Master's courses in criminology are designed with the expectation that students have a sound understanding of social science methodologies, are capable of writing research and analytical papers, and are conversant with criminological theories.
Candidates for admission to the MA Program must have a four-year university bachelor’s degree normally in the social sciences or humanities.
- A four year bachelor degree is regarded as normally consisting of 20 full courses.
- Applicants with arts and science degrees must have at least a B+ standing.
- Applicants who have already completed a J.D. degree or its equivalent in law schools must have at least a B standing.
Each year a large number of applicants apply for the relatively small number of places available in the MA program.
Although a B+ average is the minimum requirement for admission to MA programs at the University of Toronto, successful applicants often have an A- average (80%) or higher over the most recent two or three years of study.
Even people with an A- or an A average, however, are not guaranteed admission, since admission decisions are based on a holistic reading of applicant files by a committee of graduate faculty. This includes grades, reference letters, statements of intent, and courses taken.
For further information on applying to the program, please see How to Apply.
Program Length
Students are permitted to complete the MA program on a part-time or full-time basis. In all cases students are required to complete the program within the time limits set for the MA degree under the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
Full- and part-time MA students’ begin in September. There is no January admission for MA students.
If you would like to apply to the program, please download a copy of the Criminology 
Graduate Handbook 2023-24, and the application package.
If you have questions regarding the application process, you can contact the Graduate Administrator.