MacEwan University's Faculty of Health and Community Studies is launching a new Bachelor of Public Safety and Justice (BPSJ) program.
Offering a comprehensive education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this program will prepare students for careers in public safety and justice or further post-secondary education. The curriculum includes specialized courses in areas such as criminal justice, communication, cybersecurity, emergency management and leadership, equipping graduates with the knowledge required to succeed in diverse roles.
"The field of public safety and justice has a growing demand for new professionals with the knowledge, ethical grounding and human-centred skills needed to succeed," says Tim Williams, chair of the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies. "Graduates of this new program will be uniquely prepared to step into these important roles, serving their communities right away while continuing to build specialized expertise as their careers advance."
Students in the BPSJ program will also gain a well-rounded education through electives and courses in social sciences, communication and interdisciplinary studies. A four-year degree path includes options to declare a minor or incorporate a related diploma or certificate for added specialization.
"We are excited about the opportunities that will present themselves to the students who enroll in this program," says Dr. David Danto, dean of the Faculty of Health and Community Studies. "In line with MacEwan's commitment to work-integrated learning (WIL), the program's fourth year will culminate in a practice- or research-based capstone project. This puts students in the field with partner agencies, building the connections that lead to employment upon graduation while also providing a rigorous academic platform for continued advanced education, including graduate and professional programs."
Graduates will fill a range of existing and emerging professional roles in policing, investigations, criminal justice, emergency operations, security, crime prevention and community development.
"This program is going to help with the efforts of so many entities and institutions that are working to improve community safety," says MacEwan alum Brent Dahlseide, Law Enforcement and Security '94, and acting superintendent with the Downtown and Northeast Patrol Division of the Edmonton Police Service. "Knowing that in a few years there will be graduates of this new degree program entering the workforce is something that will benefit everyone involved."
MacEwan is currently accepting applications to the BPSJ program, and students will begin their studies in the Fall 2026 term.
