Victimology at Algonquin College

Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.

The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.

Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims` issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field.

Practicum options include:

• victim crisis units
• police services
• victim advocacy centres
• Indigenous healing centres
• government agencies
• women`s shelters
• community action groups

Overall, you develop knowledge of crisis response, sudden and traumatic loss, and victim populations. Learn about crime and its effects on victims in the criminal justice system. In your practicum, you integrate theory with practice and contribute to victim service initiatives within your community.

The Victimology program offers you the means to pursue a unique career. This program is the first graduate certificate program offered by a Canadian college specializing in victimology. More than just theory, this program puts you in the field, allowing you to learn how to look at issues from the victim`s perspective.

You may find work in a wide variety of fields helping victims of crime. Work opportunities may exist in:

• social services
• child protection
• crisis response
• the criminal justice system, and
• in other areas related to victimization

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited to students who:

• Are committed to developing specialized knowledge and skills related to victimology and victim services.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Work successfully in a team environment.
• Thrive in challenging work settings and are able to work effectively under stressful situations.
• Are advocates of victim rights.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a variety of occupational fields providing services to victims of crime, including social services, child protection, crisis response, the criminal justice system and in policy areas related to victimization.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Assess individuals, families and groups for the risk and experience of victimization.
2. Advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems.
3. Plan, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at prevention and healing for victims of crime.
4. Refer victims of crime to appropriate services.
5. Design and deliver victim service education to other professionals and members of the community.
6. Collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and initiatives.
7. Identify, analyze and apply current research and theory to victim services.
8. Assess the personal impact of delivering victim services and employ self-care strategies.
9. Plan and participate in ongoing professional development.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in a Medical or Social Services field.

• 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 of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.