Best Criminology Courses in Canada for International Students

By Nikita George

Study Abroad Content Expert

June 20, 2025 | 14 min read

Have you got an interest in investigations? Fascinated by crime scenes and the criminal justice system, like the way you see in investigative thrillers? It’s time to turn your passion into a meaningful career through these exceptional Criminology Courses in Canada.

Criminology Courses in Canada offer a wide range of programs designed to suit certain career goals. Read our latest blog to explore how Criminology courses bring changes in your life opening doors to varying roles in the law enforcement and criminal justice system.

Table Of Content

1What is a Criminology Course?2Criminology Courses in Canada for International Students 3Best Criminology Universities in Canada 4What are the Requirements to Study Criminology in Canada 5Criminology Courses in Canada Fees 6Criminology Jobs in Canada 7Conclusion 8Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Criminology Course?

A criminology course is the study of crimes, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. Through this academic program, you will explore the nature of crimes and criminals, the reasons behind criminal acts and how to prevent them. As a criminologist, you will need to analyze the minds of criminals and work to prevent crimes from happening.

Is Criminology a good course in Canada?

Yes, Criminology is a good course in Canada, especially if you are interested in the fields of law enforcement, social work and rehabilitation, criminal justice and public policy.

Why are Criminology Courses in Canada an excellent pick for you ?

Growing demand for the professionals in the legal system and law enforcement.
Increasing focus on mental health and human rights in the criminal justice system.
Canada has some of the best institutions offering excellent programs in Criminology.
Multiple career pathways after graduation.

Hope you are convinced about the demand of Criminology Courses in Canada and how it leads to a successful career in your life. Since Canada has the best education system with top-notch universities, you will find no compromise in the quality of Criminology Courses offered. Let’s check it out!

Criminology Courses in Canada for International Students

You might be wondering about the types of courses in the Criminology field and which are the ones that make the right path. Take a quick look at the various Criminology Courses in Canada:

1. Diploma in Criminology in Canada

Diploma programs in Criminology are a great choice for students especially when they aim for job-oriented courses. These are helpful to secure a job immediately after graduating. It takes 2 years to complete a diploma course in Canada and are usually offered in community colleges and career-focused institutions.

2. Associate Degree in Criminology

This is a 2 year undergraduate foundational program in Criminology. It best suits the students who are ready for an entry level roles like correctional officer and police staff officer. This even serves as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in criminology through transferring credits.

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology in Canada

Bachelor’s in Criminology is a 3-4 year undergraduate course that prepares students for the challenging roles in Criminology. There are internship and co-op opportunities in which students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Students learn from an interdisciplinary approach including sociology, psychology and research methods.

4. Masters in Criminology in Canada

This program typically takes 1-2 years to complete, designed to offer students specialized roles in Criminology with advanced knowledge in crimes, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. There are different courses coming under masters in criminology including – MA Criminology, MSc Criminology and MCrim.

5. Phd in Criminology in Canada

The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology prepares graduate students for advanced research and analytical skills to explore and address contemporary issues in criminology and criminal justice. It typically takes 3-6 years at most of the Canadian institutions, depending on full-time or part-time courses.

Course	Colleges Offering the Course	Duration
Diploma in Criminology	Douglas College Northern Lights College Kwantlen Polytechnic University Humber College College of New Caledonia	2 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology	University of Toronto Simon Fraser University University of Ottawa York University University of Montreal	3–4 years
Associate Degree in Criminology	Kwantlen Polytechnic University Douglas College Coast Mountain College Capilano University	2 years
Master’s Degree in Criminology	Simon Fraser University University of Toronto University of Ottawa Toronto Metropolitan University Wilfrid Laurier University Cambrian College	1–2 years
PhD in Criminology	University of Toronto Ontario Tech University Simon Fraser University University of British Columbia University of Ottawa	3–6 years

Best Criminology Universities in Canada

Theoretical knowledge combined with practical experience – that’s the foundation of many top-ranked universities offering Criminology Courses in Canada ensuring 100% job security. Top institutions include Simon Fraser University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario Tech University, University of Manitoba, University of Alberta, University of Montreal, and Douglas College. These highly-regarded universities and colleges offer a comprehensive curriculum in Criminology studies exploring crimes and criminal justice.

Take a look at some of the universities in detail:

1. Simon Fraser University

This is a renowned institute for Criminology, located in British Columbia. They provide both undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on applied learning, including co-op placements and fieldwork.

2. Wilfrid Laurier University

With their strong partnerships with Law Enforcement Agencies, Wilfrid Laurier University offers international students practical insights into Criminology. Bachelor of Arts in Criminology is the widely recognized program in this university.

3. University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba is considered when it comes to affordable education with strong research and undergraduate opportunities. Located in Winnipeg, this university supports experiential learning through seminars, workshops, and field visits.

4. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is Canada’s top-ranked university, known for its academic excellence and research-oriented environment.They offer students a strong criminology program with a wide range of specialization options.

5. University of Montreal

This university has strong collaborations with legal institutions which will benefit the students with practical exposure along with academic learning. University of Montreal emphasizes research in the field of Criminology.

6. Douglas College

If you are seeking diploma courses in Criminology, then Douglas College must be your choice as it is well-suited for students seeking a more applied approach to criminology. They offer programs that equip students with the foundational knowledge in criminal justice.

7. University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa offers programs in Criminology and Criminal Justice both in English and French. This bilingual approach along with interdisciplinary methods help them develop a nuanced understanding of criminological concepts.

