phd criminology ontario

• Applied Bioscience (PhD)
• Computer Science (PhD)
• Criminology and Social Justice (PhD)
• Education (EdD)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (PhD)
• Forensic Psychology (PhD)
• Materials Science (PhD)
• Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
• Modelling and Computational Science (PhD)
• Nuclear Engineering (PhD)
• Health Sciences (PhD)
• Applied Bioscience (MSc)
• Automotive Engineering (MASc and MEng)
• Business Analytics and AI
• Computer Science (MSc)
• Criminology (MA)
• Education (MA)
• Education (MEd)
• Electrical and Computer Engineering (MASc and MEng)
• Engineering Management (MEngM)
• Forensic Psychology (MSc)
• Health Sciences (MHSc)
• Information Technology Security (MITS)
• Materials Science (MSc)
• Mechanical Engineering (MASc and MEng)
• Modelling and Computational Science (MSc)
• Nuclear Engineering (MASc and MEng)
• UNENE MEng in Nuclear Engineering
• Nursing (MScN)
• Software Engineering (MASc and MEng)
• Education and Digital Technologies
• Engineering Management
• Nuclear Design Engineering
• Nuclear Technology
• UNENE Graduate Diploma
• Work Disability Prevention
• Step 1: Review admission requirements
• Step 2: Check application deadlines
• Letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency
• Transcripts
• Statement of academic intent
• Degree parchments
• Step 4: Apply online
• Step 5: Send your documents
• Step 6: Check your application status online
• Grad Admission FAQs and Contacts
• International Student Program
• Immigration information
• Before you arrive
• Student finances
• Tours and events
• Next steps for new grad students
• IT Services
• Communicating with you
• Course registration
• Graduate Academic Calendar and Course Catalogue
• How to register
• Graduate Academic Calendar
• Registration definitions
• Part-time student course loads
• Campus locations
• FAQs and contacts
• Error messages
• Financial obligations
• Grad student toolkit
• Student forms and publications
• Important dates
• Mitacs Accelerate Program
• Mitacs Globalink Research Award
• Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master's Program
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral Program
• IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
• IBET Momentum Fellowship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence
• Hubert Harshman Award
• Nathan and Marvin Goldman/Durham Homes Graduate Award
• Power Workers’ Union Transportation Electrification and Smart Grid Research Graduate Award
• Graduate Student Conference Travel Awards
• Graduate funding
• Tips and Tricks
• Tuition and fees
• Grad Finance FAQs and Contacts
• Doctoral thesis and candidacy
• Master's thesis
• Master's project/major paper
• Understanding roles and responsibilities
• Research progress reports
• Past award recipients
• Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision
• Thesis Defence Examiner Report
• Thesis Programs Guide
• Domestic tuition fees
• Changing international fee status to the domestic tuition rate
• How to opt out of select ancillary fees
• Payment options
• Paying tuition with funding
• Tax receipts
• Miscellaneous fees
• 2022-2023 Domestic tuition fees
• 2020-2021 domestic tuition fees
• 2019-2020 domestic tuition fees
• 2018-2019 domestic tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2018-2019 domestic tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2017-2018 domestic tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2017-2018 domestic tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2016-2017 domestic tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2016-2017 domestic tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2015-2016 domestic tuition fee per credit programs
• 2015-2016 domestic tuition flat fee programs
• 2014-2015 domestic tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2014-2015 domestic tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2023–2024 Domestic tuition fees
• 2022-2023 International tuition fees
• 2020-2021 International tuition fees
• 2019-2020 International tuition fees
• 2018-2019 International Tuition - Fee-per-Credit Programs
• 2018-2019 International Tuition - Flat-fee Programs
• 2017-2018 International Tuition - Fee-per-Credit Programs
• 2017-2018 International Tuition - Flat Fee Programs
• 2016-2017 international tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2016-2017 international tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2015-2016 international tuition fee per credit programs
• 2015-2016 international tuition flat fee programs
• 2014-2015 international tuition - fee-per-credit programs
• 2023–2024 International tuition fees
• 2014-2015 international tuition - flat-fee programs
• 2022-2023 domestic and international ancillary fees
• 2021-2022 domestic and international ancillary fees
• 2020-2021 domestic and international ancillary fees
• 2019-2020 domestic and international ancillary fees
• 2018-2019 domestic ancillary fees
• 2018-2019 international ancillary fees
• 2017-2018 domestic ancillary fees
• 2017-2018 international ancillary fees
• 2016-2017 domestic ancillary fees
• 2016-2017 international ancillary fees
• 2015-2016 domestic ancillary fees
• 2015-2016 international ancillary fees
• 2014-2015 domestic ancillary fees
• 2014-2015 international ancillary fees
• 2023–2024 Ancillary fees
• 2022-2023 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2018-2019 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2017-2018 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2016-2017 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2014-2015 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2015-2016 payment deadlines and refunds
• 2023–2024 Payment deadlines and refunds
• Key Graduate Policies
• Visiting student agreements
• Convocation
• Appointing a Postdoctoral Fellow
• University Resources
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• External Funding Opportunities
• Postdoctoral Associations
• University Policies
• Orientation
• About Grad Pro Skills (GPS)
• Grad Pro Skills (GPS) Workshops
• Base Camp | Empower
• Graduate Writing Boot Camp
• Upcoming Talks
• Getting Published
• Negotiating Your Salary
• Careers Outside of Academia
• Celebrating Our Graduates
• Student Life
• Mental Health
• Campus services
• 2025 Registration
• 2025 Coaching Sessions
• 2024 3MT® Finalists
• 3MT® Past Winners
• SGPS Research Poster Showcase
• Base Camp | Lead
• Base Camp | Support
• Base Camp | Explore
• Base Camp | Inspire
• About Graduate Studies Committee
• Academic Council
• Graduate faculty appointments
• Excellence in Service Award
• Postdoctoral Fellow Excellence Award
• Graduate Student Leadership Award
• Student Supervision
• Graduate Admissions Portal
• Guidelines for faculty on GRAs
• Policies and procedures
• Important forms
• Visiting Scholars
• SGPS Staff & Faculty
• Faculty Program Staff
• Future students

