Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Criminology

The Department of Criminology offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminology. Criminology is dedicated to the scientific analysis of criminalization processes and social control issues, focusing on four major themes: the social construction of norms and the concept of crime, the criminalization of certain acts, individuals, and groups within our society, the analysis of the functioning, purposes, and consequences of the penal justice system, and new forms of intervention.

Master's Program Options

The Master's program in Criminology offers three options:

• Option with Thesis (30 credits): This option includes a thesis (120 pages) and, under certain conditions, a practicum. Students must complete three required courses and three elective courses (or replace these with a practicum and a practicum seminar if places are available). This option also offers the possibility of a dual degree with the University of Ottawa (first year) and the Catholic University of Louvain (second year).
• Option with Research Paper (24 credits): This option includes a research paper (50 pages) and, under certain conditions, a practicum. Students must complete two required courses and four elective courses (or replace three of these with a practicum and a practicum seminar if places are available).
• Option with Courses (24 credits): This option includes two profiles: courses only and courses with a practicum. Students must complete two required courses and either six elective courses (courses-only profile) or three elective courses, a practicum seminar, and a 360-hour practicum in a field setting that matches their learning interests (courses-with-practicum profile).

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Master's program in Criminology, applicants must:

• Hold a specialized bachelor's degree with a major in Criminology or equivalent, with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
• Have completed the courses CRM 3734 and CRM 3735 or their equivalents. If not, these courses must be taken as additional courses during the first term of enrollment in the M.A. program.
• Applicants without a bachelor's degree in Criminology or equivalent may be considered if they have relevant work experience of two years or more. They must submit a 300-word text detailing the relevance of this professional experience to the program.

Research at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is among the top 10 research universities in Canada, with research founded on excellence, relevance, and impact, conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The university's research community develops around four strategic axes:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Promoting just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Fostering health and well-being throughout life

Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences is a hub of excellence in knowledge, research, and training in social sciences. Its research is rich, innovative, diverse, and contributes to current debates locally and globally. Five major themes characterize the faculty's research:

• International Studies
• Francophonie
• Public Policy
• Health and Well-being
• Justice and Society

Facilities, Research Centers, and Institutes

The Faculty of Social Sciences hosts several research centers and institutes, including:

• The Center for Governance Studies (C乇)
• The Center for International Policy Studies (C丮I)
• The Human Rights Research and Education Center
• The Center for Research on Educational and Community Services (CRSEC)
• The Centre on Governance
• The Interdisciplinary Research Center on Citizenship and Minorities (CIRCEM)
• The Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies

Course Offerings

The program offers a variety of courses, including:

• CRM 6320: Research Methodology in Criminology I
• CRM 6325: Research Seminar in Criminology
• CRM 6340: Theories of Intervention in Criminology and Alternative Practices
• CRM 6350: Contemporary Criminological Theories
• CRM 6720: M彋hodologie de recherche en criminologie I
• CRM 6725: S幦inaire de recherche en criminologie
• CRM 6740: Th廩ries de l'intervention en criminologie et pratiques alternatives
• CRM 6750: Th廩ries criminologiques contemporaines

Duration of the Program

Students are expected to complete the program with the thesis option in two years (six terms) and with the thesis and practicum option if places are available. The maximum time allowed to submit the thesis is four years. For programs with the research paper option and the courses-only option, full-time students are expected to complete the program in one year (three terms). Part-time students in the research paper-only option and courses-only option should complete the program in five terms.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in either English or French. Those whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one of the two languages. The list of accepted language proficiency tests is available under the "Admission" section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Conclusion

The Master's program in Criminology at the University of Ottawa offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of criminology, with a focus on research, theory, and practice. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex issues related to crime, justice, and social control, and to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in research, policy, and practice.