Programs

Criminology is devoted to the scientific analysis of crime, justice and social control. It focuses on four broad themes: the social construction of norms and the notion of crime; the criminalization of specific behaviours, individuals and groups in our society; the analysis of the goals, functioning and impacts of the criminal justice system; and the examination of contemporary forms of intervention. Studies at the master's level in criminology include an option with a thesis (30 credits) and three other options of 24 credits (Major Research Paper, Courses only, Courses and Field Placement); each option can be undertaken with a specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies. If space is available, a Thesis with Field Placement could also be another possible option. These options are intended to form criminologists who analyse the major theoretical and methodological issues in criminology through the acquisition of a central body of disciplinary knowledge along with the integration of additional specialized knowledge that enable students to deepen the analysis of certain issues, achieved through optional courses or a field placement seminar course along with a placement in the field.

The Master Degree in Criminology with two diplomas (only offered in French)
University of Ottawa and Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium)
The Department of Criminology now offers this new option in its MA program. The program is in two years: the first year of study takes place at the Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium) and the second one at the University of Ottawa. The thesis will be co-supervised by a professor of each university. When the student has completed all the requirements of the degree, each university will confer the grade. Please note that the program is only offered in French. 

• General information and program requirements - Criminology - uOttawa Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

^{Admission Deadlines - Canadian Students
Admission Deadlines - International Students}

Note: Based on availability in the program, strong applications will continue to be examined and admission scholarships are available for all eligible candidates.

The Department of criminology is a vibrant interdisciplinary research community composed of more than 30 regular professors and dozens of graduate students. The PhD program provides candidates with the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and critical perspectives on laws, norms and social practices that are aimed at regulating and controlling behavior defined as “criminal”, on the violence enacted by criminal justice institutions, on the social harms that reside outside of statist definitions of crime, and on punitive social reactions. Students will find the department a stimulating environment with a commitment to critical analysis, research excellence and social engagement. The program is offered in English or French.

• General information and program requirements - Criminology - uOttawa Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
• Information specific to the PhD program

^{Admission deadlines - Canadian Students
Admission deadlines - International Students}

Note: Based on availability in the program, strong applications will continue to be examined and admission scholarships are available for all eligible candidates.

• Word from the Chair
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MA in Criminology

• General information and program requirements - Criminology - uOttawa
• Expected progress - MA in Criminology
• Procedures Guide for Master's Students in Criminology (PDF, 326 KB)
• Theses

PhD in Criminology

• General information and program requirements - Criminology - uOttawa
• Expected progress - PhD in Criminology
• Comprehensive examination
• Thesis proposal
• Thesis and thesis defence
• Language requirements
• Theses

Visit the Faculty of Social Sciences Website for information on scholarships, research grants and assistantship positions offered to graduate students. 

Department of Criminology students can apply to the following scholarships:

• Chuck Talbot Memorial Prize
• Tadeusz Grygier Founder's Graduate Prize
• Ross Hastings Memorial Scholarship
• Innovative Criminology Scholarship 
• Bob Gaucher Scholarship

Also, as a Faculty of Social Sciences graduate student, you have access to faculty-wide scholarships, regardless of your program of study.

For a complete list, log into uoZone.

How to apply for scholarships