Criminology

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


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.

Admission requirements

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.

Sample first year

Wondering what courses you would take in your first year? Check out a sample program of suggested courses for criminology students.

Sample courses and degree map

CRIM 2200 - Introduction to Corrections
CRIM 3100 - Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
CRIM 3500 - Investigative Interviewing

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.

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.