Criminology

Vancouver Island University · Sep 7, 2027 domestic intake: Nanaimo.

4 years
Duration (years)
4 Years
VIU official program and degree requirements
Practicum placements
Work experience
VIU places students in criminology-related positions through its field-placement programme.
University work-study information

Deadlines

March 2027

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30

Next deadlineWednesday, March 31, 2027

2 deadlines

Application closes
2027 entry · International; entry Sep 7, 2027; Nanaimo
Official deadline
General undergraduate application
2027 entry · Most direct-entry bachelor's degrees
Applications open October 1, 2026.
Official deadline

Other deadline details

No central deadline, each B.C. institution sets its own application open and close datesEducationPlannerBC, deadlines are set per institutionRecurring annual · Every year

No central deadline, each B.C. institution sets its own application open and close dates
No central B.C. deadline
Each institution and sometimes each program sets its own dates

Full source wording

Verbatim: "Each institution sets their own application open and close dates. These dates also may vary based on the program you are applying to. You can use the search database to explore programs you are interested in applying to or visit the institution's website directly. Please refer to the institution's website or contact the Admissions/Registrar's Office directly for application deadlines and details." EducationPlannerBC is the single application service for B.C.'s 25 public post-secondary institutions but publishes no deadline dates of its own.

SourceChecked Aug 14, 2026

Dates and conditionsRequired documents2027 entry

Domestic (Canadian)
entry Sep 7, 2027
Nanaimo
Offers of admission will be made on a first qualified, first offered basis. Students must submit official transcripts upon applying. Final document deadline for conditional acceptance: July 31, 2027

SourceChecked Oct 11, 2026

Please note that seats in this program are limited. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.Required documents2027 entry

International
entry Sep 7, 2027
Nanaimo
Please note that seats in this program are limited. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.

SourceChecked Oct 11, 2026

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites

Check the university’s requirements for your province and applicant category.

Application steps

Step 1Check the admission requirements
- Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
VIU exact programme admission and intake informationVIU exact programme admission and intake information
Step 2Apply through EducationPlannerBC
- Create your application and select this program.
EducationPlannerBCEducationPlannerBC
Step 3Official high-school transcript
- VIU uses the transcript to verify graduation, English and program-specific course requirements.
VIU undergraduate admission requirementsVIU undergraduate admission requirements
Step 4$46.98 domestic application fee
- Non-refundable and paid for each application.
VIU application feesVIU application fees

Applicant pathways

Academic entry categories

Canadian citizens and permanent residents; meet one named entry category, plus programme prerequisites

Canadian citizens and those with permanent residence status in Canada are eligible for admission to Academic programs if they meet one of the following conditions:
graduation from a BC secondary school, or equivalent, with a minimum “C” grade in either English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12;
previous degree from a recognized university;
visiting student from a college or university (a “Letter of Permission” from the home institution is required);
a transfer student from a college or university (at least 24 transferable university-level credits completed);
academic mature student category: 21 years of age (or will turn 21 during their first semester) and has a minimum “C” grade in either English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12.

First-year major entry

First-year BA Criminology applicants; BC secondary courses or equivalent

Meet VIU general Bachelor of Arts admission requirements.
English 12: minimum C.
Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus 11: minimum C.

Intake application conditions

Domestic (Canadian); entry Sep 7, 2027; Nanaimo

Accepting Late Applications: No
Document Deadline: Offers of admission will be made on a first qualified, first offered basis. Students must submit official transcripts upon applying. Final document deadline for conditional acceptance: July 31, 2027

Intake application conditions

International; entry Sep 7, 2027; Nanaimo

Accepting Late Applications: No
Testing Required: No
Document Deadline: Please note that seats in this program are limited. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.

Second-year major entry

Applicants entering Year 2 of the BA Criminology Major

Complete at least 24 university credits towards the BA Criminology Major.
Competitive admission average uses the eight most recent transferable postsecondary courses, at least 24 credits.

Third-year major entry

Applicants entering Year 3 of the BA Criminology Major

Complete at least 54 university credits towards the major, or a recognized Criminology diploma including the Degree English Requirement.
Competitive admission average uses the 18 most recent transferable postsecondary courses, at least 54 credits.

Additional transfer grade requirement

College or university transfer applicants to the BA Criminology Major

At least 2.33 GPA (C+) on the most recent 24 completed credits.

