Criminology (BA)

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Study the impact of crime on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.  In our Criminology program, you'll investigate how criminal acts are defined, why people commit them, and how society responds.

Embrace an interdisciplinary approach that weaves together sociology, psychology, and law. Engage with real-world challenges and seek effective solutions to the social issues linked to crime and victimization. 

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Field Expertise in First-year: Jump right into the subjects that interest you by enrolling in Criminology electives during your first year. Your courses will include lectures, case studies and seminars, and discussions of contemporary issues with your professors and peers. You will also hear from guest lecturers who work in the field every day.
  • Earn a Law Degree: You can combine this program with a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Our Bachelor of Laws (University of Sussex, UK) and Bachelor of Arts (Laurier)program can be completed in six years. 
  • Direct Your Own Degree: Explore an aspect of Criminology that is of personal interest through directed studies. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!): 

  • Clubs and Conferences: Attend the annual student conference and public Criminology lecture series hosted by the Criminology Students' Association. Network during mixers with faculty and students.
  • Community-Service Learning: Enrol in socially conscious courses with Community Service-Learning (CSL) in topics like social innovation and entrepreneurship. Engage in CSL work placements to benefit the community and gain resume-ready experience. 
  • Hands-on Research: Get involved with the Academic, Creative and Engaged Research Showcase (ACERS) that recognizes student research and creative projects, and provides learning experiences for the community. 

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Courses

  • Introduction to Criminology
  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
  • 1.0 criminology elective credits
  • 3.0 elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Police Psychology
  • Leadership and Personal Development
  • Introduction to Indigenous Studies 

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Global Terrorism and Security
  • Multiple Murder
  • White Collar Crime
  • Gladue Principles

Specializations and Concentrations

  • Earn the Global Crime and Justice Certificate in addition to your degree. The certificate consists of 2.0 credits and is fully online. Course topics include: crime prevention and criminal justice, anti-corruption, trafficking in persons and counter-terrorism.

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Human Rights Minor
  • Policing Minor 
  • Public Safety Minor 
  • Computer Science Minor 
  • Physical Forensics Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree and review our program requirements.

Combinations 

Expand your field of expertise by pairing your Criminology major with another major (or another whole degree!): 

  • Computer Science (BA)
  • Policing (BACP)
  • Public Safety (BAPS)
  • Psychology (BA)
  • Game Design (BA)
  • Leadership 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term), January (winter term) or May (spring term)
  • OUAC code: UCI

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • addictions counsellor
  • child protection worker
  • corrections officer
  • crime reporter
  • fraud investigator
  • immigration/customs officer
  • law enforcement/security
  • lawyer/paralegal
  • policy analyst/advisor

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Brantford Campus

The Brantford campus is woven into the downtown core of the City of Brantford and is home to more than 3,000 students. Close to great walking and biking trails, you get the best of both worlds.

There are many ways to tour our Brantford campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?