Criminology and Social Justice (PhD program) at University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Typically, applicants are expected to have completed the university's Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based MA program from a recognized institution.
• Minimum overall academic standing of an A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale) during their graduate studies.

Applicants with advanced degrees in other relevant fields, such as Sociology, Social Psychology or Legal Studies, are also welcome to apply. Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, all applicants should realize that without a strong background in social science, specifically social theories and methodologies, they may find themselves at a significant, temporary disadvantage.

Required supporting documents:

To apply, applicants should prepare a portfolio consisting of all of the following:

• A completed application form.
• One official or institution-certified copy of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s degree parchment(s).
• Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s first language is not English (see language requirement section below).
• A two- to three-page statement of academic intent.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant's MA thesis is optimal. However, a sample from any published work (with the applicant as first author), or any other MA assignment would suffice if a thesis was not completed or pursued.

An applicant’s statement of academic intent should describe previous research experience, including the MA thesis project and any other relevant research projects. A short description of general career aspirations, and any relevant industrial or community experience would also be highly appropriate. If an applicant has already contacted a potential dissertation supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement.

Applicants must also submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents.

Note:

• Admission is competitive and occurs once per year. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including grades, distribution of courses taken, statements of academic intent, reference letters, research interests, and supervisor and funding availability.
• Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Required test scores for English language proficiency

See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.

English test

You have achieved the required proficiency on one of the tests in the English language acceptable to the university as listed below. We encourage applicants to register for an English language proficiency test prior to the application deadline. Test results dated more than 24 months prior to the date of the application for admission will not be considered.

A hard copy of the test score is not required. Applicants may upload a copy of the official test score, using the upload links we provide to you, after your application is submitted. Ontario Tech may verify the results of the English language test.

It is important to note that English language proficiency requirements may be higher for employment, including teaching assistant duties.

Please note: If you take an approved English language proficiency test, its score shall prevail as the determining evidence of your English language proficiency.