Degree Maps : Faculty Humanities and Social Sciences : Memorial University

2025- 2026

CRIMINOLOGY

Upcoming Courses | Calendar | Department | Advice

The Major in Criminology is administered by the Department of Sociology.

The Major in Criminology aims to promote the academic study of different facets of criminal justice organizations and practices, including the legal, political and social contexts in which they operate. This program would be beneficial for students with a scholarly interest in deviant/criminal behaviour, social justice and legal issues, policing, corrections, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and criminal justice themes more broadly, including those who have completed the Diploma in Police Studies; experienced police officers; and others working in a policing, correctional, or criminal justice environment. The Major in Criminology does not constitute a qualification in policing or corrections.

See the "My Degree Tracker" link above, for a suggested pattern of course sequencing for this major.

	Year One	Year Two	Year Three	Year Four and Beyond
STUDIES	To earn a Bachelor of Arts you must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours including the following degree components: core requirements, major or honours program, minor or second major, and electives. Work towards the completion of the BA's core requirements. Record your progress in the degree tracker. Use the HSS upcoming courses web page to plan you fall & winter courses. Ideally you should declare your major program by the end of the winter semester. Before you do, meet with an HSS academic advisor to review your intended degree requirements. Students who are not declared in an HSS major program (by the last day of exams for the winter semester) will not be eligible for the HSS Dean's List or HSS scholarships.	Finalize the BA core requirements (CRW, LS, and QR). Declare your second required program (minor or second major). Consult Undergraduate Program Directors and the Calendar, including the general undergraduate academic regulations and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences regulations. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. Why not consider: applying for admission to an honours program or Co-op (if available). supplementing your degree with a certificate or diploma. Request an official degree audit when you complete 60 credit hours of course work.	Cross-check your degree advice with the University Calendar regulations, contact your department for information about honours program regulations/requirements. Check your Departmental web page for ongoing research. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. If interested in pursuing a Masters program, discuss this with your department. Request an official degree audit when you complete 90 credit hours of course work.	Ensure all BA core requirements have been fulfilled. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. When completing your final courses you must apply to graduate as per the steps to graduate web page. Make sure you apply before the deadlines posted on this web page. If you plan to attend convocation, keep an eye on the Convocation FAQ web page for information on registering for convocation (requesting tickets, booking academic dress, etc.).
STUDY TIPS	Begin your degree workplan with the Academic Advising Centre Be an active student; carefully examine your course syllabus, attend class, participate, ask questions, and visit instructors during office hours Improve your writing skills, avoid plagiarism, and maintain academic integrity with the help of the Writing Centre in SN 2053 Study tips, individual, and group counselling are available at the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre Seek support for disabilities, illness, mental health, and injuries through Accessibility Services The Academic Success Centre is a resources hub created to help students succeed Explore the study tips for years two through four - any tip is always helpful	Update your degree workplan with your academic advisor Consider complementing your degree with a certificate or diploma program Explore scholarships and funding Understand rules through the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities Do you have more than 60 credit hours? Get an official degree audit Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity	Request a final official degree audit after winter semester to ensure you are on track for graduation Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Seek advice from instructors about graduate or professional schools Consider grants for graduate or professional studies in the fall Be mindful of application deadlines for professional and graduate schools everywhere and apply early Approach your instructors for academic references for future academic and professional endeavors	In September - if you have not had an audit within the last 3 semesters, request one now. The audit will ensure you are on track for graduation Finalize applications and academic references for professional or graduate school Graduation process: Apply to graduate before the deadlines posted in the graduation menu of your Self-service account
CAREER	Pondering your future career interest? Student Life offers career advice. Consultations with an experienced career advisor as well as professional development events are available. Explore career interests with Career Cruising Learn how to build a professional resume/CV Gain experience by getting involved on campus and in the community.	Learn about the career versatility of the BA through BA Professional: A Career Conversation Series. Watch episodes on demand to hear from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences alumni on how to build a successful career. Explore on-campus and summer jobs through MUCEP, ISWEP, and SWASP for exposure to research and administration Attend fall Career and Graduate School Fair and Summer Job Fair Meet up for career conversations, gain a better understanding of what careers are available with your degree and develop your networking and communications skills, in-person or online through the Meet Employers sessions.	Explore career interests related to your major(s). Seek opportunities to network in your community. Attend employer networking events such as Coffee and Connect Contact Student Life for Career planning advice. Ask about the Externship program. Get practice by booking a mock interview through Student Life. Check out the CBS News Summer Scholarship.	Prepare for life after graduation. Attend the Career and Graduate School Fair in the fall semester Have your resume/CV critiqued by a Career Advisor. Check out the Graduate Transition to Employment Program (GTEP) Utilize the various Career Resources available through Student Life. Student Life is also available to alumni. Review the Graduating Student Handbook.
INVOLVEMENT	Register and attend the HSS welcome event Join the Criminology student society Attend departmental and society events Explore on- and off-campus volunteer opportunities through the Student Volunteer Bureau Attend the Get Involved and Volunteer Expo (GIVE) in the Fall Record your involvement in Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE), an experiential tracking tool that provides students with the ability to record and capture their various co-curricular experiences	Attend departmental and HSS events Register for the VIP (Volunteer Incentive Program) Explore MUNSU services and resource centres Join clubs and societies Explore leadership programs through Student Life Join the HSS online communities on X, Facebook, and Instagram	Continue with previous involvement opportunities Seek opportunities to attend academic conferences through the department or the Canadian Criminal Justice Association Create your own club or society through MUNSU ratification Consider running in MUNSU general elections	Think globally about your academic involvement Complete your Volunteer Incentive Program through the Student Volunteer Bureau Finalize your Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE)
GO ABROAD	Consider Learning Abroad and develop a plan with the HSS go abroad coordinator Explore a variety of opportunities Attend Go Abroad Learning Series and other events in the fall or winter to explore study opportunities Explore international exchange programs Discuss funding options for academic travels with the HSS go abroad coordinator	Review your plan with the HSS go abroad coordinator Meet with a HSS academic advisor & a department advisor to ensure you are academically on track to study abroad Be aware of the application deadlines and apply early	Prepare for departure with the HSS go abroad coordinator Complete the online pre-departure modules (MOBI 1000) Attend a pre-departure session Make the most of your travel experience; become a Memorial student leader	Unpack your go abroad experience Attend go abroad debrief and participate in a reflection Add international experience to your resume/CV Seek additional opportunities to work, volunteer and/or study abroad
WELL BEING	Well-being is integral to long-term student success. At Memorial we offer resources designed to maintain your health and equilibrium, and promote academic success. If you're in distress or crisis reach out for help • Become aware of supports available through the MUN Safe app - it is your direct line to a safer Memorial University. If you need a doctor, go to Student Wellness and Counselling Centre • Health and Dental insurance is offered through MUNSU • Foster well-being through online and in-person supports • Open the conversation about sexual harassment • Be a money smart student - know your finances, if you are in need, emergency loans and the campus food bank are available • The Works offers scheduled fitness programs and workout facilities • Living on-campus? Check out residence life • Living off-campus? Check out Off-Campus housing • Be safe with safedrive • Visit Wellness and Chaplaincy during exams • Still have questions? Checkout the wellness videos or talk to a counsellor.

