Criminal Justice & Public Policy MA

Investigate today's criminal justice and governance challenges

Join a master's program that stands out for its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to criminology. Faculty from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Department of Political Science who are experts in their fields unite to deliver a robust program with a strong emphasis on criminal justice and governance.

Through a course-based program or by tackling a thesis or major research paper, develop critical analysis and research skills which will prepare you for further studies in criminology, sociology or political science or for the career of your choosing.

Two Ways to Complete the Program

Course-Based

In the course-based stream, you'll complete these courses over 3 semesters:

Governing Criminal Justice
Professional Seminar in CJPP
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Society, Crime and Control
Current Issues in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice and Public Policy in Practice
2 elective courses

Thesis

In the thesis stream, you'll complete these components over 5-6 semesters:

Governing Criminal Justice
Professional Seminar in CJPP
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Society, Crime and Control
Thesis

Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements

Honours bachelor's degree in a social science or humanities program with a minimum B+ average and at least five (5) criminology and/or public policy undergraduate courses.
Applicants with an undergraduate major in sociology, criminology or political science are preferred.
If English is not an applicant's first language, they will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test.

Financial Support

The University of Guelph offers many resources to financially support graduate students. Explore your options on the Graduate Studies website.

Help fund your graduate studies by taking advantage of Entrance Awards.

Cost of Tuition & Living

Funding Graduate Studies

Career Paths

The CJPP program provides students with the foundation necessary to enter into employment or advance their career in the criminal justice system.

Career paths include policy or administrative roles in government and non-governmental organizations, and front-line service provider roles such as police officers, probation officers and corrections officers.

The program also equips students with skills in critical thinking, communication and methodology. These skills are useful for employment or educational opportunities beyond the criminal justice field.

Our CJPP Community

Join passionate faculty and students who are tackling important societal issues through in-depth research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn from renowned experts who are committed to you and your future.

Meet the Faculty

Meet our Students