Georgian College (Georgian) offers more than 130 market-driven programs to set students up for success. Students in the Protection, Security and Investigation (PSIN) program study for four consecutive semesters to develop specific knowledge and skills to meet the needs of rapidly evolving public and private industries in relation to safety and security.
Areas of study include investigative techniques, intelligence assessment, understanding radicalization and extremism, crisis intervention, emergency management, physical security planning, leadership and cybersecurity.
As a stand-alone program, PSIN includes areas of common between Georgian’s Police Foundations and Community and Justice Services programs. Students acquire an overall understanding of the Canadian Charter of Rights, law enforcement, intelligence collection, the investigative process, mental health, crisis intervention, critical thinking and analysis to develop specialized knowledge and skills that are in demand within public and private sector industries.
What are the diverse features of Georgian’s PSIN program?
The PSIN program is designed to prepare graduates for a career in multiple, yet related fields, ranging from policing, the military, border services, and emergency management to a variety of careers at the municipal level. There are also several opportunities in the private sector in relation to security management, investigations and cybersecurity.
What sets Georgian’s PSIN program apart from the others?
In September 2023, the PSIN program will launch a completely new, innovative and streamlined program aimed at providing students with a strong foundation in key areas affecting the safety and security of today’s society. Classes including Radicalization and Extremism, Intelligence Assessment, and Advanced Cybersecurity have been added to the curriculum, as well as a four-month internship. Students also get valuable hands-on experience volunteering in a security capacity at local events in Orillia.
Program Co-ordinator Stephen Waller says, “These expanded offerings complement our existing courses in physical security, investigations, leadership, emergency management and municipal law enforcement.” He adds, “The best part is students can complete the full two-year diploma in just four semesters and can also choose how they want to take the program through our GC Flex delivery. GC Flex gives the student the daily choice to attend class in person or online, depending on their lifestyle.”
Career paths for graduating students
The PSIN program is geared toward careers in the RCMP, border services, Canadian military, provincial police, and municipal policing along with a variety of frontline security positions in sectors such as health care, retail, government, casinos, mines and resources, and private investigations. Waller says that demand for employees in these areas is at an all-time high.
PSIN graduate Marie Duquette says, “I can confidently say that the PSIN program prepared me for my current position in by-law enforcement. The program gave me a solid foundation of investigative thinking, which I apply in my position every day. The faculty provided a wealth of knowledge and experience to share from the industry. I use the knowledge and skills I obtained from the program in my daily duties.” Duquette graduated from the program in April 2022 and now works as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer/Animal Control Officer for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Learn more about the Protection, Security and Investigation program at the virtual Get to Know Georgian event on Feb. 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. Make sure to RSVP and get ready to explore the PSIN program and more!
You can also connect with Stephen at [email protected] or call 705.722.5152.