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Criminology
Develop a critical and focused mind through the interdisciplinary study of crime as both an individual and social phenomenon. Study research on the origins and forms of crime, its consequences, and social and governmental reactions to crime. Take an integrative approach to questions of individual and societal behaviour and acquire an in-depth understanding of the complexities of criminal, delinquent, and deviant behaviour.
Criminology covers range of complex issues including psychological and sociological causes of deviance, terrorism, forensics, environmental crime, and restorative justice. In addition to the criminology major and minor, the Department of Criminology also offers a variety of certificate programs.
An interdisciplinary field, criminology courses are integrated with a multitude of fields including psychology, political science, economics, computing science, and mathematics.
Criminology courses are offered at all three SFU campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. Students of criminology may also participate in international field schools and exchange programs, as well as gain work experience in co-op placements.
Program Options
Learn more about the different degrees and programs available to you at Criminology.
Undergraduate options
Major
Honours
Joint Major
- Anthropology and Criminology Bachelor of Arts
- Criminology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Bachelor of Arts
- Criminology and Psychology Bachelor of Arts
- Sociology and Criminology Bachelor of Arts
Minor
Extended Minor
Co-operative Education Program
Certificate and Diploma
Graduate options
Career Pathways
The interdisciplinary nature of criminology programs enable students to pursue their interests in areas such as crime prevention, corrections, law enforcement, law and law reform, and research policy and analysis. Criminology alumni have gone on to pursue careers in the following areas.
- Law enforcement, policing, corrections
- Community or regional planning
- Victim, witness, youth and family
- Advocacy
- Consulting firms
- Criminal, forensic and private investigations
- Public administration, risk management
- International development agencies
- Education and academia
- Government policy analyst or researcher
- Foreign service worker
- Immigration officer
“My experience in SFU Criminology as a first-generation student shaped me into who I am today. It was not until my first criminology course that I found my calling. If you are passionate about research and would like to embark on rigorous, independent research, then the School of Criminology is for you. The School has an array of amazing scholars that are eager to support your academic career and provide numerous research opportunities.”
Ashley Kyne
2021, BA (Hons) Criminology & Indigenous Studies | Current MA Criminology student
Learn More
Dr. Brenda Morrison describes CRIM 315: Restorative Justice.
Dr. Gail Anderson uses her expertise as a forensic entomologist to help exonerate an innocent woman.
