Our Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology is an intensive program that develops foundational knowledge in research practices, theories of crime and deviance, and opportunities for professionalization. Our program fosters professional growth and leadership by challenging our students to engage in critical thinking processes, while providing opportunities for investigative research into contemporary issues relating to criminology and society.
To do this, we offer two distinct streams of study within the MA program:
Close mentorship with faculty.
Engaging faculty with diverse research interests.
Opportunity to participate in student-led conference.
Our dynamic and engaging Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology program provides you with a critical analysis, theoretical and methodological training opportunities, and substantive knowledge on topics relevant to criminology and criminal justice. These topics can include but are not limited to culture, crime and policy, comparative and international criminology and criminal justice, policing, and media criminology.
Through course seminars and research opportunities, you will work with a variety of faculty with a diverse range of research interests related to criminology. Watch our video series to learn more about our Criminology program.
The graduate Criminology Student Association has created and managed a Justice, Crime and Deviance Regional Graduate Research and Networking conference. This conference has attracted participation from across Canada and provides an ideal opportunity for research and professionalization networking.
The 12-month coursework stream will be completed in three consecutive terms. You will be required to complete four required courses, as well as four additional Criminology graduate level elective courses offered by our program.
Our program provides you with advanced coursework in the field that equips you with the skills necessary to locate, evaluate and synthesize existing evidence-based research, as well as develop leadership, analytical and research skills.
The competencies acquired from this program will prepare you for applied work in the field, expand your confidence and grow leadership skills necessary for professional occupations in public or private enterprise.
In the two-year, research-intensive thesis-based stream, you are required to complete four courses and a thesis. This stream will equip you with the skills and competencies necessary to conduct original research.
Your thesis is a chance to conduct original research and data collection on an approved topic. Thesis documents are typically around 100 pages long. An advisory committee consisting of a faculty supervisor and a faculty committee member will work closely with you to supervise both your research, as well as the written aspects of your paper and conclusions.
Aside from the written report, you will also present and defend your thesis to an advisory panel of experts led by your supervisor. After successful defense, you will then be eligible to graduate from the program.
As a research-intensive program, our students receive a number of invaluable research mentorship opportunities. The research training provided to students has also assisted them in acquiring strong research skills that have made them competitive and highly successful in academic settings.
As a small program, we offer you the opportunity to work closely with our faculty in a engaged learning environment. You will be provided mentorship in research and teaching, and be presented opportunities for supporting your professional development. Our faculty study a diverse array of phenomena, including, but not limited to, the following areas of specialization.
The Laurier Centre for Research on Security Practices (CRSP) examines human security through the perspectives of both those who engage in security practices and those who encounter them, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities. The research produced at the CRSP contributes to scholarly discussions and informs policy, practice, and social change. CRSP provides criminology masters students with hands-on learning and research mentoring opportunities through research assistantships, public lectures and training workshops.
Students in both the two-year thesis, and one-year coursework streams must complete the following required courses.
Thesis stream students will complete and register in their thesis following completion of all required courses.
Coursework stream students must also complete four elective Criminology graduate program courses in addition to required courses.
The Criminology program offers several different courses that reflect the research expertise of its faculty and are offered on a rotating basis. These include subjects like Comparative Youth Justice, Transnational Crime, and Contemporary Issues in Crime and Media. An up-to-date list of elective Criminology MA courses is available each year at Laurier’s Graduate Academic Calendar.
In addition to required coursework, you must complete four Criminology graduate electives. Course descriptions for each term can be found on the Criminology course offerings page. A selection of elective courses are available in each of the three terms of study.
In exceptional circumstances, and only with approval of the Graduate Coordinator, you may also arrange to take one of your electives as a Directed Studies course under the supervision of a graduate faculty member within the department.
"The benefits of studying Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University are first and foremost the wonderful professors who are very approachable and willing to help. The program also develops and improves research skills on a deeper level in the field of Criminology."
Jacob Kavoukis, Criminology graduate 2022.
Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, apply early.
An application for admission to our MA program in Criminology must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Questions? Contact Judy Jakusz, graduate program assistant, at jjakusz@wlu.ca or 519.756.8228.
"I absolutely loved completing my MA at Laurier and was very fond of my PhD supervisor and second reader. The design of Laurier's MA program encourages the development of strong faculty-student relationships. I also had the opportunity to present my research at the Western Society of Criminology conference in Arizona, which I travelled to with some of my colleagues."
Danielle Thompson, MA graduate 2021
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
Our students graduate equipped with the research and critical thinking skills required to pursue doctoral studies or to begin a career as a social researcher in government or private sectors.
Recent graduates hold positions in the Federal Government, Victim Witness Assistance with the Department of Justice, Canadian Armed Forces, and United Nations. Many of our graduates are pursuing doctoral studies (University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, University of Guelph, and University of Waterloo).
ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.
Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research.
Robert Ame
Associate Professor
Fellow, Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa
Dan Antonowicz
Associate Professor
Tony Christensen
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Chair, Criminology
Erin Dej
Assistant Professor
Ken Dowler
Associate Professor
Judy Eaton
Professor
Lauren Eisler
Associate Professor
Stacey Hannem
Professor
Tarah Hodgkinson
Assistant Professor
Nikolai Kovalev
Associate Professor
Debra Langan
Associate Professor
Jennifer Lavoie
Associate Professor
James Popham
Associate Professor
Department Chair, Criminology
Katrin Roots
Assistant Professor
Carrie B. Sanders
Professor
Graduate Coordinator, Criminology
Director, Centre for Research on Security Practices
Andrew Welsh
Associate Dean, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences
