Criminal Psychology and Behaviour

Overview
The courses in this program will enhance the knowledge of individuals who work or volunteer in a corrections program, law enforcement, women's shelters, youth at risk, or to those individuals who have a special interest in criminal psychology and behaviour. The program explores why individuals become criminals, as well as why individuals are attracted to those with deviant behaviours. Students will also explore factors that research suggest motivate criminal behaviour.
You do not need to apply to begin this program, simply ensure you meet the admission requirements (listed on the Admissions & Registration tab) and then you may register for any available courses.
Interested in taking a single course? No problem. Provided you have the appropriate prerequisites, these courses can be taken individually or as part of the full program.
- Examine the psychological theories which can be contributed to criminal behaviour
- Understand how social, psychological and economic factors influence criminal behaviour and co-dependency
- Analyze and explain the use forensic and correctional psychology and preventions in policing and the Canadian court system
- Compare the various therapies used to engage and treat individuals
Admission & Registration
Recommended Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Students who struggle with communication or whose first language is not English are encouraged to explore upgrading options available through our Applied Communications Centre. - Computer Skills (e.g. word processing, data management, internet access)
Students should be familiar with computers, word processing, and email based systems prior to considering these courses. To upgrade computer skills, consider a CE introductory 'Computer Basics' course or a Learning Support Centre workshop before applying.
You do not need to apply to begin this program. Start by ensuring you meet the admission requirements listed above and then register for the courses listed in the Program of Studies when they are offered. Some courses have prerequisites, so please check the Program of Studies for details. Find out how to register for a course.
Program of Studies
The program of studies displayed below applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion contact Continuing Education - Community Services and Support.
Visit the Mohawk College Bookstore Textbook Search (opens in new window) for information on textbooks.
Click on the course number below to check current availability and for registration information. |
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Mandatory Courses |
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Course Number | Course Name | Course Description |
PSYC10002 | Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds | Explore the psychopathic mind and examine how and why some individuals become criminals. Study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals and current techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning. 42 hours. |
PSYC10003 | Criminal Psychology 2 - Criminal Minds | Further explore issues discussed in Criminal Psychology Psychopathic Minds and examine psychological models related to criminology. 45 hours. |
PSYC10006 | Domestic and Workplace Violence | Examine conflict resolution strategies and where they work to reduce incidents of violent behaviour such as abusive relationships, confrontation in the workplace and violence in the schools. 45 hours. |
PSYC10008 | Co-Dependency as an Addiction | Examine the personalities of abusers and those who are abused and how individuals with complimentary personality disorders unite and form bonds. Object Relations Theory and how women and men are unconsciously drawn to abusive partners because of personality disorders caused by childhood abuse or neglect will be the focal point. 45 hours. |
SSCI10006 | Cults and Terrorism | Examine conformity issues surrounding religious fundamentalism, sects, cults, and terrorist groups. Explore reasons people join, and why they may have difficulty leaving, society's role in supporting cultic groups and strategies for protecting individuals and vulnerable populations. 42 hours. |
SSCI10008 | Sexual Violence | Study sexual violence in the context of male toward female, female toward male, and incest and child abuse. Examine the reasons for sexually deviant behaviours and the latest strategies for treating victims and perpetrators. 45 hours. |
Course Schedule
The list of scheduled course offerings for this program is below. Please note that all offerings are subject to change.
Course Code | Course Name | Fall (Sep to Dec) |
Winter (Jan to Apr) |
Spring (May to Aug) |
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PSYC10002 | Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds |
OntarioLearn |
OntarioLearn |
OntarioLearn |
PSYC10003 | Criminal Psychology 2 - Criminal Minds |
OntarioLearn |
OntarioLearn |
OntarioLearn |
PSYC10006 | Domestic and Workplace Violence | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
PSYC10008 | Co-Dependency as an Addiction | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
SSCI10006 | Cults and Terrorism | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
SSCI10008 | Sexual Violence | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn | OntarioLearn |
Getting Started
Visit CE Get Started, your go-to online resource for getting started. You’ll find information on online tools and the wide range of student services available to you to support your success as a Mohawk College student and to help you achieve your future goals!
Login to MyMohawk
MyMohawk is the college portal used to access your student account information, email, grades and more. Your username and password can be found on the Continuing Education Acknowledgement of Registration & Student Account form that was sent to you after you registered for your course. Visit the Getting Started - MyMohawk Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Access Mohawk Email
On the MyMohawk Home screen you will see a link to Mohawk email. Visit the Getting Started – Mohawk Email Guide to learn how to set up your account on your devices.
Access OntarioLearn
Visit www.ontariolearn.com to access your course. Visit the OntarioLearn Course page for step-by-step instructions. Please note your course will not appear in OntarioLearn until the scheduled start date.
Find your Textbook
Use the Mohawk College Textbook Search to find your course materials.
Explore Contacts and Services
Online Learning
Online learning courses provide you with the opportunity to learn online, anywhere, at your convenience! You can study at home or at work - wherever you like, whenever you like, within a predetermined time frame.
Courses are delivered over a set time period and are led by instructors. Most courses do not require that you be online at a certain time of day or night, but that you are active in the course during the schedule. There are scheduled start and end dates and you cannot start courses late nor finish early.
Visit the OntarioLearn Course page to discover how to get started on OntarioLearn. Please note your course will not appear in OntarioLearn until the scheduled start date.
Visit Exams for Online Courses for everything you need to know about booking and writing your online learning exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, individuals may find employment opportunities with policing in victim support and group homes. This program enhances the knowledge and skill set of individuals who work or want to work within human service, social work or legal and justice settings where an understanding in criminals behaviour would be an asset. This program is designed for professionals who want to truly effect change and advance their career. It will also benefit those looking to enter one of these careers to gain insight into the people they hope to help in the future.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: www.jobbank.gc.ca/home