Criminology and Social Justice (Doctoral program)

Program details.

Faculty Social Science and Humanities

Degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Delivery method Hybrid online/in-class

Location Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates September

Length Approximately 48 months, based on full-time study

Program load Full-time

Program format Courses with a PhD research dissertation

The PhD in Criminology and Social Justice combines disciplinary and specialized study in Criminology, study in qualitative research methods and statistics, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Specifically, the program will prepare students for careers related to research and/or teaching in college and university settings, research and practice in behavioural science crime units within law enforcement, research in correctional facilities, research in mental health institutions, evaluation of community programs, administration in provincial and federal programs, statistical research in government organizations, and research in justice-related institutes.

• Admission requirements
• Application deadlines
• How to apply
• Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Typically, applicants are expected to have completed the university's Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based MA program from a recognized institution.
• Minimum overall academic standing of an A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale) during their graduate studies.

Applicants with advanced degrees in other relevant fields, such as Sociology, Social Psychology or Legal Studies, are also welcome to apply. Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, all applicants should realize that without a strong background in social science, specifically social theories and methodologies, they may find themselves at a significant, temporary disadvantage.

Required supporting documents:

To apply, applicants should prepare a portfolio consisting of all of the following:

• A completed application form.
• One official or institution-certified copy of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s degree parchment(s).
• Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s first language is not English (see language requirement section below).
• A two- to three-page statement of academic intent.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• At least three letters of reference. Academic referees are preferred; however, non-academic referees’ letters will be considered as well.
• A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant's MA thesis is optimal. However, a sample from any published work (with the applicant as first author), or any other MA assignment would suffice if a thesis was not completed or pursued.

An applicant’s statement of academic intent should describe previous research experience, including the MA thesis project and any other relevant research projects. A short description of general career aspirations, and any relevant industrial or community experience would also be highly appropriate. If an applicant has already contacted a potential dissertation supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement.

Applicants must also submit the required documents outlined in the   checklist of required documents .

• Admission is competitive and occurs once per year. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including grades, distribution of courses taken, statements of academic intent, reference letters, research interests, and supervisor and funding availability.
• Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Required test scores for English language proficiency:

See  English language proficiency  for the minimum required test scores for this program.

It is highly recommended that you start the application process well in advance of the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application and submit all required documents as soon as possible, to ensure the best chance of securing an offer.

Note: The university reserves the right to amend application deadlines and/or close applications without prior notice.

Please see   application deadlines   for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.

Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See   application process and requirements   for step-by-step instructions.

Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.

Faculty website

Download viewbook

DOWNLOAD Program Postcard

Ask a question

Research areas

• Abuse against women
• Beliefs about justice
• Corrections/penology
• Crime and ethnicity
• Criminology theory
• Inequality and crime
• Mental health
• Poverty and inner-city crime
• Restorative justice
• Social media
• Stereotyping, stigmatization and discrimination
• Surveillance
• Victimization

Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty’s website and the university's Expert Centre .

Additional information

Internal awards and funding.

Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.

Types of funding that do not require an application:

• Entrance scholarships
• Minimum funding packages
• Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships

For more details on the above funding opportunities, see   graduate student awards and funding .

Please note:   Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.

External awards and funding

Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for   external awards   to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply.   Please note:   The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.

Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.

For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see   tuition and fees .

Contact the program:

Faculty of Social Science and Humanities 905.721.3234 [email protected]

Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:

905.721.8668 ext. 6209 [email protected]

