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.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2025PDFnew window. (Download a PDF of the current Program Completion GuidePDFnew window)
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.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chetwynd | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Fort Nelson | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Tumbler Ridge | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
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 | $ 4,992.47 | $ 166.22 | $ 0.00 | $ 5,158.69 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 11,580.00 | $ 166.22 | $ 0.00 | $ 828.00 | $ 12,557.76 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.caemail if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.caemail if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.caemail if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix APDFnew window) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.
B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements)PDFnew window
C. Math Requirement: One of the following with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher: Pre-calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Math 11, MATH 040, or equivalent. Alternatively, readiness for MATH 050 as determined by the CCP Math appraisal.
Note that some course options have specific prerequisites. Meeting the program entrance requirements 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 BCnew window 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); minimum D grade (50%) in all courses |
*Please note the following semester break down is based on a student beginning their program in the Fall semester. Students starting in other semesters should consult with the course catalogue in Borealis and with a Program Advisor when selecting courses.
All of:
- CRIM 101 – Introduction to Criminology (3.0 credits)
- CRIM 131 – Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)
- CRIM 135 – Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions (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)
And one 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 three from:
- CRIM 103 – Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour (3.0 credits)new window
- CRIM 120 – Research Methods in Criminology (3.0 credits)new window
OR SOSC 220 – Research Methods for the Social Sciences (3.0 credits)new window - CRIM 210 – Youth and the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)new window
OR CRIM 213 – Women and the Criminal Justice System (3.0 credits)new window - PSYC 102 – Introduction to Psychology II (3.0 credits)new window*
- SOCI 102 – Introduction to Sociology II (3.0 credits)new window*
Credential
Certificate in Criminology