Competitive selection and optional access route

Applicants to the limited-enrolment Criminology Major

Minimum requirements do not guarantee admission. Higher grades are considered first; applicants are prioritized by overall GPA and a waitlist may be used.
Indigenous applicants may request reserve-seat consideration using the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Individual Criminology courses may be available with prerequisites and space; taking them does not guarantee major admission.

Field-placement scheduling

Admitted Criminology majors taking CRIM 475

Keep two weekdays free during the CRIM 475 semester for agency field placement.

Domestic Academic admission categories

Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents seeking Academic programmes

The public Academic policy recognizes BC secondary graduation or equivalent with at least C in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12; a prior degree from a recognized university; or transfer status with at least 24 completed transferable university-level credits. A visiting student instead requires a home-institution Letter of Permission and is not thereby admitted to a degree.
These are general Academic categories. Programme-specific entry still applies, including separate third-year entry requirements in Education, Criminology, Child and Youth Care and Tourism Management. International students follow the separately linked international policy, which is not certified here. No held grade or programme minimum is changed.

Domestic Academic mature admission

Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 21, or turning 21 during the first semester

The Academic mature category also requires at least C in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12. Individual course prerequisites and programme requirements still apply. The different age 19 rule for Trades/Applied Technology is not applied to these Academic degrees.

Unclassified undergraduate study before programme admission

Students who do not meet a general Academic admission category

An applicant may take academic classes as an Unclassified Undergraduate after BC secondary graduation/equivalent, or at age 19 or turning 19 in the first semester. Students must meet each course prerequisite.
Unclassified status does not admit the student to a specific university programme. Registration follows other Academic programme students and course availability is limited. It does not promise subsequent programme admission.

Previous-degree applicant documentation

Applicants seeking Academic admission on a previous recognized university degree

Applicants admitted on a previous degree must still satisfy course prerequisites. In most cases a secondary-school transcript is also required to confirm those prerequisites. This route does not itself certify entry to a programme with separate admission criteria.

Degree requirements

Credits and degree requirements

Program Outline: Note: Students who have completed a total of 60 credits and all first- and second-year requirements for the Criminology Major may apply to receive a Criminology Diploma.
Second year entry: To be eligible for admission to second year, students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits of university courses towards the Bachelor of Arts Criminology Major program. Competitive admission averages will be calculated on the eight most recently completed transferable post-secondary courses (minimum 24 credits).
Domestic (Canadian): Students interested in the Criminology Diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology. Students who have completed a total of 60 credits and all first and second year requirements for the Criminology Major may apply to receive a Criminology Diploma.
International: Students interested in the Criminology Diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Criminology. Students who have completed a total of 60 credits and all first and second year requirements for the Criminology Major may apply to receive a Criminology Diploma.

References

Grades and academic standing

Additional Requirements for Transfer Students: The overall GPA of students will be a minimum of 2.33 ("C+"), calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed.

References

Program facts

Entering averageNot published

The university does not publish a comparable percentage minimum or entering-average range for this program.

Work experiencePracticum placements

VIU places students in criminology-related positions through its field-placement programme.

In fourth year, students may choose CRIM 475 agency field placement or the CRIM 473/476 research route. Field-placement students need fourth-year standing and must leave two weekdays available for agency work. The placement alternative is not required for every student.

Check work experience options

Courses

Named courses explicitly linked from this program page, including options and alternatives. This is not a timetable or a list every student takes.