• Faculty of Business and Information Technology
• Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
• Virtual Tour
• Campus Tours at Ontario Tech
• Outreach and community and engagement
• English Language Centre
• International applicants
• International Office
• More in Undergraduate
• Application process and requirements
• Doctoral Programs
• Graduate diploma programs
• Graduate student awards
• Master’s programs
• Tours and events
• More in Graduate
• Programs by faculty
• Undergraduate
• College-to-university transfer
• Direct entry co-op
• Online programs
• Pre-med programs
• Continuous Learning
• More in Programs
• Indigenous Hub
• Parents and Families
• Varsity Athletics
• Academic Advising
• Academic calendar
• Academic Integrity
• Change of program
• Convocation
• Course registration
• Fees and payment
• Important dates and deadlines
• Communicating with you
• Grad student toolkit
• Graduate Academic Calendar
• Grad Pro Skills (GPS)
• Important dates
• Student finances
• Student forms and publications
• Accessibility
• Student Learning Centre
• Career Readiness
• Equity and Inclusion
• Health and Wellness
• Indigenous Education and Cultural Services
• More in Student life
• Campus Libraries
• Office of Campus Safety
• Food services
• Campus Health Centre
• Ontario Tech Ucard
• More in Campus services
• Welcome to Research & Innovation
• Vice-President, Research & Innovation Les Jacobs
• Research Metrics Dashboard
• Research Chairs
• Research Institutes, Centres and Groups
• Research Infrastructure
• Workshop: Nuclear Hydrogen Production 2024
• Workshop: Nuclear Hydrogen Production 2023
• Workshop: Nuclear Hydrogen Production 2022
• BEI News Clipping Service
• More in Discover Research
• Brilliant Entrepreneurship
• Animal Care Committee
• Biosafety Committee
• Export Controls and Controlled Goods Program
• Radiation Safety Committee (including Lasers)
• Research Ethics Board
• Funding Opportunities Bulletin
• Internal Funding
• Internal Funding Results
• External Funding
• Funding Bulletin
• Applying for Funding
• Grant Writing Tips
• Accessing your Research Funds
• Research Support Fund
• Outcomes Report for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year - Research Support Fund
• Handling your IP
• IP Protection
• IP Mobilization
• Funding for IP and Commercialization
• IRIS Research Portal
• Policies, Procedures and Forms
• Research Committee Agendas and Minutes
• Data Management Plans
• RDM Assets & Resources
• More in Faculty
• Student and External Researcher Login
• Registration Guide and Checklists
• IRIS Training Presentations
• Online User Guide
• IRIS Support
• IRIS Feedback
• Benefits for You
• Collaborative Research Funding
• Inventions for License
• Ontario Tech University Commercialization Framework
• Partnered Research Impact
• Partnerships Team
• NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
• Student Training Assistantships in Research (STAR) Awards
• CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
• URA Projects
• Undergraduate Research Awards Recognition Event
• Undergraduate Student Research Fellowship
• Graduate Research

Research Facilities

Giving at Ontario Tech

Our faculty and students are at the leading edge of research in Canada, developing innovative solutions to today’s complex problems. Your support is building a better world.

General information

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminology and Social Justice combines disciplinary and specialized study in Criminology, study in qualitative research methods and statistics, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Specifically, the programs will prepare students for careers related to research and/or teaching in college and university settings, research and practice in behavioural science crime units within law enforcement, research in correctional facilities, research in mental health institutions, evaluation of community programs, administration in provincial and federal programs, statistical research in government organizations, and research in justice-related institutes.

A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ website .

Admisson requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies   , Criminology applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements.

• Hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Normally, applicants are expected to have completed the university’s MA in Criminology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based MA program from a recognized institution.
• Minimum overall academic standing of an A-minus (GPA: 3.7 on a 4.3 scale) during their graduate studies.

Applicants with advanced degrees in other relevant fields, such as Sociology, Social Psychology or Legal Studies, are also welcome to apply. Applicants with unrelated backgrounds may be admitted as special cases. However, all applicants should realize that without a strong background in social science, specifically social theories and methodologies, they may find themselves at a significant, temporary disadvantage.

To apply, applicants should prepare a portfolio consisting of all of the following:

• A completed application form.
• One official or institution-certified copy of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s degree parchment(s).
• Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s first language is not English.
• A two- to three-page statement of academic intent.
• A curriculum vitae.
• At least three letters of reference. Academic referees are preferred; however, non-academic referees’ letters will be considered as well.
• A substantive writing sample. A sample of the applicant’s MA thesis is optimal. However, a sample from any published work (with the applicant as first author), or any other MA assignment would suffice if a thesis was not completed or pursued.

An applicant’s statement of academic intent should describe previous research experience, including the MA thesis project and any other relevant research projects. A short description of general career aspirations, and any relevant industrial or community experience would also be highly appropriate. If an applicant has already contacted a potential dissertation supervisor (which is highly advised), that should be made known within the statement.

• Admission is competitive and occurs once per year. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including grades, distribution of courses taken, statements of academic intent, reference letters, research interests, and supervisor and funding availability.
• Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Part-time studies

The PhD is intended to be a full-time program and currently has no part-time enrolment.

Degree requirements

Each year, prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.

Courses offered by other faculties at the university or at other institutions can only be taken for credit if first approved by the graduate program director.

To be eligible for the PhD in Criminology and Social Justice, students must successfully complete 55 credit hours. Students must complete the following courses: either SSCI 5065G - Advanced Qualitative Methods 2    or SSCI 5015G - Data Analysis 2 - Graduate   ; one course in Criminological Theory; one course in the Criminal Justice System; one Special Topics course; and SSCI 6940G - Professional Development and Teaching in the Social Sciences   . Typically, the Professional Development and Teaching course will be taken in the student’s third year. In addition, students must enroll in SSCI 6920G - Professional Seminar    for the first year and in SSCI 6900G - PhD Research    every year that they are in the program. Students must complete  SSCI 6930G - PhD Proposal and Candidacy Exam    within 18 months of admission; it consists of a written proposal and an oral exam. Students must pass comprehensive examinations that will typically be taken near the conclusion of the second year ( SSCI 6950G - Comprehensive Examinations   ). At the conclusion of the program, students must successfully write and defend their thesis ( SSCI 6910G - PhD Thesis   ).

