The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Diploma in Community and Justice Services

Ottawa, Canada

DEGREE TYPE

Diploma

DURATION

2 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time, Part time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

Sep 2026

STUDY FORMAT

Distance Learning, On-Campus

Key Summary

About : The Diploma in Community and Justice Services equips students with essential skills in community development, social justice, and crime prevention. The program covers topics like conflict resolution, addiction studies, and community reintegration strategies. This diploma prepares students for a variety of roles in community services and justice sectors.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, such as community outreach coordinator, youth worker, or justice service facilitator. The program offers a foundational step for those looking to make an impact in community and justice services.

Choose a career that teaches you to fight for social justice!

The two-year Community and Justice Services Ontario College Diploma program emphasizes alternatives to policing and prisons and teaches students skills to work with people and communities to address issues such as criminalization, poverty, affordable housing scarcity, food insecurity, and immigration. Through theory and practical experiences, the program teaches you to work with people and communities in ways that respect their inherent dignity and humanity. Learn to understand the historical, political, and economic forces that create these social justice issues.

In this program, you develop skills such as critical analysis, advocacy, community organizing, group facilitation, conflict mediation, and individual support work with adults, youth, and children. You learn the importance of addressing issues not just on an individual level, but also at a community-based level. Woven throughout the program is a commitment to human rights, social justice, and alternatives to policing and prisons. Study topics include:

Indigenous studies
Anti-Racism/anti-oppression
Gender and sexuality studies
Disability justice
Trauma-informed practice
Addiction and harm reduction
Mental health
Community building practices

As a student, you participate in a field placement experience in the community and justice field. In this placement, you identify, practice, and integrate skills and theories that you have learned in the program.