Criminology

If you want to understand crime, justice, and how to create safer communities, this program gives you the knowledge and real-world experience to make an impact.

You can study criminology through flexible undergraduate options, including the Bachelor of Criminology, Diploma in Criminology, or Certificate in Criminology. These programs prepare you for meaningful careers across the justice system and related fields.

Not sure where to start? You can choose build your education step by step. The Certificate in Criminology can lead into the Diploma in Criminology, which can then be used to enter four-year major programs in Criminology or Police Studies.

You will explore how justice systems operate while gaining practical, real-world skills. With a strong focus on community engagement and experiential learning, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to work with correctional facilities, restorative justice programs, and community organizations.

 

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the study of crime, justice, and social responses to harm. It examines issues such as criminal behaviour, law enforcement, human rights, and social justice.

In these programs, you will explore topics ranging from working with at-risk youth to human rights issues in foreign countries. You will develop critical thinking and analytical skills while learning how to support individuals and communities through justice and human service work.

Courses you may take as part of this program include:

CRIM 100 - Introduction to Criminology

A general overview of the subject of criminology and understanding of basic concepts including crime, law, deviance, and delinquency. Includes: an introduction to the measurement of crime and statistics on crime and victimization; victimology, and victims’ rights; theories of crime; and crime classifications.

CRIM 230 - Introduction to Canadian Law

Examines the conceptual foundations, structure and administration of law in Canada, including criminal and civil law. Current legal debates and precedent setting cases will be discussed.

CRIM 318 - Restorative and Community Justice

This course will examine, in depth, the restorative justice paradigm and its applications. The development of justice alternatives to criminalizing approaches will be explored. The concepts and services and emerging roles for the community and victims will be analyzed. 

CRIM 350 - Justice and Indigenous Peoples

Intended to help human service workers understand the background of current issues, including aboriginal rights, land claims and self-government. Explores aboriginal history, colonization, settlement, displacement, and constitutional issues here and abroad.

CRIM 370 - Young Offenders and Youth Justice

Examines the status and prospects of youth and current legislation in regard to young offenders. Compares current and former legislation, with attention to guiding principles and actual outcomes. Considers policy and service issues and their impact on youth and youth workers.

CRIM 412 - Environment and Justice

Traces environmental movements, environmental ethics, evolution of environmental assessment/protection, criminalization of pollution, and international environmental agreements. Approached from several perspectives: deep ecology, social ecology, green politics, sustainable development, bio-regionalism and eco-feminism.

CRIM 460 - Discrimination and Justice

This course examines the social, economic, political and legal implications of discrimination based on: age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and religion. The course assesses possible areas for social justice advocacy alongside potential legal/judicial remedies to ensure rights and self-determination.