Hons in Criminology

This undergraduate program leads to an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology from the University of Ottawa, offered in English and French with a French Immersion Stream available. The curriculum focuses on the scientific analysis of crime, of the criminalization process, and of social control, examining crime and criminal behaviour, how social norms are constructed, the criminal justice system, and approaches to intervention, including study of Indigenous justice and contemporary critical theories. After completing foundational writing skills courses and compulsory criminology courses spanning introductory through advanced levels, students choose one of three paths in their third year: a course focus built around upper-level criminology electives, a research focus involving advanced research and theory courses, or a field placement focus offering practical experience with criminal justice organizations, with the research and field placement paths each requiring a stated minimum grade average. The program is designed for students interested in understanding crime, criminal justice systems, and intervention strategies from a social-science perspective, and suits those who want to combine theoretical study with the option of either an advanced research or an applied placement experience in their final years.