Master of Arts Criminology and Specialization Feminist and Gender Studies

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.

Master's Program

The master’s program in Criminology Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies consists of three distinct options:

• Option with thesis (30 units). In addition to the two mandatory courses in criminology and two others in gender and feminist studies, the acquisition of thematic theoretical and methodological competencies is achieved by means of a thesis (120 pages) and two elective courses in CRM (one can be replaced by a graduate FEM course). (These two elective courses can be replaced by a field placement and a field placement seminar if places are available - 33 units for this option). No direct entry in this option.
• Option with Major Research Paper (24 units). In addition to one mandatory course in criminology and two others in Gender and Feminist Studies, the acquisition of thematic theoretical and methodological competencies is achieved by means of a major research project and three elective courses in criminology (one can be replaced by a graduate FEM course). These three elective courses can also be replaced by a field placement and a field placement seminar if places are available. No direct entry in this option.
• Option with courses (24 units). In the profile with courses only, over the compulsory course in criminology and two compulsory courses in Gender and Feminist studies, the acquisition of thematic theoretical and methodological competencies is achieved by means of 5 elective courses in criminology (one course can be replaced by a graduate course in FEM). In the courses and field placement option, 3 elective courses are replaced by a field placement and a seminar attached to it.

These three options are intended to equip students with knowledge of the major theoretical and methodological frameworks in criminology so that they will be able to critically analyze them and apply this knowledge to describe and explain conceptual and empirical problems of crime, justice and social control, both within the framework of optional courses or of an internship seminar with an on-site internship. In addition, in combination with the Feminist and Gender Studies program, it aims to acquire issues developed in feminist and gender studies.

The programs are offered in English and French and are governed by the academic 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 MA program:

• Students must hold an Honour’s Bachelor's degree with a major in Criminology or equivalent with a minimum average of 75% (B+).
• Their previous studies must have included CRM 3334 and CRM 3335 or equivalent. If not, they will have to take them as additional courses during their first term in the MA program.
• Students who don’t hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s degree with a major in Criminology or equivalent can demonstrate relevant work experience of 2 years or more. Document of approximately 300 words detailing the relevance of this professional experience for this program. Document must be added to program application requirements.
• Only the option with Major Research Paper (without field placement) and the option with courses, only courses profile, are open to part-time students.

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.