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Faculty of Human and Social Sciences | Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
A Dynamic and Engaged Program
Our two-year Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology program is a research-intensive program that develops expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Our program provides methodological and theoretical training and knowledge as well as professionalization in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Through course seminars and thesis research, you will be provided with critical analysis and knowledge on topics relevant to criminology and criminal justice, such as:
- culture, crime and policy
- comparative and international criminology and criminal justice
- policing
- media criminology
Faculty Specializations
As a small program, we offer you the opportunity to work closely with our faculty in a dynamic and engaged learning environment, mentorship in research and teaching, and opportunities for professional development. Our faculty study a diverse array of phenomena, including, but not limited to, the following areas of specialization.
International Crime and Justice
Faculty working in this area focus on issues of current global importance, including: armed conflicts and military justice; state security; terrorism; genocide; crimes against humanity and war crimes; cybercrime; charter issues; human rights and criminal justice; justice and foreign policy; transnational organized crime; development of permanent international criminal justice agencies; and international cooperation in fighting domestic and global terrorism.
Media Criminology
The specialization focuses on the social construction of crime, victimization, criminal law, policing, and models of justice in various entertainment and new media forms. This includes the methods used to analyze the effects of media constructions of crime issues on criminal justice policy. Students working with faculty in this area may also examine other topics relevant to the role of media in the criminal justice system, including pre-trial publicity, surveillance, cyber-stalking, obscenity and censorship, and digital piracy.
Culture, Crime and Policy
Faculty in this area are experts in critically analyzing the intersections between culture, crime and policy. Their subjects of study include victimization, legal and social policy aimed at crime prevention and punishment, youth crime, psychology of crime, cultural criminology, and restorative justice.
Contact Us:
Carrie Sanders, Graduate Coordinator
General Inquiries
Info for Current Students
Department of CriminologyFunding
- Winners of major external awards (OGS, QEII and Tri-Council) may be eligible for top-up funding which includes the Dean’s Graduate Scholarship (total value exceeds $10,000).
- Eligible domestic students admitted to study on a full-time basis receive an average of $14,500 a year. This support may be made up of teaching assistantships, internal/external scholarships, and/or faculty-funded studentships or research assistantships.
- A list of all funding opportunities available to Laurier graduate students, including information about OGS, QEII and Tri-Council, is available on our graduate funding webpage.
Research Focus
- international crime and justice
- media criminology
- culture, crime and policy
- policing
- social deviance
- restorative justice
- mental health and crime
- sociology of law
Requirements
- A four-year honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in criminology or related program.
- A minimum B+ average in your final year of study and a cumulative average of at least B+ in all criminology courses.
- Applications are reviewed by the graduate program committee, which considers all prior university grades, a statement of research interests, a writing sample and letters of reference.
Careers
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).
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