Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Policy

The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) at the University of Guelph is a graduate degree that serves as a launchpad for a meaningful career in driving change, influencing policy, and leading reform across the criminal justice sector. This program blends theory, practice, and policy, exploring the most pressing and complex issues in today's criminal justice landscape through multiple lenses: criminology, sociology, political science, and law.

Why Choose the CJPP Program

Unlike traditional criminology degrees, the CJPP MA offers a unique approach by combining different disciplines to understand the criminal justice system. Students will have the opportunity to shape the future of criminal justice by exploring issues such as wrongful convictions and systemic reform.

Program Pathways

The CJPP program offers two pathways to fit different goals:

Course-Based

• Duration: 10 months
• Description: Fast-track your career with a focused curriculum and an experiential learning capstone.
• Courses:
  • Governing Criminal Justice
  • Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • Society, Crime and Control
  • Professional Seminar in CJPP
  • Current Issues in Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice and Public Policy in Practice
  • 2 elective courses

Thesis-Based

• Duration: 16-24 months
• Description: Deepen your research expertise on specific criminal justice issues to prepare for advanced academic and career positions.
• Components:
  • Governing Criminal Justice
  • Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • Society, Crime and Control
  • Professional Seminar in CJPP
  • Thesis

Program Format and Courses

The graduate program in Criminal Justice and Public Policy is delivered in-person at the University of Guelph's main campus. Both course-based and thesis-based streams are available, each with its own set of required courses and components.

Learn from Experts

The program boasts a vibrant academic community with over 20 faculty members leading cutting-edge research in criminal justice, governance, and policy. Faculty expertise includes areas such as drug policy, gender-based violence, policing, bail, cyber-bullying, racial justice, restorative and transitional justice, and judicial process.

Engagement with Professionals

The CJPP program provides opportunities to engage directly with the justice system, including:

• Truscott Lecture in Justice
• Criminal Justice in Practice
• Wrongful Conviction Day
• Career Development Events

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MA program will gain a deep understanding of crime, justice, equity, and governance, along with in-demand skills in research, analysis, communication, and policy writing. Career paths include:

• Community and social services
• Policing
• Law and legal advocacy
• Corrections and rehabilitation
• Border services and immigration
• Policy analysis and government consulting
• NGOs, research institutes, and think tanks
• Courthouse staff positions

Guaranteed Admission Pathway

The program offers a guaranteed admission pathway for eligible University of Guelph students who have graduated from specific Bachelor of Arts majors with a minimum 85% average in the last two years of study. Eligible majors include:

• Criminal Justice and Public Policy
• Justice and Legal Studies
• Political Science
• Sociology

Admission Requirements

Admission to the CJPP program is competitive, considering applicants who meet the minimum requirements:

• Honours bachelor's degree in a social science or humanities program
• Minimum B+ average (77-79%) in the last two years of study
• At least 5 criminology and/or public policy undergraduate courses
• Preference for applicants with an undergraduate major in sociology, criminology, or political science
• Thesis stream applicants are expected to have secured a faculty advisor before applying

Financial Assistance

Applicants are encouraged to apply for external scholarships, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program and the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master's program. Additional scholarships are available to graduate students in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.