Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Degree Program Guide

"Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting towards the breaking of laws….The objective of criminology is the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding this process of law, crime and treatment or prevention".
-Sutherland, 1934

The Bachelor of Arts Criminology program is well suited for students interested in a career in any aspect of the criminal justice system including law, policing, corrections, community, and related areas. The program offers students a specialized degree in criminology along with a well-rounded liberal arts education that includes Sociology as the subject of concentration, complimented by a set of interdisciplinary courses in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Educational Psychology, History, Human Ecology, Native Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, and Psychology.

Academic Requirements for Criminology students

  • In the BA Criminology program there are two streams: Course Based and Field Placement.
    • Once admitted into the program, you may choose to stay in the Course Based Stream or apply to the competitive Field Placement Stream. If you are interested in the Field Placement Stream, there would be a department application process once you are in the Criminology program. 
    • NOTE: You must first apply to the Criminology program. Once accepted, you would then apply to the competitive Field Placement Stream. For more information on how to apply to this stream, please click here. 
  • For a list of Course Based Stream requirements please visit the department website.

For a list of Field Placement Stream requirements please visit the department website.

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Criminology degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Criminology degree. From public policy to community services, graduates are equipped with empathy and cultural awareness, critical thinking, and research skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Detective/Investigator
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Correctional Services Worker
  • Probations Officer
  • Security Consultant
  • Corporate Investigator
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Border Services Officer
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Digital Forensics Examiner
  • Public Information Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Community Engagement Professional
  • Youth Counselor
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Social Worker
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

Important Links

Department Contact Information