Criminology and Justice – Youth, Crime and Justice specialization

General information

The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities offers a four-year Criminology and Justice program designed to educate students with a broad range of skills required in a variety of fields from criminal justice to law and social services.

Students learn to build an integrated approach to justice services through the examination of each of the justice system’s components, including the victim. Graduates will be skilled in taking leadership roles and more collaborative approaches within their own fields and within the related infrastructures of society.

The first year of study is common to all Criminology and Justice students. Beginning in second year, students will have the opportunity to continue with the Comprehensive program or to choose from two areas of specialization – Criminal Justice, or Youth, Crime and Justice.

Youth, Crime and Justice specialization

Within the Youth, Crime and Justice specialization students will look at youthful offending and victimization, as well as systems of youth justice in Canada and elsewhere. Particular emphasis is given to contemporary issues in youth justice and the effectiveness of the justice system in dealing with young people who come into conflict with the law.

Admission requirements

Admission is competitive. 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 school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions  for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Practicum

A limited number of fourth year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments. The Pre-Practicum course commences in the winter of third year. As part of the Pre-Practicum, students will be expected to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information please refer to the course descriptions for SSCI 3098U  and SSCI 4098U .

Program details and degree requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Criminology and Justice, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours, including all courses outlined in the following program map. Each year prior to course registration the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.

Year 1 (30 credit hours)

• POSC 1000U – Political Science
• PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology
• SOCI 1000U – Introductory Sociology
• SSCI 1000U – Introduction to Criminal Justice
• SSCI 1010U – Introduction to Canadian Legal System
• SSCI 1200U – Introduction to Social Policy
• SSCI 1300U – Social Problems
• Two general electives (recommend ALSU 1101U )
• SSCI 1910U – Writing for the Social Sciences

Year 2 (30 credit hours)

• One general elective
• PSYC 2010U – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 2030U – Abnormal Psychology
• SSCI 2021U – Issues in the Family
• SSCI 2025U – Youth Cultures
• SSCI 2850U – Classical Theories of Crime
• SSCI 2900U – Research Methods
• SSCI 2910U – Data Analysis
• SSCI 2920U – Qualitative Research Methods

• One of:

• SSCI 2030U – Social Control or
• SSCI 2031U – Alternative Methods in Justice or
• SSCI 2050U – Rights and Freedoms in the Justice System or
• SSCI 2830U – Justice Theory and Policy

Year 3 (30 credit hours)

• Youth, Crime and Justice elective*
• Two general electives
• SSCI 3027U – Youth Crime
• SSCI 3037U – Youth Justice Policy
• SSCI 3850U – Contemporary Theories of Crime

• One of:

• SSCI 3910U – Advanced Data Analysis or
• SSCI 3920U – Advanced Qualitative Methods

• One of:

• SSCI 3010U – Social Justice and Conflict or
• SSCI 3028U – Women in the Criminal Justice System or
• SSCI 3052U – Policing Diverse Communities or
• SSCI 3056U – Race and Ethnicity in the Criminal Justice System

• Two of:

• SSCI 3050U – Policing
• SSCI 3053U – Prosecution and Sentencing
• SSCI 3060U – Punishment and Society

Year 4 (30 credit hours)

• Youth, Crime and Justice elective*
• Three general electives
• SSCI 4010U – Policy Development
• SSCI 4020U – Leadership and Administration

• One of:

• SSCI 4098U – Practicum or
• One 3000- or 4000-level SSCI course

• One of:

• SSCI 3040U – Restorative Justice or
• SSCI 4032U – Criminal Justice Mediation

• One of:

• SSCI 4000U – Advanced Justice Studies or
• SSCI 4005U – Independent Study or
• SSCI 4101U – Honours Thesis I

• One of:

• SSCI 4099U – Criminology and Justice Integrating Project or
• SSCI 4102U – Honours Thesis II

*Youth, Crime and Justice electives

• LGLS 3130U – Family Law
• LGLS 3600U – Family Mediation
• SSCI 3024U – Criminal Gangs
• SSCI 3039U – Children, Psychology and the Law
• SSCI 4025U – Children’s Rights

SSCI 4101U and SSCI 4102U Honours Thesis I and II

In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I  in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II  a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum A- and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project.

Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean.

SSCI 4005U Independent Study

In order to be considered for the Independent Study students must apply in the semester prior to the commencement of the study. Applications must include a letter of intent detailing the course plan and including a preliminary reading list, a suggested method of evaluation and suggested timelines for completing the project. Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Independent Study. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean.