, Concordia in Montreal recognizes 15 credits in their Bachelor of Arts in Applied Human Relations, among others.

A DEC in Criminology Intervention is recognized by many provincial ministries, departments and agencies. This may lead to employment as a socio-economic assistance officer, fraud investigator, cinema inspector, CNESST claims inspector, tobacco inspector, research, inquiry and survey inspector. It is also recognized by the city of Montreal for certain jobs.

Career Opportunities For Graduates With A Criminology Intervention DEC: 

  • Brinks
  • Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Community organisations (YMCA, AJOI, LOVE, Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi, Jeunes en tête, l’Aiguillage, etc.)
  • Correctional Service Canada (CSC) (Federal Penitentiaries)
  • Crisis centres
  • Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
  • Drop-in centres
  • Drug detoxification centres
  • Drug rehabilitation centres (public and private)
  • Educational institutions (Public and alternative schools)
  • Garda
  • Halfway houses
  • Municipalities
  • Outreach services
  • Prevention and rehabilitation centres
  • Sécurité publique Québec (Provincial Prisons)
  • Shelters (homeless, women, men)
  • Youth and family services (group homes, secure units)
    … And many more.

FAQs

If I have prior CEGEP, college or university degree or have completed some courses, will I be credited for them?

Students who have already completed a DEC ('Diplôme dʼétudes collégiales') will receive credit for the general education courses (English, French, Humanities, Physical Education and complementary courses) that they previously passed.

It is difficult to grant equivalences for Criminology Intervention courses because some of the content and competencies may be different than other university or college program courses.

If you are admitted into the Criminology Intervention program, we invite you to meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss the possibility of transferring credits.

Will I be able to pursue university studies with a DEC in Criminology Intervention?

This program can be a good stepping stone to many university programs such as Social Work, Law, Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, etc.

Our program is recognized by many universities in Canada and abroad, who grant our graduates advanced standing in certain disciplines. For example, Concordia in Montreal recognizes 15 credits in their B.A. in Applied Human Relations, among others.

Who is eligible to study in the Criminology Intervention program?

Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and/or international students are eligible to study in the Criminology Intervention program. Applicants should not possess a criminal record as it will greatly limit 'stage' and work possibilities.

Other than having a high school diploma, does the Criminology Intervention program require certain prerequisites?

There are no particular prerequisites needed. However, students who apply should have above-average results since this program is very competitive. The Criminology Intervention program receives over 120 applications yearly, but admits only about 40 students.

Where can I work with a DEC in Criminology Intervention?

When accepted in Criminology Intervention, you will be trained to work in some of the following fields: 'Centres Jeunesse' (child care worker), drug rehabilitation centres (counsellor), prisons & penitentiaries (correctional officer), women's shelter (counsellor), schools (behavioural technician), community organizations, etc.

A DEC in Correctional is recognized by many provincial ministries, departments and agencies. This may lead to employment as a socio-economic assistance officer, fraud investigator, cinema inspector, CNESST claims inspector, tobacco inspector, research, inquiry and survey inspector. It is also recognized by the city of Montreal for certain jobs.

Will I be required to get a certificate of good conduct to study in Criminology Intervention?

For anyone over 18 years of age, a Certificate of Good Conduct (called “une preuve des antécédants judiciaries” in French) is a written proof that one does not possess a criminal record. You may be required to obtain such an official document prior to a 'stage' placement. A background check will also be required in Fieldword I & II courses to visit specific settings. Fieldwork locations have the right to refuse a student for a visit or placement. The College cannot guarantee access to a placement if a student has a prior criminal record or whose conduct is deemed incompatible with their future duties.

Admission Requirements

CEGEP Requirements

A Secondary School Diploma which includes:
  • Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
  • Secondary 5 Second Language
  • Secondary 4 Mathematics
  • Secondary 4 Science and Technology
    OR Secondary 4 Applied Science and Technology
  • Secondary 4 History and Citizenship Education

Program Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this program.

OR a Secondary School Vocational Diploma which includes:
  • Secondary 5 Language of Instruction
  • Secondary 5 Second Language
  • Secondary 4 Mathematics

Please Note

Applicants who have not studied in Québec must have education deemed equivalent by the College.

How To Apply

John Abbott College is affiliated with the Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain (SRAM) and uses its online application service.

The application deadline is March 1.

Warning: The documents and payment must be submitted by the deadline.

 

Program start: Fall

 

To apply:

  • Complete the online SRAM application
  • Select John Abbott and the program of your choice along with the corresponding SRAM program number: 310.B0
  • Upload any necessary documents directly to your online SRAM application

Students whose prerequisites are more than five years old should contact the Admissions Office.

Admissions Office
514-457-6610 x5358, 5355 & 5361
admissions@johnabbott.qc.ca

Criminology Intervention Department
514-457-6610 x5770
criminology.intervention@johnabbott.qc.ca

Student for a Day Program

You are interested in John Abbott College and would like spend a few hours on campus?

Please follow this link to fill out the form Student for a day, and someone will contact you to set up a time for you to come to JAC and discover our campus.

During the tour, you will visit our newly renovated library, our sports facilities, the campus store, the cafeteria, etc. You will also be shown all the services offered on “Main Street”. If you have questions about application and programs, you can speak to someone in Admissions.

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