Doctorate in Philosophy Criminology

The department of Criminology offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminology.

Criminology is devoted to the scientific analysis of crime, justice and social control. It focuses on four broad questions: the social construction of norms and the notion of crime; the criminalization of specific behaviours, individuals and groups in our society; the analysis of the goals and functioning of the criminal justice system; and the examination of contemporary forms of intervention.

Doctoral Program

The doctoral program aims to prepare criminologists who have a solid understanding of contemporary issues in criminology and criminal justice policies, have in-depth knowledge of the theories and debates that characterize the discipline and are equipped to design and conduct a methodologically sound original research program.

The programs are offered in English and French and are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program:

• Students must hold a master's degree (thesis or research paper) in criminology or a related discipline, with a minimum average of 75 % (B+).
• A prospective supervisor from the department's should be contacted by the candidate. The candidate should submit to the potential supervisor a description of his / her research project.
• Admission to the program depends on the acceptance of a supervisor ready to guide the candidate's research and to that end complete the following support form to be submitted to the secretary of the department.  

Funding

The University of Ottawa is proud to offer a scholarship program that recognizes the excellence of its students by providing an admission scholarship of a minimum value of $ 72,000 for a period of four (4) years (under certain conditions). This financial support has two components: A scholarship of $ 9,000 per year, paid by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in payments of $3,000 / term for the first 12 consecutive terms. A second component offered by the academic unit in the form of assistantships or internal scholarships of a minimum value of $ 9,000 per year for four years.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be able to understand speak and write either English or French proficiently. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable tests is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

In accordance with University of Ottawa policy, students have a right to produce their written work and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

Second Language Requirement

Students who are not bilingual at the time of admission may take a placement test upon admission and, depending on their score, they will have to take and pass second language course(s) (e.g. FLS 2513) to ensure they attain the required standard by the end of their second year of studies.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD Program

Students in a master’s program who have achieved an 80% (A-) average in their last two years of undergraduate studies may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

• Completion of 5 graduate courses (15 units) with a grade of A- or better in each.
• Satisfactory progress in the research program.
• Written recommendation from the supervisor and the thesis advisory committee.
• Approval by the graduate studies committee.

The request to transfer must be made during the fourth term of enrollment or earlier. The student must enroll in the PhD in the fifth or, at the latest, in the sixth term. Following transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.