Criminology is devoted to the scientific analysis of crime, justice and social control. Criminology is also an applied discipline examining various forms of intervention for the resolution of diverse crime- and justice-related problems. It focuses on four broad questions: the social construction of norms and the notion of crime; the criminalization of specific behaviours, individuals and groups; the analysis of the goals and functioning of the criminal justice system; and the examination of contemporary forms of intervention from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

The master's program is divided into two parallel curricula. One focuses on research and provides the groundwork for producing university instructors and researchers. The other focuses on practice and provides professional education for those who wish to make a career in the field of criminal justice. Although the two master's degrees and corresponding programs offer different concentrations, one in criminological theory and research, the other in correctional services, graduates of either program will be able to work effectively in either area. The curriculum is structured to provide a central core of knowledge and understanding, considered to be essential for all criminologists, and a supplementary, specialized quantum of knowledge tailored to suit each student's needs.

Two master's degrees are offered:
1. a master of arts (MA) in criminology for students who choose to specialize in criminological theory and research;
2. a master of criminology (applied) (MCA) for students who choose to specialize in correctional services and the administration of justice.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 months (three sessions) of full-time study in order to fulfil the requirements of either degree.

The following conditions must be satisfied to be eligible for admission to the MA or MCA programs:

1. Students must have a baccalaureate with honours in criminology or the equivalent in a related discipline (for example, sociology, psychology, law, social work, political science, history, philosophy), with a minimum average of 70 per cent (B).
   
   
2. Students must have completed the following two courses, or their equivalents, either as part of their honours undergraduate degree or otherwise:
   
   a) CRM 4304 Qualitative Research in Criminology (3 cr.).
   Epistemological and methodological issues in qualitative research in criminology.
   
   and
   
   CRM 3334 Quantitative Research in Criminology (3 cr.).
   Epistemological and methodological issues in quantitative research in criminology.

Students meeting all admission conditions except the two courses CRM 4304 and CRM 3334 (or equivalents) may take these courses during their master’s program. Students needing to complete more than two courses will be admitted to a qualifying program before commencing the master’s.

Please note that to be admitted to the MCA, a student must have successfully completed a field placement in an approved setting. The student who does not meet this prerequisite must successfully complete CRM 4260 (Field Placement) and CRM 4317 (Field Placement Seminar) before registering to CRM 6400 and CRM 6345.

Other Information

The program operates within the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Students should consult the General Regulations which are available on the Website at the following link:

Collaborative Program in Women's Studies at the Master's Level

The Department of Criminology is a participating unit in the collaborative master's program in women's studies. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in criminology by including an interdisciplinary component in Women's Studies. The specific requirements of the collaborative program include two core courses and a thesis or major research paper on a topic related to women's studies.

Students should normally apply for acceptance in the women's studies collaborative program at the same time as they apply for admission to the master's program in criminology. For further details, please consult the Women's Studies brochure of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Master's Degree Requirements

MA (30 CREDITS)

MCA (30 CREDITS)

Language of Instruction

Residence