Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours) (Co-op) at Algonquin College

Explore a challenging and rewarding career in the evolving field of public safety.

The four-year Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours) degree program imparts the theory and hands-on instruction allowing you to develop a systematic approach to public safety to counter, coordinate and investigate man-made and natural threats to individuals, information systems security, critical infrastructure, organizations, companies, and governments.

You learn the proven and sound principles of public safety within the context of Canadian legislation. Theoretical and experiential courses, combined with applied research and two co-op work terms, provide you with work-integrated learning opportunities, as well as the opportunity to develop and build investigative and analytical problem-solving skills. You develop inter-professional capabilities using a collaborative approach to addressing public safety situations.

This program prepares you for positions in the field of public safety encompassing security, countering crime, and emergency management. Graduates may find public safety employment opportunities in policing and the military, as well as various public and private sector organizations, government and non-profit organizations.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well suited for students who:

• respond positively to challenges.
• react to stressful situations by using thoughtful and analytical measures.
• like to work in a team environment.
• can work independently and contribute to problem-solving teams.
• want to work with a wide variety of people and ideas throughout their career.
• have an interest geo-political trends and the dynamics of our democratic society.

Careers

Graduates are prepared for positions as coordinators and specialists in public safety including areas of national security, emergency management and countering crime. Students develop skills, knowledge and expertise in areas such as; threat-risk assessment, information systems security, emergency management and crime prevention. Through experiential learning such as case studies and simulations, students develop a holistic approach to leadership to counter and manage man-made and natural threats to individuals, information, systems, critical infrastructure, organizations, companies, governments and nations. Students utilize theoretical and applied knowledge and skills with community partners in the government and private sector through two co-op work terms.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Design, apply and validate security, emergency and business continuity measures conforming to current industry practices.
2. Investigate, document and report security related incidents in accordance with accepted investigative practices.
3. Comply with established national, provincial and local laws, legislation, policies, and professional and ethical standards pertaining to public safety.
4. Analyze and interpret security related case scenarios using quantitative and qualitative research methods.
5. Develop and communicate plans and recommendations that integrate the results of research, assessment and investigations.
6. Adopt and use information technologies in accordance with current industry standards.
7. Use strategic leadership and critical thinking in professional roles and in decision-making contexts.
8. Develop operational threat mitigation strategies consistent with a fact-based assessment of geo-political trends.
9. Respond to emerging situations using the principles of crisis management.
10. Develop public safety strategies that synthesize current scholarly thinking and emerging trends in the field.
11. Lead personnel and manage facilities while applying standard business practices.
12. Design, implement, manage and evaluate security awareness education initiatives.
13. Adapt to changes in employment requirements through the development, implementation and updating of professional and personal development plans.
14. Work with diverse stakeholders and populations.
15. Work with other professionals by applying the principles of inter-professional practice.
16. Research and analyze criminal behaviour within the broader context of social trends in today`s society consistent with current scholarly thinking.

Program Eligibility

• Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:

  • One Grade 12 U English, with a minimum of 60%
  • One Grade 12 U or M Math, with a minimum of 60%.
• Please note that mature students must meet the following subject-specific Program Eligibility requirements, either directly or through equivalencies:
  • One Grade 12 U English, with a minimum of 60%, and
  • One Grade 12 U or M Math, with a minimum of 60%.
• 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.
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 90, with the minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 24.