M.A. Criminology

The Master of Arts in Criminology will offer students an opportunity for advanced critical work in areas such as the social construction of crime, criminology and punishment; socio-legal studies; social justice and equality; governance and regulation. The Program will provide students with the analytical and research skills necessary for further graduate study, research, or teaching; policy research and practice; or employment in government/non-government agencies and the private sector.

The Department of Sociology and Criminology at Saint Mary’s University has established an excellent scholarly and professional reputation in the field of critical criminology involving the analysis of how unequal power relations shape the social and historical construction of regulation, crime/criminality and justice by the state, private groups and academic scholarship.

More specifically, our faculty members have expertise in:

Our faculty members currently hold or recently held grants related to juvenile justice law reform (Drs. Sandra Bell and Val Johnson), restorative justice (Dr. Diane Crocker), gambling (Dr. John McMullan and Dr. David Perrier), crime prevention for young children (Dr. Stephen Schneider), organized crime in Latin America (Dr. Alfredo Schulte-Bockholt), and youth resiliency (Dr. Madine VanderPlaat)..

These interests illustrate the diversity of our knowledge and our commitment to a sociologically informed critical criminology.  Our program is not directed at those looking for training in criminal justice, but for students whose intellectual interests are keenly tuned into the problems associated with criminalization strategies and social regulation.

Academic Regulations and Admissions Requirements

For Admissions, see the Academic Calendar and information from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Please note:  Meeting the formal requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.  We have many more applicants than we can accept each year.

For details on course requirements and other Academic Regulations see the Graduate Studies Calendar.

Funding

The Graduate Program, through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, offers generous funding packages to first and second year students. Please contact the Graduate Coordinator for more information.