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Department of Criminology

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The Department of Criminology offers two distinct professional undergraduate programs: the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and the Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies. These innovative programs prepare students for a wide variety of careers in the justice field by integrating classroom learning with experiential opportunities that support their transition into professional practice.

Students work with a range of justice partners as part of their programs, including police services, correctional facilities, courts and legal services, probation and parole services, restorative justice programs, human rights organizations, social services, and advocacy organizations across government and community sectors.

The programs emphasize the integration of theory and practice and promote learning through hands-on experience, ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to launch their careers.

Values

  • A pluralistic approach - we accept and include an array of perspectives and approaches to justice, to encourage diversity of thought, race, gender, and all classes, and foster belonging, brave spaces, and supportive relationships.
  • Excellence – we strive for the highest standards of academic and professional achievement in teaching and research.
  • Integrity – we seek to uphold honesty, respect, ethical behaviour, and academic integrity in all activities and interactions.
  • Innovation – we encourage creativity, curiosity, and the pursuit of new ideas and approaches to address justice challenges and growth.

Vision

The Department of Criminology’s vision is to cultivate justice scholars by fostering critical thinking and to create a flourishing place of belonging and identity for students, staff, and stakeholders. The Department contributes to solving diverse criminal justice issues (locally, nationally, and internationally) through sustained relationships that develop thoughtful leaders who aspire for a more just world today and tomorrow.

Programs

Bachelor of Criminology

Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies

Diploma in Criminology

Certificate in Criminology

Contact Us

Department of Criminology

University of Regina
Classroom Building, CL 343
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK  S4S 0A2

Administrative Assistant

Corie Smith
Phone: 306-585-4779

Department Head

Stuart Wilson

Associate Department Head

James Gacek

Practicum Coordinator

David Flomo

Department of Criminology Transition

A Person in a Library

Effective May 1, 2026, the Department of Justice Studies is now the Department of Criminology. We have updated this website to reflect the new name and program offerings.

Explore the resources below to understand what this transition means for your program and plan your next steps.

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Practica

UR Restorative Justice Club

Announcements and Events

rebrand

Rebrand to Criminology at the UofR Signifies New Courses and a Community-based Vision

 

Do you think Criminology is all about crime scenes and evidence boards? Think again. If you think Criminology only focuses on catching the 'bad guys' and locking them up, then you are missing the bigger picture - but don't worry, we are happy to provide that bigger picture for you here. The U of R's newly rebranded Department of Criminology takes students beyond the headlines and television tropes to address the social justice realities at the heart of the system and beyond. Check out this interview with Dr James Gacek, Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Department, to learn more about the next chapter in the Department's journey.

Rebrand to Criminology
TD

JS Alumnus - Open Electives Open Doors: Tanna Dietrich CPR’12 BHJ’15

 

 

Balloon Bar: Tanna Dietrich
Bill Stevenson

JS Alumnus - Rooted in Love: Bill Stevenson BHJ'09, MCert'20

 

The article below highlighting the success of a former BHJ student is something the faculty in the department take great pride in. Bill Stevenson's comments about how the program "expanded his worldview" reflects something the department attempts to provide for all students as they progress through the program offerings. Providing students with the opportunity to experience different points of view as they develop their critical thinking skills is highly valued. We all wish Bill the very best in his continued journey. 

Rooted in Love: Bill Stevenson

50th Anniversary Documentary

Discover the heart of the Department of Justice Studies at the University of Regina—where social justice, restorative justice, and Indigenous justice shape learning and inspire changes. In this documentary, current and former students, along with faculty members, share their personal journeys and reflections, offering a powerful glimpse into the department’s spirit and impact. We invite you to watch and enjoy the documentary!

FAQ: Prospective Students - Criminology

What is a Bachelor of Crimnology degree?
From human rights issues in foreign countries to working with at-risk youth, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology program fosters an in-depth understanding of criminal and restorative justice, social and economic justice, human rights and relevant human services. You will acquire skills in analytical and critical thinking and human service intervention.
What are some of the career paths with a Bachelor of Criminology Degree?
Criminology graduates work in anti-poverty programs, with youth, as human rights advocates, with the department of justice, law school, in mobile crisis services, as policy analysts, in police services, with restorative justice and in provincial and federal corrections facilities.

FAQ: Prospective Students - Police Studies

What is a Bachelor of Arts in Police Studies?
The BA in Police Studies is a four-year degree, recognized as the best educational preparation for a career in policing in Saskatchewan.
Why would I want to get a degree if I want to be a police officer?
Contemporary policing is becoming increasingly professional, and that means that educational preparation is becoming increasingly important. The BA in Police Studies provides an excellent foundation for a successful application, and for a successful career.
How do I know that this is the "best" education I can get?

The BA in Police Studies has been recognized as the “best” in formal agreements signed by the Saskatchewan Police Commission, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers – the whole policing community in Saskatchewan. It has also been recognized formally by other organizations, such as the RCMP/GRC and the Edmonton Police Service.

The degree was developed by the University of Regina in partnership with the Saskatchewan Police Commission, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers, and was specifically designed to meet the needs of modern police services. An Advisory Board that includes members from all those groups oversees the Program at all times, which guarantees that it will always be up to date, and offer the best education available.

What is the Police Studies Program like?
Students begin with three years of academic course work. They then apply for employment with a police service and, if successful, will attend the Saskatchewan Police College - which is located at the University of Regina. They are paid for this, and receive academic credit toward the degree. They complete the degree with a one-term internship with their police service.
What courses will I take?
There are some required courses, and other parts of the Program that give you the freedom to choose your own courses. You will learn about matters ranging from the place of law and policing in the contemporary world, to the diversity of Canadian society. If you want to learn more, you can go to the following website.
What if I'm not sure what I want to do?
The BA in Police Studies includes all the first year courses required in all Arts degrees - so it is easy to transfer to another major. Also, if you don't go to Police College after the third year, you can take one more year of courses and graduate with the BA in Criminology.
Is there anything else I can do with these courses?
These degrees (BA in Police Studies and BA in Justice Studies) are excellent preparation for a wide range of career paths. You might think about work in corrections, probation or parole, going to law school, or working in the rapidly growing field of investigations and security.
How do I enroll?
ll you do is apply for admission to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina. Once you are accepted you simply declare that your major is Police Studies. We have student counselors who will help you get into the right courses.
Is there anything else I should know?
You should know that the University of Regina will do whatever it can to make sure your studies go well, and to help you make a successful career. There are workshops to help you with things like writing papers or preparing job applications. There are career fairs on campus every year, just for Police Studies students, and other programs designed to guarantee that our students will have the best possible preparation for a career in policing. (And all these things are free!) We also have a graduate program, which is specially designed for people working in the policing field, and many other police-related activities, ranging from research with our police partners to international conferences.

E-mail the Department of Criminology

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