Policing & Community Well-Being (B.A.)

Be a part of a truly unique degree experience: the only community-inclusive policing and community well-being program of its kind in Canada.

This progressive degree – the only community-inclusive policing and community well-being program of its kind in Canada – prepares you for roles focused on the health, safety, and security of society. As a student in this program, you will study exclusively at Trent’s Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area where you will benefit from smaller class sizes, giving you access to mentorship from leading professors and specialists across a variety of disciplines such as Sociology, Criminology and Social Work. You will have several opportunities for applied and experiential learning experiences in the classroom and in the community that provide you with the key knowledge, leadership, collaborative and problem-solving skills to be at the forefront of careers in policing or the human social and public services.

Hear from students in our first graduating cohort about their experience:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Policing and Community Well-Being (Graduate, 2023)

Career Experience:

Work with a community organization as part of an optional eight-month work placement contributing to social agencies, police departments, or community groups
Lead your own optional independent research exploring topics involving community safety, mental health, diversity, poverty, or addiction
Learn directly from experts and build career connections taking advantage of Trent’s partnerships with social services, mental health, and policing agencies across Ontario
Put theory into practice through use and analysis of real-life data to analyze community safety and well-being challenges and initiatives in Ontario municipalities and offer inclusive solutions to community problems
Join the C.A.R.E Initiative, our vibrant student community engagement group, and give back to the community by helping those in need, leading clothing drives, and organizing community awareness events such as Stuck in Traffick: a walk to bring awareness to human trafficking

Career Paths:

Police Officer
Policy Analyst
Risk Management
Crisis Management

Correctional Officer
Mental Health Worker
Canadian Border Security Officer
Community Outreach Worker
Conflict Mediator
Probation Officer
Crime Analyst
Lawyer

Popular Courses:

Introduction to Policing and Community Well-Being Part 1 and 2
Social Determinants of Health
Community Problem-Solving
Mental Health and Addictions in the Community
Violence in the Community
Problem-Solving in a Complex and Diverse Community
Diversity and Exclusion
Marginalization and Social Control
Law, Crime and Social Policy
Prisons and Punishment, and Policing Drugs and Drug Users

Program Strengths:

PLCW has a strong focus in community engagement and runs a group called the C.A.R.E Initiative that helps promote local community engagement each year
- Initiative examples include supporting local organizations with a:
  - Clothing Drive
  - Food Drive
  - Cell Phone Drive
  - Create for a Cause Paint Night
  - Meals on Wheels
  - Anti-Human Trafficking Walk
Meet the PLCW Faculty to discover their research strengths and expertise they bring to the PLCW program
Policing and Community Well-Being degree options for students
- B.A. (Honours)
- B.A. Joint-major (Honours)
- B.A. General
- Minor

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
A minimum 75% overall final average
ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

For more PLCW information check out our program booklet:

QR Code for PLCW Program Information Booklet