Undergraduate Program
A degree in Criminology provides students with an opportunity for focused study of various forms of regulation, policing, punishment, justice, law, corrections and justice The development of a coherent program at the undergraduate level enables students to obtain a solid foundation in Criminology for further study at the graduate level; for the pursuit of Criminology-related disciplines; and for careers in the related professions. The Department of Criminology offers minor, major, honours, and master’s programs.
Q: What courses will I need to complete my criminology major?
A: Consult the Academic Calendar
If you have questions about your criminology major, visit a criminology advisor. Advising hours may be found at: https://smu.ca/academics/departments/crim-academic-advising.html
Q: I haven’t yet declared my major. How do I enter the criminology major program?
A: To declare a major in criminology in 2019-20, you must have passed CRIM 1303 or CRIM 2303 (Introduction to Criminology), and obtained at least a B- in CRIM 2304 or CRIM 3304 (Canadian Criminal Justice System) and CRIM 2110 (Exploring Criminology).
Q: I’m interested in doing a minor in criminology. What are the entry requirements?
A: The requirements to enter the minor program in criminology are the same as the major program: Passing CRIM 1303 or CRIM 2303 (Introduction to Criminology), and obtained at least a B- in CRIM 2304 or CRIM 3304 (Canadian Criminal Justice System) and CRIM 2110 (Exploring Criminology). Completing a minor in criminology will also require that you complete an additional 15 credit hours in criminology at the 3000-level or above.
Q: I’m taking a course in another Department that seems to overlap with criminology. Can it be counted towards my criminology major?
A: Possibly. Consult the Criminology-related courses taken outside of the Department of Criminology list or ask the Chair of the Department of Criminology (criminology@smu.ca)
Q: Why do I keep getting a prerequisite error when I try to register for 3000-level criminology courses?
A: Before you can enroll in 3000-level criminology courses, you will first need to declare a major or minor in criminology.
Q: Why do I keep getting a prerequisite error when I try to register for 4000-level criminology courses?
A: In addition to declaring a major or minor in criminology, most 4000-level criminology courses require that you complete the core 3000-level theory and methods courses.
Q: A criminology class that I want to take is full. Is there a way for me to get into it?
A: Overrides will not be granted into criminology courses that are full. The only way to enroll in the course is to monitor Banner to see if a space becomes available. In exceptional circumstances in which a student’s graduation will be delayed, the Chair of the Department of Criminology will consider override requests.