Students who have not previously taken equivalent coursework may be required to take additional courses at the university.

Course listing

Advanced qualitative methods and data analysis.

• SSCI 5015G - Data Analysis 2 - Graduate
• SSCI 5065G - Advanced Qualitative Methods 2

Criminological Theory

• SSCI 5025G - Modern and Emerging Criminological Theories

Criminal Justice System

• SSCI 5070G - Policies and Practices in the Criminal Justice System

Special Topics in Criminology

• SSCI 5080G - Crime and Inequality
• SSCI 5081G - Crime and Social Justice
• SSCI 5082G - Crime and Technology

Other required courses

• SSCI 6900G - PhD Research
• SSCI 6910G - PhD Thesis
• SSCI 6920G - Professional Seminar
• SSCI 6930G - PhD Proposal and Candidacy Exam
• SSCI 6940G - Professional Development and Teaching in the Social Sciences

• Undergraduate
• Shahid Alvi
• Carla Cesaroni
• Wesley Crichlow
• Karla Dhungana-Sainju
• Steven Downing
• Tyler Frederick
• Jordan Harel
• Steven Hayle
• Ronald Hinch
• Olga Marques
• Amir Mostaghim
• Christopher O'Connor
• Barbara Perry
• Kanika Samuels Wortley
• Hannah Scott
• Phillip Shon
• Vivian Stamatopoulos
• James Walsh
• Arshia U. Zaidi
• Policing in the 21st Century
• Youth and Society
• Terrorism, Hate, and Surveillance
• Social Justice and Inequality
• Violence and Victims
• Gender, Sexuality and Race
• Crime, Harm and Technology
• Punishment and Social Control
• Mental Health, Addictions and Drug Policy
• Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism
• Alumni success
• Criminal Justice Specialization
• Policing in Society Specialization
• Victimology and Victim Studies Specialization
• Youth, Crime and Justice Specialization
• Criminology and Justice

Specifically, the programs will prepare students for careers related to research and/or teaching in college and university settings, research and practice in behavioural science crime unites within law enforcement, research in correctional facilities, research in mental health institutions, evaluation of community programs, administration in provincial and federal programs, statistical research in government organizations, and research in justice-related institutes.

• PhD program
• Graduate Diploma in Police Leadership
• Student resources
• Faculty research supervision areas
• Conferences
• Current MA students
• Current PhD students
• Recent graduates
• Criminology Graduate Student Association

Prospective students must hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Normally, applicants are expected to have graduated with a social science degree that has provided them with a sound understanding of social science methodologies and a basic understanding of criminological theories.

For more information, visit Criminology (master's program) .

Prospective students must hold a four-year honours undergraduate degree in the social sciences from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Normally, applicants are expected to have completed the Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology or an equivalent research project or thesis-based MA program from a recognized institution.

For more information, visit Criminology and Social Justice (doctoral program) .

Prospective students must hold an undergraduate degree, from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Non-traditional applicants with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply but should contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss their specific circumstances before applying. Normally, applicants are expected to be active duty police officers or members of law enforcement who have already assumed leadership positions. 

For more information, visit Police Leadership (Graduate Diploma) .

• See a list of important dates for graduate students .  
• Access the Graduate Academic Calendar .
• Learn more about graduate student funding and scholarships .  
• See a list of graduate student forms and publications .
• Download the Criminology Graduate Student Handbook .

Criminology faculty

Faculty from other programs with supervisory privileges, major conferences attended by criminology faculty members, jessica arevalo.

Jessica Arevalo completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Queen's University in 2020. Currently, she is completing her Master's degree in Criminology at Ontario Tech University.  Under the supervision of Dr. Christopher O'Connor, Jessica's research will focus primarily on how young adults understand sexual consent

Moneet Brar

Moneet is a first-year MA student who recently completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto (UofT), where she double majored in Criminology and Sociology. During her time at UofT, Moneet was drawn to courses like Policing, Sociology of Crime, Sociology of Punishment and Social Inequality. This led her to pursue a master’s degree in criminology at Ontario Tech University. Her research interests include policing, community perception of the police, and Police Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Christopher Grol

Christopher's research has focused on the exploration of colonial impacts on Indigenous masculinity and identity. Specifically, the research is an examination of pre- and post-colonial Indigenous masculinities and how Indigenous masculinities have been represented and interpreted by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The research attempts to understand how changes in the perception of what it means to be an Indigenous man may impact how Indigenous men, notably young men, may engage with the criminal justice system and ultimately contribute to the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian criminal justice system. 

Larissa Janssen

Larissa Janssen is a first-year PhD student, studying under the supervision of Dr. Carla Cesaroni. Having graduated with an M.A. in the Criminology program at Ontario Tech, she is eager to continue her research focused on the experiences of LGBTQ+ Canadians. Larissa’s background is in working with children and youth- she has both an honour’s B.A. in Child and Youth Studies from Trent University and an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care from Durham College. Her experiences working in children’s education, recreation, child welfare, and youth justice have inspired her work. Currently, Larissa is the Vice President of Student Engagement for the Criminology Graduate Student Association (CGSA), while working as a teaching assistant and research assistant on several fronts. Larissa looks forward to a future career as a professor.

