Program Information

A complete application consists of the documents and other materials listed on the Yeates School of Graduate Studies’ Document Checklist. (opens in new window)  You must apply online. For information on deadline dates, English language proficiency and the online application, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office (opens in new window) .

Here is some information and guidance regarding key elements of your MA in Criminology and Social Justice application:

MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT

To be considered for the MA in Criminology and Social Justice, you must have completed or be in your final year of an approved four-year English-language undergraduate university program or an equivalent program. Your cumulative grade point average should be, at minimum, 3.00/4.33 (B) in the final two years of the program. However, due to the highly competitive nature of the admissions process, meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission (see Admission Requirements section for more information).

UPDATED CURRICULUM VITAE

Your curriculum vitae should detail relevant academic and professional experiences, as well as any contributions both in work and academics at scholarly or creative activities, such as publications, conference presentations or presentations at professional association events, Dean’s list or scholarship in your undergraduate studies and other awards related to work or academic achievement. Your curriculum vitae should mention any participation and leadership in professional groups or scholarly activities and creative fields as well as in events that involved knowledge exchange or development.

STATEMENT OF INTEREST

This written statement should be approximately 500 words in length, and outline your research interests and reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies in the MA in Criminology and Social Justice. Please indicate how your previous studies, professional experiences and scholarly activities have prepared you for the program, and how the program relates to your long-term career objectives. Statements should also indicate to which stream you are applying: course work only; course work and field placement; course work and major research paper.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Two letters of recommendation are required for your application. These reference letters are a key component of your application package, so give thoughtful consideration in selecting your letter writers. Referees should be able to comment on your academic achievements and your potential as a graduate student. Referees can mention, for example, work ethic, knowledge, research potential, leadership activities. They can provide examples of your exemplary qualities that align with requirements for a graduate student. In most cases, the letter writers will be former professors or research supervisors familiar with your abilities. It is your responsibility to contact the referee and get their confirmation, before listing them as a reference on the online application form. Here is some helpful information on how to ask for a reference letter (external link, opens in new window) .

SAMPLE OF WORK

Your sample of work should be a scholarly writing sample of approximately 2,500 to 3,500 words that best represents your ability to write for an academic audience. This is often a final essay from an upper-level Criminology or Social Justice related course that has been revised in light of a professor’s feedback. In lieu of an academic essay, you could submit an alternative writing sample (such as policy brief or technical report), that you feel reflects your contribution to the field of Criminology and Social Justice.

To review a listing of all required documents, please refer to the Document Checklist. (opens in new window) 

Admission Requirements

The program has two admission streams as follows:

1. Students who have completed a four-year Criminology undergraduate degree at any Canadian university, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point average (CGPA) of  3.00/4.33 (B) in the final two years of the program. Due to the highly competitive nature of graduate program admissions, fulfilling the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
2. Students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline (e.g. sociology, political science, legal studies, women’s studies, social work, peace and conflict studies, etc.), with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the final two years of the program. Due to the highly competitive nature of graduate program admissions, fulfilling the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. Four-year undergraduate degrees completed from an accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

^*International university undergraduate degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For further information on deadline dates, English language proficiency and the online application, please visit or contact the Graduate Admissions Office (opens in new window) .