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Police Foundations Diploma – Pathway for Professionals

Program Overview

The Police Foundations - Pathway for Professionals diploma offers a blend of foundational communications, legal, and social studies courses equipping participants with the core and cross functional skills sought-after in today’s justice sector.

This program is designed for justice professionals and first responders including: police officers, special constables, by-law officers, corrections officers, border services, private security, and members of the Canadian military. It is ideal for learners pursuing career advancement opportunities, a potential change in careers and/or a pathway to entry into degree-level academic programs across the country.

Courses  

Over four months, all Pathway for Professional students are required to complete the following courses, in this sequence: 
 
WRIT 100 College Reading and Writing Skills (1 week)
PFP 150
PSYC 224
Criminology
Social Psychology
(4 weeks - courses taken concurrently)
PFP 213
SOCI 150
Mental Health and Addictions
Intro to Sociology
(4 weeks - courses taken concurrently)
PFP 254
PSYC 150
Conflict Management
Intro to Psychology
(4 weeks - courses taken concurrently)
 
Students who are not graduates of a provincial or federal justice college* are required to complete the following three additional courses (offered in the Spring term): 
 
PFP 155 Criminal Code
PFP 207 Police Powers
PFP 252 Police Oversight
 
*Examples of justice colleges include: Ontario Police College, Ontario Correctional Services College or the Canadian Border Services College. Your professional training will be assessed by Humber to determine transfer credit eligibility.  

Designed for Working Professionals

Offered in a compressed, asynchronous online format, this program recognizes that many first responders work rotating shifts and weekends. The online-only format allows students the flexibility to manage their workload around their own schedules. The compressed format allows students to complete the diploma in as little as 4 months.

Your Career

Humber's Police Foundations Pathway for Professionals enables professionals already working in the justice sector to be well positioned for promotional opportunities within their organization, ranging from career growth in:

  • Policing
  • Canada Border Services Agency
  • Correctional services
  • Special constable positions
  • Municipal by-law enforcement
  • Private security

In addition, graduates from this program are eligible for advanced standing into University of Guelph-Humber's Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies degree.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for this accelerated program includes:

  • Three years full-time experience in a justice-related or first responder occupation in Canada, or equivalent. For example, if you have two years of full-time experience in policing and worked 20 hours a week part-time for two years prior to policing in the security field, you would meet the eligibility requirements.
  • For jurisdictions outside of Canada, please contact Humber for further information at the contact email address below.

Application Process

Students will apply directly to Humber College following the steps listed below. Note: you do not need to apply through OCAS (Ontario College Application System).

  1. Contact Humber College to obtain your Humber student account number. This can be done by contacting our customer service representatives at: enquiry@humber.ca or by calling 416-675-5000.  A student account number is required on all materials.
  2. To start the application process, download the Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment (PLAR) form. Please be sure to include your student number on the PLAR application form. The PLAR form contains detailed instructions on the materials required for a complete submission. Prepare supporting materials for your application, including:
    1. a detailed resume and confirmation of your work history
    2. details of previous post-secondary education, if any

The information in the PLAR application is used to assess how many transfer credits you may be eligible for which, in turn, will determine how long it will take for you to complete the program.

  1. All application materials are to be emailed to the program coordinator at richard.defacendis@humber.ca. PLAR applications can take 4-6 weeks.
  2. A $450 non-refundable fee will be charged for processing your PLAR-eligible transfer credits.

Application Submission Dates

The Police Foundations Program – Pathways for Professionals program has two intakes; September and January of each year. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis throughout the year with no specific deadlines other than the start of the semester. If the program is full when we receive your application, Humber will notify you that you have been placed on a waitlist.

Academic Fees

PFP Diploma

There is a $450 non-refundable fee for processing your PLAR-eligible transfer credits.

Based on a student's PLAR evaluation, students will be required to complete between seven and ten classes to earn their credential.

Students who are required to complete seven courses in a single semester will be assessed $1,892.34* in fees.

Students requiring an additional three courses in the following semester, will be assessed an additional $1,015.56* in fees.

All students should also anticipate $500 - $800 in additional fees for textbooks and student materials.

*Fees are based on the 2024-25 academic year and subject to change in 2025-26*.

Recorded Information Sessions

Watch our recorded information sessions to learn more about the program and how it can boost your career.

Who is the program for?

Who is the Program for?

Learn more about the Police Foundations Diploma – Pathway for Professionals program and if it's right for you.

About the courses

About the Courses

Program co-ordinator Richard DeFacendis discusses the courses and learning outcomes.

Program time commitment

Program Time Commitment

Community Peace Officer Kimberley Wood discusses the level of commitment needed to successfully complete the program.

Building a network

Building a Network

This program provides an opportunity for learners to connect with other professionals in the field.

Program pathways

Program Pathways

There are multiple careers and pathways available upon graduation.

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

Learn more about the requirements to enter this diploma program.

Mark Saunders, Police Foundations Leadership, 2008 Graduate

Mark Saunders

As former Chief of Police of the largest municipal police service in Canada, Mark credits some of his success to choosing Humber.

Read More  


Testimonials

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I was happy to be able to complete my humber diploma through the pathway for professionals because it accommodated my position where I need to maintain full time employment, and presence in my family, while working on continuing education.
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– Kimberly Wood
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I am going to continue on to my degree with Humber-Guelph where I am again very grateful for a post-secondary program designed for working professionals.
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– Kimberly Wood
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Through tenacity and perseverance, I transformed my career path, balancing full-time work, family, and continuing education. My journey with Humber has been pivotal in supporting my future career goals in Justice.
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– Kimberly Wood
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Have a Question?

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Contact Us

Richard DeFacendis, program coordinator
416-675-6622 ext 3266
richard.defacendis@humber.ca



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