Ayesha Malik

Ayesha completed her undergraduate studies at Trent University and earned an Honours BA degree with a double major in Psychology and Child and Youth Studies.  She is currently enrolled in her second year of the MA Criminology program at Ontario Tech University. Throughout her undergraduate courses, she became drawn towards researching topics associated with crime, social inequality, intersectionality and Islamophobia. Under the supervision of Dr. Arshia Zaidi, her current research explores the role of media representation and artificial intelligence in spreading misinformation and shaping negative public perceptions of Muslims in the post-9/11 era. 

  Kriti Shah

Kriti Shah completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Concordia University of Edmonton in Alberta. She moved to Ontario to pursue her master's degree in Criminology. Kriti hopes to bring her experience with Edmonton police and work with vulnerable communities to her multidisciplinary research focused on reintegration and rehabilitation policies and practices from a youth crime perspective.

Humera Syed

My name is Humera Syed, I am a first year MA student in Criminology, I completed my bachelors with a double major in Criminology and Psychology at the University of Toronto in 2023. My research focuses on BIPOC youth, and examining scaffolded community supports and culturally-cognizant policy implementation to help reduce recidivism. I am interested in utilizing an intersectional and anti-colonial lens to help guide my approach. I hope to work under the supervision of Dr. Kanika Samuels-Wortley, the Research Chair in Systemic Racism, Technology and Criminal Justice.

Justine Thomas

Justine Thomas completed her undergraduate Criminology degree here at Ontario Tech. Before attaining her degree, she completed a diploma at Seneca College in Police Foundations and had the opportunity to attend St. Mary’s University in Halifax to complete a field study in forensic fingerprinting.

Justine’s research is drawn to green criminology and climate change. She is currently being supervised by Doctor Chris O’Connor and her thesis is focused on radical environmental activism and the discourse of eco-terrorism.

Mythreyi Vijayakulan 

Upon completing my undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, I earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Criminology and Political Science. Through my firsthand experience at Peel Regional Police, I developed a keen interest in exploring crime among first-generation youth. My research interests include youth crime, political violence, and intergenerational trauma.

Beverly Allison

Beverly Allison is a second-year Ph.D. student in Criminology and Social Justice under Dr. Shahid Alvi's supervision. She completed both her undergraduate degree and master's degree in Criminology and Social Justice here at OntarioTech University. For her master's research, Beverly examined the connections between neoliberal ideology and incel ideology. For her dissertation, Beverly's research interests surround the topics of neoliberalism, hegemonic masculinity/femininity, misogyny, and online dating. 

Sara Blair is a first-year PhD student in Criminology and Social Justice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). Sara is currently working under the supervision of Dr. Kanika Samuels-Wortley, exploring her research interests in policing, hate crime, and victimization. 

Maria Cashore

Maria is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Criminology and Social Justice program. She received her Bachelor of Social Science from Humber College and her master’s in criminology from Ontario Tech University. Maria’s research interests centre around vulnerable populations as victims of crime and crime in the media. Her dissertation research, under the supervision of Dr. Olga Marques, seeks to explore the contrast between glamorized ideals and the lived experiences in queer safe spaces, specifically the duality of (safe) space. Specifically, Maria will be conducting case study research to develop an understanding of LGBTQ2SIA+ perceptions and experiences in Toronto’s Gay Village, which may complicate the idealistic portrayal of the Village as an inclusive and accepting safe space. In partnership with fellow PhD Criminology student, Carolina Gutierrez, the pair seek to publish research regarding vulnerable and marginal populations and their relationship with and representation on various social media platforms.

Emily Cauduro

Emily Cauduro is a third year PhD student in Criminology and Social Justice. She completed her honors Bachelors degree in forensic science and psychology from Trent University and her Masters degree in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University. Emily is also a certified polygraph examiner with the Canadian Association of Police Polygraphers and the American Polygraph Association. For her master's thesis, Emily explored how police interactions with Indigenous peoples has been influenced following the publication of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. For her dissertation, under the supervision of Dr. Olga Marques, Emily will continue her research on police interactions, Indigenous peoples involved in the criminal justice system, and intimate partner violence.

Madison Charman

Madison is a Ph.D. candidate in Criminology and Social Justice at Ontario Tech University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Political Science at the University of Toronto, and her Master of Arts in Criminology at Ontario Tech University. After finishing her master's degree, Madison began her career in research with the Barrie Police Service. This experience has inspired her to continue her education, with a research focus on understanding how technology in policing impacts police-citizen interactions and police legitimacy. During my master's program, she had the privilege of working with Dr. Christopher O'Connor as a thesis supervisor and is excited to continue this collaboration while she pursues her Ph.D.

Brittany Frade

Brittany completed her undergraduate degree and her master's degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy at the University of Guelph. She is currently completing her PhD in police education under the supervision of Dr. James Walsh. Brittany's master's research examined the application of solitary confinement policies in Canadian correctional institutions. For her PhD, Brittany is examining whether or not police officers are being educated in police training academies in a manner that is conducive to their learning styles.

