CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
Field Placement
The key to a successful career in criminal justice is a solid combination of education and experience. Coursework combined with direct field experience provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitude you need to be an effective professional.
Professional practice
Students complete field placements in the third and fourth terms of the program, giving you the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. You are supervised by program faculty and experienced professional mentors working in the field of corrections and criminal justice, many of whom are graduates of the Correctional Services program.
As a field placement student, you work with youth and adults in a variety of corrections/criminal justice settings, including correctional institutions, group home and halfway houses, intervention and reintegration programs, and community agencies, such as probation and parole offices. A willingness to work with a diverse clientele and the ability to adapt to new environments are key qualities in competent professionals. Many Correctional Services program graduates obtain professional references and even employment opportunities through their field placement experiences.
Prior learning assessment
At the discretion of the program chair, you may be considered for advanced standing for field placement/integration seminar courses if you have completed a full year (1800 hrs) of substantive, approved human services experience (paid or volunteer). Relevant work/volunteer experience is assessed only after admission.
International students must have a co-op work permit before starting field placement, clinical practice or practicum. A co-op work permit is different from your study permit; it is an additional permit that authorizes international students to participate in work that is integral to their program of study. If you will be working with vulnerable populations in a health, community or medical field, you will need an up-to-date medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician before applying for a co-op work permit.
Ask MacEwan International about the documents you need to have to apply. You should apply for a co-op work permit 4-6 months before the start of your field placement, clinical practice or practicum as current IRCC processing times are lengthy.
Gain work experience, apply the skills and knowledge you learn in class to a practical setting, study in another country, conduct research. Experiential learning can take you many directions. Find out what options are available for your program.