Year 115 listed

CRIM 101Intro to Criminology3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories and methodology in criminology.
VIU native course definition
INTR 102Introduction to Criminology and Sociology6 credits
A combination of CRIM 101 and SOCI 111 in an integrated learning environment.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 103Psycho-social Explanations of Criminality3 credits
A survey of biogenetic, psychiatric, and psychological explanations of anti-social behaviour.
VIU native course definition
INTR 104Criminological Theory and the Lived Experience6 credits
This course integrates CRIM 103 and THEA 115 using a lecture/workshop format to introduce explanations for anti-social behavior related to psycho-sociological science.
VIU native course definition
PSYC 103Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour3 credits
An introduction to biopsychosocial explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 131Intro to the Criminal Justice System3 credits
An examination of the structure and operation of the police, courts and corrections, including the relationship between the various components of the criminal justice system and community agencies. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
CRIM 135Intro to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions: A Criminal Justice Perspective3 credits
An introduction to the principles of jurisprudence and the legal institutions of Canada.
VIU native course definition
PHIL 100Critical Thinking3 credits
A study of arguments used in everyday life using examples from newspapers, magazines, advertisements, etc., and emphasizing arguments in ordinary language (no symbolic logic) and learning to detect and avoid the bad reasoning of others.
VIU native course definition
PHIL 111Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality3 credits
An examination of the concept of knowledge as it applies to philosophical questions in areas such as the nature of reality, self, truth, meaning, God and free will. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
PHIL 112Intro to Philosophy: Ethics3 credits
An introduction to moral philosophy and current theories of value, focusing on questions such as: What is the good?
VIU native course definition
PSYC 111Contemporary Psychology I3 credits
A survey of the current status of selected areas, emphasizing the scientific approach to the study of behaviour of humans and animals.
VIU native course definition
PSYC 112Contemporary Psychology II3 credits
A survey of the current status of selected areas, emphasizing the scientific approach to the study of behaviour of humans and animals.
VIU native course definition
SOCI 111Introduction to Sociology3 credits
An introduction to the sociological understanding of society and an exploration of how social conditions and historical context shape the life chances of individuals and groups.
VIU native course definition
ENGL 115University Writing and Research3 credits
An introduction to critical thinking and reading, academic writing, and research skills, consistent with the conditions and expectations students encounter as readers and writers at university.
VIU native course definition
ENGL 117University Writing and Research: Indigenous Focus3 credits
An introduction to critical thinking and reading, academic writing, and research skills, consistent with the conditions and expectations students encounter as readers and writers at university.
VIU native course definition

Year 226 listed

Published requirement group, including alternatives where listed. Native course definitions supply current titles and credits. Unnamed elective credits and course-selection restrictions are separate; this is not a complete timetable. Select one of the following Research Methods courses: CRIM 220 - (Research Methods in Criminology) or , SOCI 250 - (Introduction to Social Research) or , PSYC 204 - (Research Methods) or , SSID 250 - (Introduction to Social Research) | 3; Select at least one course from the following list: CRIM 200 - (First Peoples, Colonization, and Justice) CRIM 210 - (Law, Youth and Young Offenders) CRIM 213 - (Gender, Crime and Justice) CRIM 241 - (Intro to Corrections) CRIM 251 - (Intro to Policing) CRIM 290 - (Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems) CRIM 297 - (Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program – Exploring Critical Issues in the Justice System) CRIM 299 - (Current Topics in Criminology) | 3; Select one of the following statistics courses: MATH 161 - (Intro to Statistics for Social Sciences) or , MATH 181 - (Introduction to Statistics) or , MATH 211 - (Statistics I) QUME 232 - (Business Statistics I) | 3; Select one or two courses from the following list: Any INDG 100, 200, or 300 offering SWAG 210 – (Introduction to Indigenous Feminisms) SWAG 211 – (Introduction to Indigenous Gender) SWAG 310 – (Unsettling Canada: Indigenous Women's Activism) SWAG 311 – (Healing Words: Indigenous Women's Storytelling) SWAG 340 – (Indigenous Feminisms and Indigenous Law) HIST 116 – (First Nations People in Canadian History since 1867) PHIL 113 – (Indigenous Philosophy: Comparative Perspectives) Note: Students who only take 3 credits of Indigenous course content will need to take a further 3 credits of electives towards a Major in Criminology. CRIM 200 cannot be used to fulfill the Indigenous requirement. | 3-6; Two to four electives chosen from any 100/200/300/400-level courses. The number of electives required depends on the number of Indigenous and/or ENGL credits completed. | 6-12; Total Credits | 30

