Would you like a career in law, justice, or public service? The new Certificate in Justice, Law and Rights offered at UWinnipeg can help.
Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, UWinnipeg will introduce a joint certificate offered by the Department of Criminal Justice and the Human Rights Program. It will consist of 30 credit hours of courses across the two disciplines.
Completing the courses in the certificate can help make law school easier, said Dr. Kevin Walby, Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice.
“This certificate helps students strategically package the classes they take,” said Dr. Walby. “This really matters when they get to law school. This kind of focused training is irreplaceable for students’ pathways.”
This stand-alone certificate can be attained without completing a degree. It is specifically tailored to serve both current students at UWinnipeg and those who would like to apply to law school. It will also provide a clear path and credential option for non-degree seeking students planning on attending law school, or seeking a Canadian qualification.
It’s also useful for other careers, such as public policy, policing, research, and human rights.
Helpful training for future studies
Students are starting to get excited about this certificate opportunity.
“The combination of Criminal Justice and Human Rights is so valuable. One taught me how institutions work, while the other taught me what they should stand for,” said Amran Mahamed, who received a BA in Criminal Justice and Human Rights in 2026. “They shaped the way I think about justice and reinforced why I want to pursue law. I hope to contribute to building legal institutions that people can trust, institutions that are not only effective and functional, but also grounded in fairness, accountability, and the protection of every person’s rights and dignity.”
Amran Mahamed
Summer Stevenson, a BA Human Rights alum currently studying law at University of Manitoba, agrees. “The Certificate in Justice, Law and Rights provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing law school. Courses such as Policing in Canada will help students develop an understanding of the practical application of Canadian law and the challenges of modern policing, while Human Rights Institutions will strengthen students’ ability to critically evaluate how rights are upheld within Canadian society.”
“I really like the idea of the new Certificate in Justice, Law and Rights,” said current student Brittanlee Crossman. “As a Criminal Justice student who also studies Human Rights, I have seen how naturally the two areas connect. In some of my Human Rights classes, almost half of the students are studying Criminal Justice, law, or something related. I think the certificate is a great way to recognize that overlap and give students the opportunity to build their knowledge in both areas!”
“As a Criminal Justice student, I think this is an exciting opportunity, especially for students who are interested in careers in law, justice, human rights, or public service,” said Uyi Ehigie. “I like that the certificate brings together Criminal Justice and Human Rights and gives students the opportunity to build knowledge in both areas while earning a recognized credential. I also think it is a great option for students who may be considering law school or who want to strengthen their academic background in justice and human rights.”
There has been increased interest in UWinnipeg’s pre-professional programs, so this certificate is a great fit.
“Both Criminal Justice and Human Rights teach a large number of students who intend to apply to law school,” said Dr. Kristi Kenyon, Program Director of Human Rights. “Some of these students are part of the pre-professional law program and would likely appreciate the opportunity to complete a designated qualification that highlights this legal specialization. Other students intend to complete a degree and are looking for a designation on their transcripts indicating their focus on courses with legal content. The certificate courses provide training in fundamental elements of law, notably the doctrinal method, precedent, and jurisprudence. The certificate includes courses on both Canadian and international law are includes courses taught by qualified lawyers on faculty.”
Current UWinnipeg students who have completed or will complete the required courses prior to convocation may be eligible to receive the certificate. To learn more, visit the Department of Criminal Justice or the Human Rights Program.