Ihsan Hage-Hassan

I completed both my BA (Hons) and MA at Simon Fraser University where I did a double major in Psychology and Criminology, so I am very excited to be a part of the PhD program at Ontario Tech. Under the supervision of Dr. Carla Cesaroni, my dissertation will explore ex-prisoners’ experiences and perceptions of engaging in religious activities/services while incarcerated and how their carceral experience impacted their religious identity. More generally, I am interested in correctional programs, prisoners’ reintegration, and coping strategies. My secondary research interest includes male victims of stalking and intimate partner violence. 

Carolina Gutierrez Cadavid

Carolina holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Criminology from Ontario Tech University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Criminology and Social Justice at Ontario Tech. Her research is situated within the field of youth studies, with a particular focus on homelessness, alienation, and hopelessness among young people. She is also interested in how LGBTQ2SIA+ youth navigate their sexual identities. Carolina's dissertation examines how youth in priority neighbourhoods navigate their environments and how these environments may influence their behaviours and decision-making processes. Under the supervision of Dr. Tyler Frederick, Carolina’s research explores the experiences of South Oshawa youth, focusing on their relationship with the community and how factors such as loneliness and social stigma impact their overall well-being. In partnership with fellow PhD Criminology student, Maria Cashore, the duo seeks to publish research regarding vulnerable and marginal populations and their relationship with and representation on various social media platforms. 

Jose Ibarra Gomez

Jose Ibarra Gomez is a second-year Ph.D. student in Criminology & Social Justice. He received his Bachelor and Master of Arts Honors degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Oklahoma in the U.S.  He is currently being supervised by Dr. Carla Cesaroni, and his research will focus on at-risk youth and diversion. Jose’s interest includes at-risk youth, youth justice policy, rehabilitation, and diversion services. He plans on pursuing a career in academia. 

Simone Icardi

Simone completed his undergraduate degree in Investigation Studies and his Master of Science degree in Cognitive Science in Italy. He moved to Canada and completed a Master of Arts degree in Criminology at Ontario Tech University where he researched the application of an Artificial Neural Network for predicting possible threats of death in stalking cases. He is currently a PhD candidate in Criminology and Social Justice under the supervision of Dr. Steven Downing and Dr. Shadid Alvi. His studies focus on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence applications in the criminological field as a new method of analysis, as well as possible risks and benefits. He will also continue to study domestic violence and stalking phenomena under this new technological framework.

  Antony Miskic

Antony Miskic completed his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at Western University and his Master of Arts in Criminology and Social Justice at Toronto Metropolitan University. He is currently completing his Ph.D. at Ontario Tech University under the supervision of Dr. James Walsh. Antony’s Doctoral research seeks to develop the limited knowledgebase on surveillance for online radicalization in Canada, while also shedding light on the experiences of Canadian law enforcement practitioners in monitoring online platforms for radicalization to extremism. His research interests include the issues of radicalization and extremism, surveillance and intelligence methods, national security and law enforcement, and countering violent extremism initiatives. Following the completion of his Doctoral studies, Antony hopes to work with national security and law enforcement agencies in a research, analytical, and/or investigative capacity.

Ashlee Quinn-Hogan

Ashlee Quinn-Hogan is a PhD student in Criminology and Social Justice. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology from Western University in 2021 and her Master’s degree in criminology from Ontario Tech in 2023. Under the supervision of Dr. Karla Dhungana-Sainju, Ashlee’s current research explores correctional staff’s perceptions of intake policy with respect to trauma-informed practice in Canada. In general, her research interests include trauma-informed correctional care, the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA) process in Canada, and the relationship between hegemonic masculinity and help-seeking within correctional settings. 

Florence Tang

Florence Tang is a PhD Criminology and Social Justice student at Ontario Tech University. She received her BA in Psychology and Linguistics at the University of Toronto, and her master's degree in Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Florence’s Master of Arts thesis used qualitative psychology on archival interview data to explore the subjective experiences of healthcare serial killers. She is currently being supervised by Dr. Shahid Alvi and is interested in individual psychology and providing a holistic understanding of the life course and personality of serial killers. In the future, she would like to be a consultant of atypical violence. Her research interests include atypical homicides (e.g., serial and mass murder), psychopathy, forensic linguistics, linguistic deception, and Indigenous rights.

Amy Webster

Amy Webster completed both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology at Brock University and has a graduate certificate in Victim Justice and Interventions from Durham College. Amy is now a PhD student in the Criminology and Social Justice program at Ontario Tech University. Her MA research examined YMCA Day Camp counselors and their perceptions of youth. Amy has a wide array of research interests but hopes to complete her dissertation on workplace bullying and harassment in academia under the supervision of Dr. Hannah Scott.

Sabrina Arabzadah , MA, "Formerly Incarcerated Women’s Online Accounts of Pathways to Criminality and Incarceration: A Contribution to Feminist Pathways Theory", (Supervisor: Dr. Shahid Alvi). 

Natalie Azzi, PhD, "Breaking the Silence: An intersectional approach to sexual violence and harm narratives of women living in Lebanon", (Supervisor: Dr. Shahid Alvi).

Victoria Ginsley , PhD, "Transgender People’s Experiences and Perceptions of Police", (Supervisors: Dr. Carla Cesaroni, Dr. Barbara Perry). 

Dallas Hill , PhD, "The Acquisition and Implementation of Risk Technologies by Canadian Police Services", (Supervisor: Dr. Christopher O'Connor). 

