Master of Arts in Criminology
The Master of Arts in Criminology provides methodological and theoretical training and knowledge as well as professionalization in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Through both the 2-year thesis stream and the 1-year hybrid course-based stream, students will be provided with critical analysis 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, students will attain the skills required to pursue doctoral level work, or skills required to be professional social researchers in private or public enterprise, or as personnel in occupations requiring the ability to carry out research activities.
To be admitted to the MA program in criminology, students must satisfy the general admission requirements of the university, and have an honours degree, or equivalent, in criminology or related discipline. Applicants should have a minimum B+ (or better than 77%) average in the last year of full-time undergraduate study to be considered for the program. Students are expected to submit a statement of research interests. Applications must be accompanied by official transcripts and be supported by at least two letters of recommendation from faculty members who are qualified to assess the applicant's potential for graduate training. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee, which considers all prior university grades, a statement of research interests, a writing sample, and letters of reference.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to pursue graduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University. Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution where English is the language of instruction are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
Master of Arts in criminology students are admitted to either the thesis or the coursework option.
The 2-year thesis stream is normally expected to be completed in six consecutive terms. Students must develop their programs in consultation with the graduate coordinator. The graduate coordinator must approve the student's program in all cases. The major requirement of the program is the defence of a thesis based on original research. A minimum passing grade in a course or seminar is B−, and an overall average of B in all courses is required to earn the degree.
Required courses include:
CC601 - Qualitative Fieldwork into the Study of Deviance
CC602 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
CC603 - Theories of Crime and Crime Control
CC606 - Research and Professionalization Seminar
CC699 - Thesis
To meet all degree requirements, a student must earn a "pass" in CC606 - Research and Professionalization Seminar (graded as pass/fail), must earn no less than a B- in any given course, must hold a minimum of a B average at the end of their course work and must successfully complete a thesis.
If they fail to complete their coursework with the required B average the student will not be allowed to move onto the thesis stage and may be required to repeat or take another course to improve their standing.
The University regulations on master's theses and defences apply.
The one-year coursework option is expected to be completed in three consecutive terms. Students must develop their program in consultation with the graduate coordinator. The graduate coordinator must approve the student's program in all cases. Students are required to complete four required courses and four elective courses selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. A minimum passing grade in a course or seminar is B-, and an overall average of B in all courses is required to earn the degree.
Required courses include:
CC601 - Qualitative Fieldwork into the Study of Deviance
CC602 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
CC603 - Theories of Crime and Crime Control
CC606 - Research and Professionalization Seminar
With the approval of the graduate coordinator, up to three of the elective courses may be taken from a master's program of another department at Wilfrid Laurier University. Students may also arrange to take one of their courses as a directed studies course under the supervision of an individual professor. While the Criminology Department can guarantee hybrid delivery of its courses, it cannot confirm that all electives will be hybrid. However, students can work with the graduate coordinator to assist in mapping out elective courses that complement the design of the student's program in addition to having hybrid or fully online delivery.
To meet all degree requirements for both the thesis and course options, a student must earn a 'pass' in CC606 (graded as pass/fail), must earn no less than a B- in any given course, and must hold a minimum of a B average at the end of their coursework. Students in the thesis stream must successfully complete their thesis.
If they fail to complete their coursework with the required B average, the student may be required to repeat or take another course to improve their standing.