CRIM 204Deviance, Crime and Social Control3 credits
A survey of various sociological explanations of anti-social behaviour.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 220Research Methods in Criminology3 credits
An introduction to criminological research and the methods used to collect data, focusing on scientific inquiry, research techniques, theory construction and data analysis.
VIU native course definition
SOCI 250Introduction to Social Research3 credits
An introduction to concepts and strategies of social science research: current methodological issues, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and an introduction to computer-assisted data analysis.
VIU native course definition
PSYC 204Research Methods3 credits
An introduction to basic research methods with emphasis on the experimental method, design problems and associated statistical techniques, including hypothesis testing.
VIU native course definition
SSID 250Introduction to Social Research3 credits
An introduction to concepts and strategies of social science research: current methodological issues, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and an introduction to computer-assisted data analysis.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 230Criminal Law3 credits
A study of the nature, purpose, scope and application of the criminal law in Canada.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 200First Peoples, Colonization, and Justice3 credits
An examination of colonization and its consequences in North America, including a comparison of Eurocentric and Indigenous worldviews about value systems, justice, community, and relationships.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 210Law, Youth and Young Offenders3 credits
An analysis of the nature, prevalence, consequences, and control of youth crime.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 213Gender, Crime and Justice3 credits
A critical examination of gender specific characteristics of female criminal behaviour and social reactions to it.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 241Intro to Corrections3 credits
An analysis of the development and operation of correctional systems in Canada.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 251Intro to Policing3 credits
An examination of the history, organization, structure, and operation of contemporary Canadian law enforcement agencies with emphasis on the police role, occupational sub-culture, legal powers, and the exercise of discretion.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 290Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems3 credits
A survey of the ideology, assumptions, theories, and practices informing alternative conflict resolution models emerging in various criminal justice systems around the world.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 297Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program: Critical Issues in the Justice System3 credits
An in-depth experiential course bringing together students who are currently incarcerated with those who are not incarcerated to learn about critical issues related to the criminal justice system. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
CRIM 299Current Topics in Criminology3 credits
An exploration of current topics in criminology.
VIU native course definition
MATH 161Introduction to Statistics for Social Sciences3 credits
An introduction to statistics for non-science students.
VIU native course definition
MATH 181Introduction to Statistics4 credits
Introduction to statistics for technology programs.
VIU native course definition
MATH 211Fundamentals of Statistics I3 credits
A non-calculus introduction to probability and statistics.
VIU native course definition
QUME 232Business Statistics I3 credits
An overview of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used in business.
VIU native course definition
POLI 151Law and Politics in Canada3 credits
An introduction to the Canadian judicial system in its contemporary political context.
VIU native course definition
SWAG 210Introduction to Indigenous Feminisms3 credits
This course introduces students to Indigenous feminisms, lives, and experiences.
VIU native course definition
SWAG 211Introduction to Indigenous Gender3 credits
An introduction to Indigenous genders, lives, and experiences.
VIU native course definition
SWAG 310Unsettling Canada: Indigenous Women's Activism3 credits
Students will examine the activism of Indigenous women nationally and globally.
VIU native course definition
SWAG 311Healing Words: Indigenous Women's Storytelling3 credits
An exploration of Indigenous women's writing, storytelling, and arts in Canada as viewed through a feminist lens. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
SWAG 340Indigenous Feminisms and Indigenous Law3 credits
An interdisciplinary investigation of legal issues concerning Indigenous Women in Canada, this course emphasizes an intersectional approach to Indigenous Law, environmental decision-making, Indigenous feminism, and narrative case studies.
VIU native course definition
HIST 116First Nations People in Canadian History since 18673 credits
An investigation of First Nations people in Canadian society from Confederation to 1982, emphasizing reserve life in the west, the north, and British Columbia.
VIU native course definition
PHIL 113Indigenous Philosophy: Comparative Perspectives3 credits
An introduction to Indigenous Philosophy through dialogue and comparison with Western European Philosophy.
VIU native course definition

Year 310 listed

CRIM 301Trauma, Resilience, and the Justice System3 credits
This course prepares students for trauma-informed practice with individuals, groups and communities related to the criminal justice system.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 321Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Policy3 credits
An investigation of past and contemporary Canadian and US crime prevention policies.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 334Law and Society3 credits
A critical examination of the interplay between law and society focusing on the functions of law as social control, dispute resolution, and social change.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 350Qualitative Research Methods3 credits
The course prepares students to use qualitative methods and analysis for conducting social research.
VIU native course definition
SOCI 350Qualitative Research3 credits
An introduction to ethical and practical issues in conducting qualitative research and analysis.
VIU native course definition
SSID 350Qualitative Research3 credits
An introduction to ethical and practical issues in conducting qualitative research and analysis.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 351Quantitative Research Methods3 credits
An examination of quantitative methods for conducting research.
VIU native course definition
SOCI 351Quantitative Research and Analysis3 credits
Designed to develop quantitative research and data analysis skills and the ability to critique quantitative studies.
VIU native course definition
PSYC 300AStatistical Methods in Psychology I3 credits
A brief review of research methodology; univariate description, bivariate description, and an introduction to probability and inferential statistics as applied in Psychology.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 360Advanced Criminological Theory3 credits
An exploration of recent empirical and theoretical work in criminology since 1980, especially integrated, multi-factor, integrated-structural, life course, evolutionary, biological, developmental, 'latent trait', routine activities and deterrence theories.
VIU native course definition