What are the Requirements to Study Criminology in Canada

Academic and English language proficiency are the primary requirements universities ask for. These are different for different universities. You are supposed to check the university’s website to know eligibility criteria before applying.

Let’s look at the general requirements for Criminology courses in Canada:

Academic Requirements:

For Bachelor’s

High school( 10+2 ) certificate with an excellent score ( 12th grade or equivalent )
Preferred subjects include English, Psychology and Social Studies
Percentage required depends upon the institute you choose. A minimum of 65% – 70% is considered.

For Master’s

Bachelor’s in Criminology, Sociology or any related field
GPA required is a minimum of 3.0 – 3.5
If the course is a thesis-based program, you will have to submit a research proposal
Some universities may ask for work experience and interview.

For Diploma

High school (10+2) certificate from a recognized board (CBSE/State Board)
A minimum of 50% – 60% is required
Preferred from Arts or Commerce stream including English, Social Science, Psychology or Law

English Language Requirements

You are required to take English language tests:
IELTS – 6.5 overall
TOEFL – 80 – 100 iBT
PTE – 58 and higher

Documents Required

Academic transcripts
Passport copy
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation
Resume/CV (for postgrad)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
Application fee payment receipt

Criminology Courses in Canada Fees

It’s important to consider overall cost when planning Criminology Courses in Canada. Course fees or tuition fees can vary based on universities and provinces. British Columbia and Ontario may have higher fees compared to other provinces like Manitoba and Newheadland. There are additional costs including mandatory student service fees, health insurance, lab or material fees.

The average tuition fee in Canada varies depending on the level of study. For Bachelor’s programs, students can expect to pay between CAD 30,000 and CAD 60,000 per year. Master’s programs typically range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 annually. Diploma courses are generally more affordable, with average tuition fees ranging from CAD 16,500 to CAD 18,000 per year.

International students can apply for the scholarships to study in Canada, helping them to reduce the financial burden associated with Canada study abroad.
And there are part-time opportunities in Canada where they can work for 20 hours per week during their academic course period..

Criminology Jobs in Canada

A wide range of job opportunities are waiting for the graduates in Criminology in Canada. With competitive salaries and strong demand in both public and private sectors, these roles offer a successful way to contribute to the justice system.

Graduates of Criminology can pursue roles such as Criminologists who can typically earn between CAD 60,000 and CAD 90,000 annually, while Forensic Analysts have an average salary range of CAD 55,000 to CAD 85,000. Parole officers can expect to make between CAD 60,000 and CAD 80,000. Police officers earn slightly more, with salaries ranging from CAD 65,000 to CAD 100,000.

Correctional Officers, Victim Support Workers, Private Investigators, and Legal Assistants have an earning range between CAD 45,000 to CAD 80,000. Criminal Justice Policy Analyst has the highest paying role of a salary between CAD 70,000 to CAD 100,000.7.

Conclusion

Now, you have got a clear idea of where to start. The Criminology courses in Canada are for those who have a deep passion for solving mysteries in criminal contexts. It’s your time to showcase your investigative skills and build a rewarding career in Criminology. You can explore more about related programs and institutions on the official EduCanada portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Criminology in demand in Canada?

Yes, Criminology in Canada is in demand with various career opportunities available in government, private sector, and related community agencies. It’s a growing field with strong demand in Canada with attractive salaries.

What courses should i take to become a criminologist?

In order to become a criminologist, you have to pursue a bachelor’s in Criminology as it provides a strong foundation in the fields of law, crimes and justice. A master’s and doctorate degrees are also considered for specialized roles like criminal profiling, forensic investigation, or penology.

How long does it take to become a criminologist?

It takes a significant time. If it’s bachelor’s, it typically takes 3-4 years to complete. A master’s in Criminology is usually 1-2 years and doctorate degrees are 4-6 years of commitment in research studies.

What university has the best criminology program in canada?

Several universities in Canada are highly ranked for their Criminology programs. Some of them are University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, Montreal University, University of Windsor, University of Manitoba and Wilfrid Laurier University.

What can i do with a criminology degree in canada?

With a Criminology degree in Canada, you can pursue a wide range of careers in law enforcement, public safety, social services, research, and legal fields. They are Correctional Officer, Police Officer, Private Investigator, Probation Officer, Crime Analyst, Youth Worker and Court Reporter.

How to become a criminologist in Canada?

To become a Criminologist in Canada, you can pursue or begin by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. For further studies and specialized roles, a master’s and doctorate degrees are often required.

What is the best criminology program in Canada?

There is not a single best Criminology program in Canada. A bachelor’s and master’s in Criminology are more often preferred for a strong foundational knowledge and experience and potential job opportunities. Some of the top institutions offering the best Criminology programs include Simon Fraser University, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Who is eligible for criminology courses?

Eligibility depends upon the level of studies. Anyone who has completed higher secondary with good academic score preferably in subjects of Arts and Humanities can enroll for bachelor’s and diploma courses. For master’s you have to complete a bachelor’s degree in Criminology or related field.

How much does it cost to study Criminology in Canada?

The cost to study Criminology in Canada varies depending upon the university and province you choose. Generally it costs an average between $15,000 and $60,000 CAD per year.

What are the types of criminology courses in canada?

Criminology courses are designed in different formats to suit different career goals. Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor’s and Master’s, Doctorate Degree are the types of Criminology courses in Canada.

Best Criminology Courses in Canada for International Students (2025)