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Programs

Protection, Security and Investigation

PSIPSchool of Public Safety

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Bradie Granger

Chair, School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Public Safety

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705-566-8101 ext.6435
International Admissions
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School of Public Safety
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Program Overview

A Cambrian College staff member is standing in front of a counter under a "Public Safety" sign, smiling at the camera.

Keep the peace by learning the basics of protection and security

Brand new cutting edge curriculum will help you prepare for wide-ranging career paths wherever security and protection teams are needed, including emergency services, policing, private security, private investigation firms, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) Forces.

Beginning in the first semester, you will get real-world exposure through field trips to witness security and protection systems in action. To complement your theoretical knowledge, you’ll undertake safe, hands-on training in our on-campus scenario room to practice different techniques and skills.  

After semester one, you will be eligible to earn your Security Guard License, and in semester two, you will be eligible to able to earn your Private Investigator License. When you graduate, you can pursue your career or take advantage of fast-track options to complete other Cambrian public safety programs. 

Please note: A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this particular field. Many law and security employers insist on a clean criminal record.

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Hands-on training in on-campus Justice Lab 
  • Field trips and tours to visit protection and security systems and organizations 
  • Placement in semester four enhancing career readiness and your portfolio
  • Able to earn your Ontario Security Guard license after semester one (four months) and Ontario Private Investigators license after semester two (eight months) 
  • Opportunities to volunteer and work with community partners 
  • Networking opportunities with potential employers 
  • Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Additional admissions requirement

A criminal record check may be required for field trips and placement opportunities. A criminal record can be a serious impediment to employment in this field.

Recommendations

  • Grade 11/12 Physical Education 
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002College Communications3
GAS 1001Service Learning Experience3
FIT 1020Justice Fitness Fundamentals3
LAW 1035Arrest Tactics and Techniques3
PSY 1090Mental Hlth for Public Safety3
HUM 1070Serving Diverse Populations3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits21
Semester 2
FIT 1120Justice Fitness Development3
LAW 1201Career Options in Law Enforce3
ENG 1008Communication for Public Safe3
LAW 1202Foundations of the Law3
LAW 1203Crime Scene Investigation3
LAW 1204Private Investigation3
SOC 1212Criminological Thinking3
 Credits21
Semester 3
FIT 1030Wellness for Security Prof3
SEC 3005Placement Seminar3
PSY 1013Crisis Communication3
SEC 3010Law Enforcement Alternatives3
PSY 1004Trauma and Mental Health3
HUM 2070Serving Diverse Populations II3
One General Education course. 13
 Credits21
Semester 4
FIT 1130Adv Wellness for Security Prof3
SEC 4005Emergency Management3
SEC 2324Security and Communities3
SEC 4025Technology in Security3
SEC 4030Intelligence Analysis3
SEC 4015Placement6
One General Education course. 13
 Credits24
 Total Credits87
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,094.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,189.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Public Safety

Commit to serve and protect by joining Cambrian’s School of Public Safety. Taught by seasoned veterans, you’ll get the training and credentials you need to become a powerful force for good. From enforcement and protection to rehabilitation and reintegration, our immersive programs focus on upholding human rights, protecting marginalized groups, and ensuring the safety and security of property and community.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

  • Option to earn a second diploma in another public safety program in just one year when you graduate 

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities with:

  • Security guard or private investigation firms
  • Public police services (such as the Ontario Provincial Police)
  • Canada Customs
  • Various Governmental Agencies
  • Canadian Armed Forces
A bearded individual wearing a cap and safety goggles skillfully works on electrical connections, holding red wires with precision.Person with safety glasses using a wrench on machinery in a workshop.A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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