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Criminology Programs Spotlight: Insights from Local Universities

Updated: Aug 6, 2024

At the undergraduate level, delving into Criminology offers a fascinating exploration of crime.


It also examines how society reacts to criminal behaviour and dives into the intricate workings of the justice system. In this article, we dive into the intricate details of a few local esteemed universities to provide valuable insights into the prerequisites, program specifics, application processes, and application criteria.






Exploring the tailored requirements of each institution will help you, as an aspiring student, navigate your academic aspirations with clarity and precision.


Undergraduate Programs at Simon Fraser University - School of Criminology

The School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University offers a rich array of undergraduate

programs tailored to challenge and engage students in the dynamic field of criminology.


Here's a glimpse into the diverse offerings available:


Degree Options:


● Major, Major with Honours, or Minor in Criminology


● Minors in Legal Studies and Police Studies


● Diplomas and Certificates in Criminology, Forensic Studies, Legal Studies, Police

Studies, and Correctional Studies


● Joint Majors: Opportunities to combine criminology with fields like psychology,

sociology, anthropology, gender studies, and more.


Program Highlights:


● Interdisciplinary Faculty: Benefit from a diverse faculty background encompassing

law, psychology, biology, sociology, political science, social work, and geography.


● Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of criminal

behaviour, societal responses to crime, operation of the justice system, and key legal

aspects including criminal law and human rights.


● Career Pathways: Graduates explore diverse career avenues in law, policing,

corrections, social work, or pursue advanced studies in graduate programs.



Admission Requirements:


● Secondary School Applicants: The minimum admission average is subject to variation

based on application volume and available spaces, typically not falling below 67%.


English Language Proficiency:


● Candidates must demonstrate competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English.


● Various criteria exist for fulfilling this requirement, such as completing the last three

years of full-time secondary education in English in Canada or achieving specific scores

in standardized tests like IELTS, IB English, AP English, SAT Writing, and more.


Writing-Intensive Course Prerequisite:


● To graduate, students must complete at least two writing-intensive (W) courses.


● Eligibility for such courses is determined by meeting specific criteria like achieving a

minimum blended grade in English Studies 12, scoring well in language proficiency tests,

or earning credit for writing-intensive courses.


N.B: Deadlines and dates here, admission information here



Admission Criteria


First Year Entry


● English 12 with minimum "C" or equivalent

● Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus 11 with minimum "C" or equivalent


Program Details


Criminology at Vancouver Island University delves into the intricate dynamics of law, crime patterns, deviant behaviour, and societal responses to law-breaking. Students engage with criminal law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the criminal justice system components. The curriculum equips students with essential skills in legal analysis, conflict mediation, and research, fostering a holistic approach to justice-related issues.


English Proficiency Requirement:


To meet the English proficiency requirement at Vancouver Island University, applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:


● English Studies 12: Minimum final grade of "C",or equivalent

● English First Peoples 12: Minimum final grade of "C"

● English 12: Minimum final grade of "C"*

● Communications 12: Minimum final grade of "B" *

● AP English Language or Literature: Minimum grade of 3

● IB English Language (SL or HL): Minimum grade of 3


Program Overview:


The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers students a comprehensive education in social science, criminal justice, and law.


Through this program, students delve into scientific research methods, legal perspectives, theoretical approaches, and social responses to crime and related issues. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking, critical understanding, and engagement with contemporary criminology theories and research.



● High School Graduates: Must have completed a BC secondary school or equivalent.

● Aboriginal Applicants: Considered on an individual basis by the Aboriginal Admissions

Committee.

● English Proficiency Requirement: All applicants must meet KPU's English proficiency

standards through specific courses, testing, or completion of designated programs.



● Spring 2024: April 2024

● Summer 2024: August 2024


Honours Application Checklist:


● Statement of interest (250-300 words) covering reasons for interest in the Honours

program, research area description, proposed research methods, and preferred supervisor if applicable.


● Unofficial transcript.


● Explanation of incomplete requirements and a plan to fulfill them by Fall 2024 if needed.


● If CGPA is > 3.5, include a brief explanation detailing factors affecting grades such as

disruptions, COVID-19 impacts, or family responsibilities.


For additional information and to apply, visit the KPU Faculty of Arts website at kpu.ca/arts and the Criminology Department webpage at kpu.ca/arts/criminology.