Mackenzie Krasowski , MA, "Carrying the Burden: A Study on the Reported Experiences and the Lifelong Impact of Growing up with a Serial Killer Parent", (supervisor: Dr. Hannah Scott).

Teighan Mittal-Mercer , MA, "Barriers for Rural Youth Accessing Mental Health Care with Complex or Reduced Parental Support", (Supervisors: Dr. Tyler Frederick and Dr. Karla Dhungana-Sainju). 

Garon Mulyk , MA, "Understanding and Defining Threats to National Security and Public Safety: A Thematic Analysis and Grounded Theory Approach", (supervisor: Dr. Barbara Perry). 

Michael Ouellet , PhD, "Police Perception of Danger", (Supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick). 

Ashlee Quinn-Hogan , MA, "Acknowledging Offender Trauma at Intake: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Canadian Correctional Policy", (supervisor: Dr. Karla Dhungana-Sainju). 

Jonah Savage , MA, "Cybercrime and Public Criminology", (Supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing). 

Sarah Wood , PhD, "Youth Justice Policy Implementation – Community Organizations’ Perspective", (Supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni, Dr. Scott Aquanno). 

Sam Blondeau , MA, "Squeegee Punks Reunite: Safe streets for all", (supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick). 

Tristan Simonetta , MA, "Promoting Self-Determination Amongst Youth in Conflict with the Law: Are Advocates Doing Their Part?", (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni).  

Beverly Allison,  MA, "Connecting Neoliberal Ideology and Incel Ideology", (supervisor: Dr. Shahid Alvi)

Samantha Chopik , MA, "Gendered Pathways: Family Violence as a Primary Pathway into Homelessness for Women", (supervisor: Dr. Hannah Scott).

Adiba Fannana, MA, (Major Paper) "Honor-Based Violence: The Socio-Cultural Understanding of Honor and its Impact in Promoting HBV Cases in Pakistan", (supervisors: Dr. Karla Dhungana-Sainju, Dr. Amir Mostaghim).

Phillip Nguyen , MA, "Easy Skins, Easy Life: A Chronological Case Study of Loot Boxes and Transferable Cosmetic Items in the Video Game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive", (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing). 

Naila Tasbiha , MA, (Major Paper) "The Psycho-Social Factors That Escalate Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Among South Asian Women in North America: An intersectional approach and analysis", (supervisor: Dr. Arshai Zaidi). 

Shannon Wilson, MA,   “ Taking a Chance and Striking Out”: An Exploration of Homelessness, Housing Pathways, and ‘Self-Sabotage’, (supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick).

Jennafer Callen , MA, White-Collar Crimes During the COVID-19 Pandemic (major paper).

Maria Cashore , MA, Biased Policing, Martyrdom, White Gratitude & Brown Pain: Media Narratives Surrounding the Bruce McArthur Case (supervisor: Dr. Olga Marques).

Ashton Fernandes , MA, Weeding out the Border: Cannabis and the Canada-U.S Border (major paper).

Carolina Gutierrez Cadavid , MA, Feeling like Rapunzel, You Know?”: A Narrative Inquiry of Youth, Boredom, and Deviance (supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick).

Esther James-Charles , MA, Youth and at-Risk Behavior: The Aftermath of Hurricane Maria in the Caribbean Island of Dominica, (supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick).

Remington Latanville , MA, The Effects of Money Laundering on the Canadian Real Estate Market (supervisors: Dr. Christopher O’Connor and Dr. Kamal Smimou).

Michael Magnante , MA, Exploring the Interactional Theory: A Theoretical Exploration of the Dark Web’s Impact on Delinquent Behaviour (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing).

Angelina Naccarato , MA, Analyzing the Experiences of Police and Police Partners During the COVID-19 Pandemic (major paper)

Rajendra Rambajue , PhD, Youth Understandings of their Transition out of the Child Welfare System (supervisor: Dr. Christopher O'Connor).

Riley Therrien , MA, Youth Homelessness: An Exploration into the Desire for Family Reunification (supervisor: Dr. Tyler Frederick).

Lawrence Akintoye-Bentola ,   MA, Identity through Sports: Basketball and Black Masculinities (supervisor: Dr. Barbara Perry).

Ana Figueras , MA, Current perceptions of sexual work amongst university students (supervisor: Dr. Olga Marques; committee member: Dr. Jen Rinaldi).

Nicole Fournier , MA, Major paper based around trauma history and how it correlates with youth crime (supervisor: Dr. Leigh Harkins; committee member: Dr. Jeffrey Abracen)​

Kaitlin Fredericks , PhD, Finding Success in Life: The Voices of At-Risk Youth (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee members: Dr. Christopher O'Connor, Dr. Shahid Alvi).

Simone Icardi , MA, E xamining stalking, cyberstalking, domestic violence and the involvement of artificial intelligence in the criminology field (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing).

Irina Levit , MA, 'Foids have no soul, they are not human.' A sociological examination of the language used by an online male supremacy group (supervisor: Dr. Hannah Scott; committee member: Dr. Peter Stoett).

Allison O'Donnell , MA, An examination of the reintegration of Indigenous offenders (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee member: Dr. Karla Dhungana-Sainju).

