Criminology (BA)

Study the impact of crime on individuals, communities, and society. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to crime and punishment, you’ll study sociology, psychology, and the law to explore how crime is defined, why people break the law, and how society responds. Seek effective solutions to social problems associated with crime and victimization.

Learn more about the Criminology program.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Criminology program:

Check out the Criminology Experience Guide.

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

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

Program Details

One Field, Many Disciplines

As a Criminology student, your classes will draw on sociology, psychology, and law to examine how crime is defined, why people break the law, and how society responds. Criminologists focus on: theories explaining the causes of crime and social harms; the social impact and reaction to crime and deviance; the effects of victimization; the criminal justice system and law enforcement responses to crime; and crime prevention.

At Laurier, you'll get a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, theoretical explanations of behaviour, a foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and communication and writing skills – which just about every employer you meet wants to see.

Into Your Field From the Start

As a Criminology student at Laurier, you’ll be able to 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, Too

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.

You'll complete your first two years in the Criminology program at our Brantford campus. Students who meet the GPA and progression requirements may then apply to the UK law program and are guaranteed an offer of admission to the University of Sussex law school; there is no requirement to write the LSAT entrance exam. After three years of studying abroad in the UK and completing an LLB, you'll return for one final year at Laurier to complete your Laurier BA.

Program Options and Courses

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
  • Law and Society Minor
  • Psychology Minor
  • Youth and Children's Studies Minor
  • Physical Forensics Minor

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

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

  • Digital Creativity
  • Film and the Image
  • Introduction to Psychology

Sample Upper-Year Courses

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

Similar Programs

Community Service-Learning

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Community Service-Learning (CSL) courses at Laurier integrate service in the community with what you are learning in your classes. Placements are approximately 10 weeks and take place on a weekly basis from the second week of classes to the final week, typically for two hours per week.

CSL placements consist of volunteering at a local community service, such as a soup kitchen or a children's treatment centre. It’s a great way to apply classroom knowledge and gain practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, develop your network, and graduate with experience.

Interested? Learn more about Community Service-Learning.

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.

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"My professors were amazing and made such a positive impact on my experience at Laurier. Criminology and Laurier Brantford opened so many doors for me because I was able to make lasting connections that helped define my career path."
Cheyanne Mulchinock, Criminology graduate

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.

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.

"This program allows your to customize your degree to your interests. You can choose from a variety of courses, such as Multiple Murder, Cyber Crime or Youth Justice. I also did a double major and having this freedom allowed me to enjoy everything I was studying."

Sarah Martiniello, Criminology graduate

Interested in More Info?

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