A graduate of Memorial’s sociology department, Nathan Mullins has conducted extensive research on the usage of Co-response Teams in the policing of mental health-related issues.

Nathan recently completed his Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Criminology and a Master of Arts in Sociology at Memorial, working to secure a career in the law enforcement field. He is currently employed with Memorial University’s Campus Enforcement and Patrol while awaiting results of his application to the Canadian Border Services Agency, and is excited for what the future holds for him.

What would your undergraduate self think of your current job?

I believe that my undergraduate self would be happy with my current career trajectory and with the level of education I was able to achieve at Memorial. I am also very close to securing a position with a federal enforcement agency tasked with protecting Canada and its residents, which is a job that my current and undergraduate self would be proud of.

What was your biggest challenge when arriving at university and how did you address this?

My biggest challenge was managing my school life and personal life. I participate in several volunteer, extracurricular, and employment activities, which often made establishing a balance between school and the rest of my life difficult. I set up a schedule to keep track of all my upcoming responsibilities and found the best approach for me was to start working on each upcoming task as soon as possible, but I still found myself spending many nights working past midnight!

What resources did you use while at Memorial?

I consistently met with academic advisors to discuss the requirements of my Criminology Certificate, Bachelor of Arts degree, Honours designation, and Master of Arts degree, the availability of courses during specific semesters, and how long it would take to obtain these credentials. I also found several of Memorial’s professors to be very helpful, as they were always eager to answer any questions I had.

Did you ever meet with advisors, faculty, or staff while a student?

I consistently met with academic advisors and several of my professors throughout my time at Memorial. The professors helped me navigate the university world by offering advice on course work, educational opportunities, and career paths. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors with questions or to visit them during their office hours to discuss course work, because they can be very helpful.

How did your extracurricular activities (on and off campus) influence your success?

I volunteer at the Killick Coast Karate Club as an instructor. This role allows me to interact with students of various ages and provides me with a sense of responsibility to support these individuals and to provide them with a training environment that is informative, respectful, and safe. All in all, this position has helped me understand just how much I care about protecting others and has given me a way to contribute to the establishment of a better, more supportive, and respectful world.

Was there an experience you had during your university years that influenced or put you on a path to your current career?

When I went to Memorial, an Honours designation was not something that I had considered, and the possibility of obtaining a Master’s degree did not seem like a realistic goal. During the last year of my Bachelor’s degree, one of my professors (Dr. Daniel Kudla) talked about the Honours and Master’s programs at Memorial, peaking my interest. This is when I started to consider pursuing these academic goals, as they could help secure a career in law enforcement. This may not be considered your typical career influencing experience, but it is the defining moment that changed my academic career and experience at Memorial.

What advice do you have for undergraduate students?

University will send you on a journey of self-discovery, so trust yourself and don’t be afraid to explore new ideas and experiences. Stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new can help you achieve so much more than you ever imagined! Also, it never hurts to develop good rapport with your professors by doing your best and engaging in class by asking questions!

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Make the most of your journey. Make it fun and exciting.

by Bernie Williams, four time MLB World Series champion