The University of Winnipeg is expanding opportunities for students interested in legal careers with the launch of a new Certificate in Justice, Law and Rights, designed to provide focused academic preparation for law school, public service, and related professions.
Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, the new certificate will be jointly offered by UWinnipeg’s Department of Criminal Justice and Human Rights Program. The program will include 30 credit hours of coursework covering key areas related to law, justice systems, human rights, and legal studies.
The certificate aims to support students seeking stronger preparation for law school while also creating a recognized qualification for individuals pursuing careers in areas such as public policy, policing, research, and human rights.
New Credential Supports Students Preparing for Law School
The Certificate in Justice, Law and Rights is designed as a flexible option that can be completed without earning a full degree. It will be available to current UWinnipeg students as well as non-degree students looking for a Canadian qualification or a structured pathway toward legal education.
Dr. Kevin Walby, Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, said the certificate will help students organize their academic choices strategically and build relevant knowledge before entering law school.
“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.”
The program will provide students with exposure to important legal concepts, including legal reasoning, jurisprudence, precedent, and the relationship between institutions and rights protections.
Combining Criminal Justice and Human Rights Education
The certificate brings together two academic areas that provide complementary perspectives on law and justice. Criminal Justice courses focus on how legal and institutional systems operate, while Human Rights courses examine principles of fairness, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.
Amran Mahamed, who received a BA in Criminal Justice and Human Rights in 2026, said the combination of disciplines helped shape their understanding of justice and strengthened their interest in pursuing law.
“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. “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.”
Summer Stevenson, a BA Human Rights alum currently studying law at the University of Manitoba, also highlighted the value of the certificate for future law students.
“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.”
Growing Demand for Pre-Professional Programs
UWinnipeg said the new certificate reflects increased interest in pre-professional programs among students preparing for careers that require specialized academic backgrounds.
Dr. Kristi Kenyon, Program Director of Human Rights, said the certificate will provide students with a formal designation recognizing their focus on legal studies.
“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.”
A Broader Opportunity for Justice-Focused Careers
While the certificate is designed to support students interested in law school, UWinnipeg said its benefits extend beyond legal education. Graduates may also apply the skills gained through the program to careers in government, community organizations, policy development, research, and human rights advocacy.
Current UWinnipeg students who have completed or will complete the required courses before convocation may be eligible to receive the certificate.
The university said the new program will provide students with a structured academic pathway while strengthening their understanding of law, justice, and rights in both Canadian and international contexts.:::