Policing (BA in Combination)

Unpack the critical role and complexities of policing in today's communities through Wilfrid Laurier University’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) Policing program, combined with another BA from Laurier, like Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, Psychology or Sociology, to complement your policing degree.

Developed in consultation with law enforcement agencies across Canada, you'll examine contemporary issues including diversity, ethics, police psychology and community safety. Build a strong foundation in policing theory and practice while developing critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, preparing you for careers in law enforcement, public safety and related professions.

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Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you’ll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose Policing?

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Customize Your Path
    Design your own unique learning experience, combining a BA in Policing (offered online) with several on-campus options like Psychology, Criminology, Health Studies, Political Science or Sociology.
  • Curriculum Shaped by Law Enforcement Experts
    Benefit from a curriculum developed in consultation with Canadian law enforcement agencies, focusing on essential, up-to-date topics.
  • Practical Skills Development
    Enhance your career with practical skills in criminological and psychological theory application, data analysis, communication, leadership and critical thinking, tailored to address real-world law enforcement challenges.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Join an Engaged Online Policing Community
    Interact with fellow students in dynamic online forums and participate in the Policing community page to build connections and enhance your learning experience.
  • Attend Exclusive Criminology Events
    Immerse yourself in the field by attending the Criminology Students' Association Annual Conference and public lecture series, featuring industry experts and cutting-edge discussions.
  • Volunteer to Mentor Future Students
    Develop your public speaking skills and make a meaningful impact by volunteering to share your journey with prospective students, helping them navigate their own paths in the program.

Courses and Program Enhancements

 Explore what you'll study and how you can enhance your degree to fit your academic and career goals.

What Courses Will I Take?

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree?

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term), January (winter term) or May (spring term, Brantford only)

Career Options

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you're going.

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Graduates of the combination Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Policing will be well positioned to function and contribute in a range of public safety professions or pursue graduate studies in policing, criminal justice, law or related disciplines.

Possible career paths include:

  • by-law enforcement officer
  • civilian police service worker
  • conservation officer
  • corporate security
  • corrections officer
  • customs and boarder security officer
  • fraud investigator
  • loss prevention specialist
  • military/armed forces
  • policy analyst/advisor
  • private investigation
  • probation/parole officer
  • special constable

Note: Successful completion of the combination BA in Policing does not in itself provide any guarantee of recruitment as a police constable.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Human and Social Sciences at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Human and Social Sciences (HSS) students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for HSS Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $36,624
Student Fees $1,830 $2,778
Textbook Fees $1,500 $1,500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

Program Location

The program you choose to combine with your online Policing degree will determine whether, in addition to your online classes, you will also attend classes on one of our campuses.

For example:

  • If you choose to combine your online major in Policing with Human Rights, you will attend classes for the latter on our Brantford campus.
  • If you choose to combine your online major in Policing with Sociology, you will attend classes for the latter on our Waterloo campus.
To determine whether your program will entirely be online or whether you will also attend classes on campus, visit the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program page of interest.

students work together on laptops on campus

How Will I Learn in This Program?

You’ll attend some scheduled classes in a physical classroom and participate in some online. Some online components may be live at scheduled times (virtual synchronous), while others can be completed independently (virtual asynchronous). When you register for classes each term, you’ll choose from online and in-person course options.

While part of the program is delivered online, some courses may require in-person exams, either on campus or at an approved testing location near your home.

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Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


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