The Criminology program at Capilano University delves into the complexities of criminal

behaviour, society's response to crime, and the Canadian criminal justice system. It is a field of study that scrutinizes crime and criminal behaviour, delving into the nature, scope, and societal reactions to criminal occurrences.



Capilano University's Criminology Department welcomes a diverse range of applicants,

including early-entry high school students and mature learners. The admission criteria typically include the following:


● Completion of B.C. secondary school (Grade 12) or equivalent, such as the B.C. Adult

Dogwood Graduation Diploma or General Education Diploma.


● A minimum GPA of 2.0 (60%) calculated based on English Studies 12 or English 12 or

English First Peoples 12 and two academic Grade 12 courses.


● Successful completion of English Diagnostic Test for English 100 or Math Placement

Test for specific entry-level Math courses might be required post-admission.



If you are a new student applying to Capilano University for the first time, you can also explore entrance awards based on eligibility. Here's what you need before starting your application:


● Personal and contact information.

● Details of high schools, universities, or colleges you attended with relevant dates.

● Name of 1-2 CapU programs you wish to apply for, with emphasis on designating your

primary choice.

● PDF transcripts from your educational institutions.

● If applicable, a PDF copy of your English language assessment.

● A credit card for the $50 application fee.




Program Information:


● Campus: Vancouver

● Faculty: Faculty of Arts

● Degree: Bachelor of Arts

● Duration: 4 Years

● Co-op: Yes

● Honours: Yes


Overview:


Sociology at UBC delves into the study of human behaviour influenced by society and

reciprocally impacting the social environments we inhabit. From informal groups to larger

societal structures, sociology investigates how social categories shape human behaviour.

Sociologists employ various research methods, ranging from historical analysis to surveys and experiments. Students can pursue a Major, Minor, or Honours degree in Sociology.


English-Language Requirements:


English proficiency is essential for instruction at UBC, with multiple pathways available to fulfill the English Language Admission Standard.


Admission Requirements:


● General Requirements:

○ High school graduation.

○ Minimum 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or equivalents).

○ Completion of at least six academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses.


● Degree-Specific Requirements for Arts:

○ Grade 12:


■ English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12.


■ Pre-Calculus 12 (for Economics majors).

○ Grade 11:


■ Any English Language Arts 11 or English First Peoples 11.

■ A language 11 or waiver (excluding introductory Grade 11 language

courses).

■ Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 12.

■ A Science 11 or any Science 12 course.


Related Courses:


● Consider taking courses in the following subject categories during Grades 11 and 12:

○ Language Arts

○ Mathematics and Computation

○ Second Languages

○ Social Studies

○ Visual and Performing Arts



Program Overview:


Delve into the study of human society and our social world through the Sociology Bachelor of Arts (BA) program at UVic.


This program allows exploration of contemporary issues such as gender, social media, crime, environmentalism, and social inequality while honing analytical and communication skills through engaging research activities, public outreach, and interactive classroom discussions.



Quick Facts:


● Program Options: Bachelor’s degree, Minor

● Study Options: Full-time, Part-time

● Program Delivery: On-campus

● Dynamic Learning: Co-op optional


Areas of Focus:


● Ecology, Global Issues, and Social Movements

● Gender, Racialization, and Ethnicity

● Health, Aging, and Society

● Sociology of Crime, Deviance, and Law


Admission Requirements:


● Grade 11 Courses:

○ Approved English 11

○ Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus 11

○ Approved Science 11

○ Approved Social Studies 11/12


● Grade 12 Courses:

○ English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (minimum 67%)

○ Three approved academic 12 courses


● Estimated Admission Average: Minimum 82% (based on the required Grade 12

courses)


English Language Proficiency:


Proof of English language proficiency is essential to attend UVic. Full-time study in an English-language academic program within Canada for a minimum of four years serves as sufficient evidence of proficiency.




● January Entry: September 30 (for Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences programs)

● Summer Entry: March 31 (for Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences programs)

● September Entry: January 31


Application Link:

Ready to apply to the Sociology BA program at UVic? Access the application portal here.

Psychology BA and BSc here.


From foundational knowledge to specialized studies, the diverse programs outlined in this article pave the way for future professionals to excel in addressing societal challenges and shaping the landscape of law and justice. Whether pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma, or honours program, the educational journey in criminology promises not only academic growth but also real-world impact in the realms of law enforcement, policy-making, social work, and more. If you’re seeking 1:1 university application assistance, contact us today to apply for our 12-month advising program!

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