What to expect from a career in Law, Justice or Security
Law, justice and security professionals are in constant demand. The diverse jobs in this highly rewarding industry are all in some way related to protecting and serving our communities – not as police officers, but as law clerks, private security, community justice enforcers and much more. You can work toward an exciting career in the field by starting with one of the many law, justice and security programs at Ontario colleges.
If you’re interested in law or security, or you want to work with courts and justice services, here’s what you need to know.
Law, Justice and Security Courses
Because of the wide variety of law, justice and security programs available, specific courses will vary. Sample program focus areas and course work include (but aren't limited to):
- Law Clerk and Legal Office Administration. Students learn legal procedures and terminology, as well as how to complete research, conduct client interviews and prepare legal documents. Some programs also include courses in civil litigation, corporate law and more.
- Community and Justice Services. Courses cover psychology, sociology, fitness, intervention techniques, criminology and other subjects related to working with at-risk and troubled youth and adults.
- Law and Security. Courses are similar to those in community and justice services, but also include courses focused on security procedures and investigations, customs and immigration and criminal and civil law.
- Court Services and Administration. Course subjects include computers, law, court processes and ethics, as applied to the different levels of court.
Many law, justice and security programs are built on the same foundations – research and analysis of law and security procedures. Some programs offer work placements and co-op terms where students can apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Law, Justice and Security Program Requirements
Ontario college law, justice and security programs are offered at the certificate, diploma, graduate certificate and degree level. For the certificate and diploma programs, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is required, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Degree level programs require an OSSD or equivalent, including six grade 12 U or M level courses.
For entrance into graduate certificate programs, applicants must possess a post-secondary diploma or degree. Some colleges require specific courses, or require that any previous education be in a related field.
Law, Justice and Security Jobs and Salaries
Programs in law, justice and security lead to opportunities in a variety of settings, from law firms and court tribunals to correctional services, government and other public and private organizations. Common job titles graduates hold include (but aren’t limited to):
- Probation Officer
- Law Clerk
- Court Transcriptionist
- Justice Support Worker
- Security Guard
Average starting salaries for law, justice and security jobs are between $25,000 and $35,000 a year. Legal administration jobs are typically at the low end of the scale, with law clerks and court support in the middle, and youth corrections positions at the high end.
Ontario Colleges Offering Law, Justice and Security Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of law, justice and security programs at Ontario colleges.
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