Master of Arts Criminology Specialization in 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 masters program in Criminology Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies consists of three distinct options:

Option with thesis (120 pages) of 30 units. In addition to the 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 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. No direct entry in this option).

Option with Major Research Paper (50 pages) of 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).

Option with courses of 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).

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 Collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level is designed for students from selected disciplines in arts, education, health sciences, law, social sciences, and counselling and spirituality (Saint Paul University), who have an interest in Feminist and Gender Studies. These students have the opportunity to combine advanced studies in their primary program with analyses from Feminist and Gender Studies perspective. The degree awarded is a master's degree in the primary program with a .

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 a 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 a 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 and the option with courses, only courses profile, are open to part-time students.

The Qualifying Program

If the student has an Honours degree in a related field (e.g., sociology, psychology, law, social work, political science, history, philosophy) but is considered to have insufficient training in the theoretical and methodological traditions of the criminological discipline, the student may be offered a qualifying year involving up to 24 units in order to render the student eligible to pursue studies in the Master's program. To successfully complete the qualifying year, the student must pass all courses (passing grade is C+) and have an average of B+. It is necessary to submit a new application, during the qualifying year, for admission to the Master's program to be considered. The student will receive an offer of admission to the Master's program which will be conditional on the successful completion of the qualifying year.

Collaborative Program in Feminist and Gender Studies

To be accepted in the Collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level, applicants must first be accepted in the Criminology program (primary program). Successful applicants in Criminology must also have a background in Feminist and Gender Studies, that is, a minimum of two undergraduate level courses or one graduate level course on women, gender, feminism or sexualities to be accepted in the collaborative program. Students who do not have an adequate background may be eligible to the Feminist and Gender Studies Special Policy for Admissions.

Students must apply for acceptance in the Feminist and Gender Studies collaborative program at the same time as they apply for admission to the master's program in criminology. Only one application for admission is required for the collaborative Master’s program. In exceptional cases, students could commence their specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies in their second term of their primary program.

The letter of intention submitted with the application should include a clear account of the “Feminist and Gender Studies” dimension in the proposed topic of research for the thesis and Major Research Paper option.

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 the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

• 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.