Criminology

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Faculty: Humanities and Social Sciences Campus: St. John's
Department: Sociology Honours available: Yes
Length: Four years 
Prospective students: Fill out our student inquiry form to receive updates from Memorial.
Department website University Calendar


The major in criminology, administered by the Department of Sociology, aims to promote the academic study of different facets of criminal justice organizations and practices, including the legal, political and social contexts in which they operate. This program would be beneficial to individuals with a scholarly interest in acts and behaviours defined and viewed as deviant and/or illegal, as well as in social and legal justice, policing, corrections, law enforcement, rehabilitative supports and services, and justice/legal system themes more broadly. Those who have completed the diploma in police studies; experienced police, correctional, probation, or parole officers; and others working in a policing, correctional, or justice system environment may also be interested in pursuing a degree in criminology. The major in criminology does not constitute a qualification in policing or corrections.

Criminology at Memorial

The criminology major promotes critical thinking about the legal, political, and social influences that impact "crime" and society, and our justice/legal system. This program would be beneficial if you have a scholarly interest in policing, the courts, corrections, or another facet of the justice system. Our faculty work closely with our local, national, and international communities and we offer many courses through distance learning to specifically respond to the demands of social/justice system work.

Back to top ↑


Admission requirements to degree

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

IntakeApplication deadline
Fall (September) semester March 1
Winter (January) semester Oct. 1
Spring (May) semester Feb. 1


You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose Criminology as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

Apply to Memorial button

Back to top ↑


Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you may need to take in your first year of the criminology program.

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

FALL SEMESTERWINTER SEMESTER
English 1090
(critical reading and writing (CRW) course)
CRW course
first required language study (LS) course1 second required LS course1
Sociology 1000 first required quantitative reasoning (QR) course
Criminology 1001 Criminology 2200 or 2400
minor program course or elective
(breadth of knowledge course encouraged)
minor program course or elective
(breadth of knowledge course encouraged)
  1. Both LS courses must be in the same language. If your first language is not English and you do not meet the standards for entry into regular first-year English courses you may use English 1020 and 1021 to fulfill this requirement. Such students are permitted to complete up to an additional six credit hours in English CRW courses at the 1000 level in order to fulfill the CRW requirement.
Future course offerings: The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences posts anticipated future course offerings to help you plan your degree.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Sociology or contact the undergraduate program director.

Back to top ↑


Sample courses and degree map

Criminology degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

Degree maps are maintained by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Any questions related to your major's degree map should be directed to the associated academic unit.

Back to top ↑


Career opportunities

A bachelor of arts degree, with a major in criminology, prepares students for a variety of careers and fields including:

  • community/social service worker
  • counsellor
  • court liaison
  • court reporter
  • criminologist
  • insurance or fraud investigator
  • law
  • loss prevention officer
  • police officer or law enforcement officer (e.g., correctional, probation, parole, border services, immigration)
  • private security
  • policy analyst
  • social worker
  • victim services
  • youth support worker

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.