Criminology

• A Major and Minor are offered

• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students

• Apply for Admission: Forms and Information

Note: VIU also offers a Diploma in Criminology.

The Program

Criminology is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on law and its interpretation by the courts, patterns in crime, the explanation of deviant and criminal behaviour, and society’s reaction to law-breaking. The program introduces students to criminal law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and case-law decisions made by the courts. Students will examine in separate courses the three main components of the criminal justice system—police, courts and corrections—that form an organized response to crime. The program addresses the trends and correlates of crime, including the influences of age, ethnicity, gender, and social class. The major explanations for crime try to account for these patterns by looking at historical, individual and social causes. The criminological focus is broadened with courses from other disciplines in the Social Sciences and Humanities.

The program aims to provide students with conceptual, critical and applied skills to work in fields where a legal/justice focus is beneficial. The curriculum emphasizes development of professional and applied skills though training in professional ethics, conflict mediation, use of information technology for researching relevant topics, writing, presenting data, and working in small groups on specific tasks. In fourth year, students have the option of either conducting an applied research project or participating in a field placement.

Although the core of the curriculum is centered on justice-related issues, students will find the degree program applies equally to areas in the private sector where research competence, project management, legal analysis and communication skills are essential.

Students interested in pursuing a B. A. with a Major in Criminology will be required to submit an application to enter the third year of the degree program, once a Diploma in Criminology or the equivalent is complete. Students who successfully complete the first two years of the diploma program with a minimum "C" average and a minimum "C-" grade for each required course, may apply to receive a diploma. Admission to the Major in Criminology is competitive and based on GPA in the Diploma.

A Minor will interest students wishing to include a criminological aspect to their declared Major or other declared Minor. The lower level requirements will provide students with a foundation in several key areas of the discipline including criminological theory, Canadian law, the Canadian criminal justice system, and criminological research. Access to all of the upper level criminology courses, with the exception of the Field Placement courses, will allow students to concentrate their studies in a particular area of interest (e.g. law) or gain exposure a wide range of topics related to the discipline. Students who successfully complete the requirements for a Minor in Criminology with a minimum "C" average and a minimum "C-" grade for each required course will receive a Minor.

Admission Requirements

For admission to first year university courses, see General Admission requirements.

Admission to Criminology Major – Year 3

• VIU’s 2-year Criminology Diploma program, or equivalent courses from B.C. post-secondary institutions such as Camosun College.
• Students in the second year of the Diploma in Criminology program may apply, conditional on successful completion of the required courses by June 1.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Notes on Admission – Criminology Major

• Applicants will be prioritized by overall Grade Point Average. A wait list will be created, if required.
• Part-time study (a minimum of 2 or 3 courses, each semester) may be possible, space permitting; however, priority will be given to students who take the degree program on a full-time basis. Students must take all upper-level Criminology courses and PHIL 465 in the semesters in which they are offered.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications, program contacts, and scheduled information sessions check the Program Availability List.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Arts, Major or Minor in Criminology, students must successfully complete the degree program with a minimum grade of "C-" for each required course and a minimum "C" average overall. Additionally, students in the Major in Criminology must receive credit for CRIM 475.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B. A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

* Students who achieve a grade of “B+” or better in one of ENGL 115, 125, or 135 do not have to take additional English credits; an elective should be taken in its place.

Note: A total of 60 credits is required for the Criminology Diploma.

Note for Year 3 & 4 students: Students must take all upper-level Criminology courses and PHIL 465 in the semesters in which they are offered. 300–level CRIM courses should normally be completed in Year 3 and 400–level CRIM courses should normally be completed in Year 4. All third year CRIM courses, CRIM 474, and PHIL 465 must be completed prior to taking CRIM 475.

* These courses are highly recommended electives reserved for Criminology Majors. Students may substitute other electives.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B. A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Updated July 27, 2010