Year 413 listed

Published requirement group, including alternatives where listed. Native course definitions supply current titles and credits. Unnamed elective credits and course-selection restrictions are separate; this is not a complete timetable. CRIM 475 * - (Justice Capstone Tutorial and Field Placement) or , CRIM 473 ** - (Capstone Research Preparation) and, CRIM 476 ** (Capstone Research Project) | 6; Select nine credits from the following list: CRIM 420 - (Green Criminology and Environmental Law) CRIM 435 - (Charter Issues in Criminal Law) CRIM 440 - (Alternate Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills) CRIM 450 - (Criminal Justice Systems: An International Perspective) CRIM 460 - (Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Justice) CRIM 470 - (Dynamics of Terrorism) CRIM 480 - (Organizational Crime: A Global Perspective) CRIM 497- (Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program – Advanced Topics) CRIM 499 - (Selected Topics in Criminology) | 9; Twelve credits of electives, with a minimum of three elective credits chosen from 300/400 level courses. | 12; Total Credits | 30

CRIM 400Law and Human Rights3 credits
An examination of legal rights and their implementation in provincial human rights codes, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and international law.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 475Justice Capstone Tutorial and Field Placement6 credits
An opportunity for supervised work experience with a justice-related employer supplemented with tutorials to integrate Criminology program outcomes with work experience.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 473Capstone Research Project Preparation and Proposal3 credits
An examination of some aspect of criminology by designing a research proposal and obtaining approval from VIU's Research Ethics Board if required.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 476Capstone Research Project3 credits
A detailed study conducted by one student based on a proposal submitted for CRIM 473.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 420Green Criminology and Environmental Law3 credits
This course begins by reviewing Canada's environmental record.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 435Charter Issues in Criminal Law3 credits
An in-depth examination of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it applies to Criminal Law in Canada.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 440Alternate Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills3 credits
A balance of theory and practical application to equip students with the aptitude for negotiation skills necessary to resolve conflicts in a work setting.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 450Criminal Justice Systems: An International Perspective3 credits
An exploration of criminal justice systems in different countries to understand their respective historical, political, socioeconomic and cultural influences.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 460Drugs, Crime, and Criminal Justice3 credits
This course examines drug use and abuse in society, the relationship between drugs and crime, and the legal and policy response of the Canadian criminal justice system to drug use. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
CRIM 470Dynamics of Terrorism3 credits
An evaluation of evolving forms of terror which pose a threat to nation states and global security.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 480Organizational Crime: A Global Perspective3 credits
An examination of international criminal gangs, transnational corporations, and the modern state.
VIU native course definition
CRIM 497Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program: Advanced Topics3 credits
An in-depth experiential course bringing together students who are currently incarcerated with those who are not incarcerated to learn about advanced topics and issues related to justice. (3:0:0)
VIU native course definition
CRIM 499Selected Topics in Criminology3 credits
Students will examine a selected topic in criminology, justice or law.
VIU native course definition

Elective choices

Year 4 includes 12 elective credits, with at least 3 at the 300 or 400 level.
Choose 9 additional Year 4 credits from the listed upper-level CRIM menu.
The separate six-credit capstone requirement may be met through CRIM 475 or the CRIM 473 and CRIM 476 research sequence.

Study locations

Published domestic intake location: Sep 7, 2027 domestic intake: Nanaimo.viu exact programme published domestic intake location
Teaching location: The programme page explicitly lists Nanaimo as the location offered. Placement, fieldwork and optional study-abroad locations are separate.VIU current published programme outline

References

Careers

Career examples

Lawyer
Legal assistant
Researcher
Investigator
Youth worker
Bylaw or conservation officer

Career sectors

Policing
Probation and parole
Corrections
Canadian border services
Forensics
Crime analysis
Public service
Counselling
Victim or youth advocacy

Career sectors

Scope and qualifications

University-published Criminology career examples. Law, counselling, law enforcement and specialist roles can require separate professional qualifications; these are not ranked outcomes.