Criminology Program
Why study Criminology?
How do societies define and respond to crime? How is law created and reformed, and what happens to people in the justice system? Explore these topics and gain an understanding of how they connect to broader issues of social regulation and control.
Criminology is about defining and responding to crime. As a criminology student, you will also delve into crime prevention, systems of regulation and punishment, policing, prisons, corrections, restorative justice, and human rights. You will gain an understanding of criminality, the social construction of crime, criminal justice policies & politics.
The Saint Mary’s approach
Our Criminology program provides a comprehensive curriculum taught by a diverse, student-focused faculty. Our faculty members are involved in numerous research projects and work with a variety of community partners, and government agencies, both locally and internationally.
Sample Courses Offered:
- Criminological Theory: You'll be introduced to the major themes of contemporary criminological theory including the influence of class, gender, race, media and politics in the definition, explanation, and regulation of crime and criminal behaviour.
- Organized Crime: This course provides an introduction to the subject of organized crime and its control in North America. The course applies sociological, criminological, and economic theory to understand the rise and proliferation of criminal organizations and organized crime activities. It also explores dominant organized crime genres, activities, and recent trends. The course also explores strategies and laws to combat organized crime.
- Digital Criminology: The emerging field of digital criminology provides the necessary tools to address the broad effects of digital technology on crime, law, victimization, and policing. While theories of cybercrime look at a specific subsection of criminality and deviance involving the use of online and computer technology, digital criminology opens up a broader criminological theorization of crime, deviance, and justice in our digital society. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach that accounts for the multiplicity of digital technology’s impacts and the increasingly false binary between “online” and “offline” crimes.
Future Career Opportunities:
- Child and youth worker
- Social Work
- Police officer
- Lawyer
- Immigration officer
- Corrections officer
- Probation or parole officer
Related:
"Choosing Saint Mary's for my undergraduate degree has been the most rewarding decision for my academic career. While pursuing a double major in criminology and philosophy, I have been given opportunities to develop the fundamental skills I need for a future career in law. As the president of SMU Debate, I have developed my public speaking and critical thinking skills, which work into my degree and daily life. The tight-knit community of SMU has allowed me to make connections with peers and professors. The variety of courses provided in both faculties has fostered my passion for learning and continues to build my knowledge base. Thank you, SMU and the Criminology and Philosophy departments, for providing such diverse content and opportunities."
On this episode of Majorly Speaking, uncover criminology at Saint Mary’s with Assistant Professor Marcus Sibley and third-year student Eden Ward. From expert profs to first-hand research opportunities, learn what makes this program unique.
Learn more about the criminology program.
Watch our criminology episode On this episode of Majorly Speaking, uncover criminology at Saint Mary’s with Assistant Professor Marcus Sibley and third-year student Eden Ward. From expert profs to first-hand research opportunities, learn what makes this program unique.
Learn more about the criminology program.
Watch our criminology episode