Criminal Justice — Bachelor of Arts

FEATURES:

• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
• Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
• Program eligible for financial aid

Learn about the criminal justice system and delve into the complex issues surrounding it such as the causes, prevention, and law enforcement responses to criminal behaviour.

In your first and second year, you examine the historical evolution of criminological thought and learn to view criminology as both a science and profession. You learn to identify the psychological and sociological factors that drives an individual to crime and how the criminal justice system is applied.

In your third and fourth year, you develop your analytical and critical thinking skills by designing your own research project. This is an opportunity to use various qualitative and quantitative research methods to prepare for graduate studies and advanced career opportunities within the criminal justice field.

After you graduate from UFV’s Criminal Justice Bachelor program, you have gained the vocabulary and critical discernment to apply criminological and criminal justice principles to effect individual, community, and organizational challenges.

• View the Criminology program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar
• View criminology course descriptions in the UFV Academic Calendar

Minor and extended minor

Please note that the extended minor will be discontinued as of Fall 2025.

Are you considering a career in teaching, counselling, community work, or youth and aboriginal support? Completing a minor in Criminal Justice as part of your Bachelor of Arts degree can provide you with a solid context for issues related to crime and the criminal justice system in Canada.

In your first and second year, you learn about criminal law and are introduced to the criminal justice system. You examine why a person is driven towards deviant behaviour.

In your third and fourth year, you can tailor the program to your interests with a range of upper-level electives with exciting topics such as: terrorism, sex work, organized crime, forensics, and more.

• View the minor and extended minor program outlines in the UFV Academic Calendar

Criminal Justice honours

The Criminal Justice honours program is designed for students who have performed at a high level throughout their studies and want to enhance their degree for employment or graduate studies. It requires that you develop a working relationship with a professor who will supervise your thesis and oversee your honours project. They will also assist you with any questions that you may have in completing your project.

• See the entrance requirements and information on how to apply for the Criminal Justice honours program

Additional opportunities

Complete a practicum to gain real-life experience and find out firsthand what it is like to work in the criminal justice field. The practicum provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to apply concepts, skills, and theories that you’ve learned in the classroom to the field.

Join the Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA). CJSA works to connect students with professionals in the criminal justice field, while also providing volunteer and hands-on opportunities.

Jobs in the criminal justice field broadly fall into the following categories: law enforcement, national security, crime investigation, corrections, law, restorative justice, community services, and private security.

You may find work with police forces, courts, government agencies (municipal, provincial and federal), crown corporations, airports, community services, border services, or private firms that monitor for compliance, conduct investigations, or provide security services.

You may also pursue graduate studies to advance your career in law, teaching, research, or public administration.

View entrance requirements for the Criminal Justice program in the UFV Academic Calendar.

This program is open to international students

• How to apply

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Make an appointment with an Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice), learners will:

1. Understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and public policy responses in criminology, law, and/or criminal justice
2. Understand the history, current trends, and reforms in criminology, law, and/or criminal justice
3. Assess and analyze competing theoretical perspectives
4. Use critical and creative thinking to identify, define, and solve problems, their causes, and examine and evaluate solutions
5. Assess the credibility of and apply academic and scholarly information from diverse sources
6. Competently use software and analytical tools common to criminology, law, and/or criminal justice
7. Apply criminological and criminal justice knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based strategies to address challenges
8. Understand and apply diverse knowledge and research methods in social sciences to conduct and evaluate research, and communicate findings
9. Communicate proficiently
10. Possess the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in and out of the criminal justice system, such as planning and self-management, and social and emotional skills
11. Collaborate with others on a project that integrates the contributions of all members
12. Practice principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion when working with others
13. Be aware of and respect different intellectual philosophies, and diverse identities, cultures, and approaches to justice with a focus on Indigenous Peoples and decolonization
14. Possess the knowledge and skills to act ethically and equitably
15. Apply criminological, legal, and/or criminal justice knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based, ethical, and effective strategies to address criminal justice system challenges locally and/or internationally