Graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology through this unique multi-degree program from Wilfrid Laurier University. Study how crime is defined, why people commit criminal acts and how society responds while examining contemporary issues in criminology, victimization, criminal justice and social justice.
Drawing on sociology, psychology and law, you'll develop advanced research, analytical and critical thinking skills that prepare you for careers in criminal justice, public policy, corrections, policing, community organizations and research. Apply once to receive conditional admission to both degrees and continue seamlessly from your undergraduate studies into your master's at Laurier.
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:
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!):
Explore what you'll study and how you can enhance your degree to fit your academic and career goals.
Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.
Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.
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:
Check out other electives and minors to enhance your degree and review our program requirements.
You can specialize in your degree by selecting elective courses in one of five optional concentrations:
Expand your field of expertise by pairing your Criminology major with another major (or another whole degree):
Connect with an academic advisor in your first year for information about pursuing a second major.
Through both the two-year thesis stream and the one-year hybrid course-based stream, gain critical analysis skills and knowledge on topics relevant to criminology and criminal justice such as: the intersections between culture, crime and policy; comparative and international criminology and criminal justice; policing; and the intersection of media and the criminal justice system.
At the end of this program, you will have the skills required to:
OUAC code: UCY
When you apply on the OUAC application:
Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum must present the following:
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements. You will find which courses from your country's curriculum are equivalent to the admission requirements listed above. If your country or curriculum is not listed, please reach out to international@wlu.ca.
Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you are successful in your academic courses.
Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.
The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College, and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.
If you've completed studies at another college or university, you may be eligible to transfer into Wilfrid Laurier University's Criminology (BA) + Criminology (MA) program. Admission requirements vary depending on your academic background and the number of postsecondary courses you've completed.
To find out if you can transfer into this program, we encourage you to:
Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for transfer students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more.
It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you're going.
Our Criminology (BA) + Criminology (MA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:
Note: Additional training and education may be required. Explore more careers.
As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.
Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Human and Social Sciences (HSS) students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.
| Fee Type | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,180 | $36,624 |
| Student Fees | $1,830 | $2,778 |
| Textbook Fees | $1,500 | $1,500 |
See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.
When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.
Learn more about the tuition costs for master’s programs and opportunities for funding and scholarships during your graduate studies.
This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable.
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.
Become a Laurier insider to get quick, fun and informative updates along your application journey.
Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.
Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?
