Criminology

Program information

The Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology program provides students with a solid foundation of advanced knowledge in criminological theory, sophisticated research methodologies, complex quantitative and qualitative applications, and contemporary substantive issues in criminology. Specifically, the MA program seeks to provide students with an in-depth and broad understanding of contemporary criminological issues and debates, as well as the critical thinking and practical skills necessary to conduct criminological research in the public and private sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, public policy agencies, social services, and government and non-government organizations. The program trains both mid-career and pre-career students for careers in analysis and research in criminal justice agency settings. It also prepares students for advanced graduate work in criminology at the doctoral level.

Special emphasis in the MA program is placed on the study of two fields:

• Cybercrime
• Inequality and Crime

The requirement that students learn and apply both quantitative and qualitative research skills is also unique to this program.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminology and Social Justice combines disciplinary and specialized study in Criminology, study in qualitative research methods and statistics, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Specifically, the programs will prepare students for careers related to research and/or teaching in college and university settings, research and practice in behavioural science crime units within law enforcement, research in correctional facilities, research in mental health institutions, evaluation of community programs, administration in provincial and federal programs, statistical research in government organizations, and research in justice-related institutes.

Admission requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , Criminology applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements.

MA in Criminology

Hold an undergraduate honours degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Normally, applicants are expected to have graduated with a social science degree which has provided them with a sound understanding of social science methodologies and a basic understanding of criminological theories.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio consisting of the following documentation:

• A curriculum vitae including the applicant’s education, employment, teaching and research experience, and publications (if any).
• A sample of scholarly writing from a previous undergraduate course (up to 20 pages, double-spaced, one-sided documents only).
• A third letter of recommendation from an academic or non-academic source.

PhD in Criminology and Social Justice

• Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Normally, applicants are expected to have completed the university’s MA in Criminology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based MA program from a recognized institution.
• Minimum overall academic standing of an A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale) during their graduate studies.

Applicants with advanced degrees in other relevant fields, such as Sociology, Social Psychology or Legal Studies, are also welcome to apply. Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, all applicants should realize that without a strong background in social science, specifically social theories and methodologies, they may find themselves at a significant, temporary disadvantage.

To apply, applicants should prepare a portfolio consisting of all of the following:

• A completed application form.
• One official or institution-certified copy of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s degree parchment(s).
• Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s first language is not English.
• A two- to three-page statement of academic intent.
• A curriculum vitae.
• At least three letters of reference. Academic referees are preferred; however, non-academic referees’ letters will be considered as well.
• A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant’s MA thesis is optimal. However, a sample from any published work (with the applicant as first author), or any other MA assignment would suffice if a thesis was not completed or pursued.

An applicant’s statement of academic intent should describe previous research experience, including the MA thesis project and any other relevant research projects. A short description of general career aspirations, and any relevant industrial or community experience would also be highly appropriate. If an applicant has already contacted a potential dissertation supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement.

Note:

• Admission is competitive and occurs once per year. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including grades, distribution of courses taken, statements of academic intent, reference letters, research interests, and supervisor and funding availability.
• Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Part-time studies

The MA program is intended to be a full-time program, but a small number of part-time students may be admitted each year to increase its accessibility. The PhD is also intended to be a full-time program and currently has no part-time enrolment.

Degree requirements

Select a program from the list below for details on degree requirements.

Programs

• Criminology, MA - Non-thesis option
• Criminology, MA - Thesis option

• Criminology and Social Justice, PhD