Bachelor of Arts, Majors and Minors

Criminology

• A Major is 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 centred 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 who successfully complete the first two years of the program with a min. “C” average and a min. “C-” grade for each required course, may apply to receive a Diploma. Students interested in pursuing a B.A. will be required to submit an application to enter the third year of the degree program, and admission is competitive based on GPA in the Diploma.

Admission Requirements

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

• Applicants will be prioritized by overall Grade Point Average. A waitlist 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.

Graduation Requirements

Students who successfully complete the final two years of the degree program with a minimum grade of "C-" for each required course, credit for CRIM 475, and a minimum "C" average overall, may apply to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology.

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.

Updated October 30, 2009