Victoria Morris , MA, Situation Tables as the New Crime Prevention: Theoretical Underpinnings, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Best Practices (supervisor: Dr. Christopher O'Connor; committee member: Dr. Tyler Frederick). Amber Vibert , MA, Using an Ethnonarrative Design within Arts-Based Community Research: SKETCH Toronto and its Ongoing Social Impact (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Tyler Frederick). Jordan Etherington , MA, Ideological Parallels Between Gamergate and White Supremacy: A Thematic Content Analysis (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Aziz Douai). Sarah Ibaid, MA, An Exploration of Muslim Canadians' Perceptions towards Law Enforcement Authorities and their Willingness to Cooperate in General Crime Control and Counterterrorism Efforts (supervisor: Dr. Arshia Zaidi; committee member: Dr. Barbara Perry). Jacek Koziarski , MA, Policing Mental Health: An Exploratory Study of Crisis Intervention Teams and Co-Response Teams in the Canadian Context (supervisors: Dr. Christopher O'Connor, Dr. Tyler Frederick; committee member: Dr. Barbara Perry). Rachael Nunes , MA, Risk Management at Public Events: A Case Study of a Municipality within Southern Ontario (supervisor: Dr. Christopher O'Connor; committee member: Dr. Tyler Frederick). Mehek Arif , MA, Perceptions of Criminalization towards Sex Education among a Generational Sample of Canadian Pakistani Muslims (supervisors: Dr. Arshia Zaidi, Dr. Shahid Alvi; committee member: Dr. Amir Mostaghim). Dallas Hill , MA, Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Desired Skills and Successful Psychopaths (supervisor: Dr. Hannah Scott; committee member: Dr. Matthew Shane).

Victoria Ginsley , MA, Rights or Wrong? Perceptions of Trans People Among Undergraduate Students (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee members: Dr. Barbara Perry, Dr. Thomas McMorrow). Lindsay Ostridge , MA, Reporting Unwanted Sexual Behavior at a Post-Secondary Institution: An Examination of Campus Policy (supervisors: Dr. Christopher O'Connor, Dr. Nawal Ammar; committee member: Dr. Shahid Alvi). Rachel Alexander, MA, Protection or Provocation? Police Control of Muslim Immigrants in Combating Terrorism (supervisors: Dr. James Walsh, Dr. Phillip Shon; committee member: Dr. Aziz Douai). Jin Lee , MA, A Qualitative Examination of Nonconsensual Pornography Motivations Through Perception Analysis (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Andrea Slane).

Samantha Reid, MA, ‘Return to Roots’: An Examination of the Re-Presentations of Rurality Within Post-Apocalyptic Survival Video Games (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Tanner Mirrlees). Mersedeh Jahanzadeh , MA, Blurred Lines: Perceptions of Sexual Consent and the Role of Mental Illness (supervisor: Dr. Leigh Harkins; committee member: Dr. Kimberley Clow). Nelesh Singh , MA, Indo-Caribbean Immigrants Perceptions of Dating Abuse (supervisor: Dr. Nawal Ammar; committee member: Dr. Shahid Alvi). Katherine Baggaley , MA, ‘I was there’ and ‘It happened to me’: An exploratory study of the social organization of killing by military police officers and combat soldiers, 1976-1987 (supervisor: Dr. Philip Shon; committee member: Dr. Olga Marques). Benjamin Earle , MA, Poverty, Structural Violence, and Harm in Ontario (supervisors: Dr. Shahid Alvi, Dr. Shanti Fernando; committee member: Dr. Christopher O'Connor). Kaitlin Fredericks , MA, Risk and resilience: The impact of community programs on LGBTQ youth (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee member: Dr. Barbara Perry). Philip McCristall , MA, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Veterans A Battle for Benefits: A Matter of Social Justice (supervisor: Dr. Judith Grant; committee member: Dr. Carla Cesaroni). Andrew Mestrinaro , MA, Conceptualizing Silk Road as countercultural rebellion (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Gary Genosko).

Vanessa Filippelli , MA, The many faces of Rob Ford: the representation of politician deviance, dishonesty and denial (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Aziz Douai). Andrew Fleming , MA, Military and the media examining the wartime framing of Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan (supervisor: Dr. Ronald Hinch; committee member: Dr. Tanner Mirrlees). Nicole Garnette , MA, What’s in a name?: Revealing the function of the criminal pseudonym through a content analysis of ten characters in twelve films (supervisor: Dr. Judith Grant; committee member: Dr. Steven Downing). Huda Zaidi , MA, Power, Privilege and Cover-Up: A Case Study on How Intertextuality in Police Records Can Mislead Homicide Investigations (supervisor: Dr. Philip Shon; committee member: Dr. Christopher O'Connor). Davut Akca , MA, Operationalizing the Spatial Influence of the Risk Factors behind the Open-air Drug Markets (supervisor: Dr. Nawal Ammar; committee member: Dr. Carla Cesaroni). Julianne Condon , MA, Public Opinion on Cyber-Bullying Laws in Canada (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee member: Dr. Shahid Alvi). Elizabeth Elliott (Solodukhin), MA, The Effect of Target Language Proficiency on Deception Detection among Undergraduate Students (supervisor: Dr. Amy Leach; committee member: Dr. Brian Cutler). Meaghan Middleton , MA, Can participation in Drug Treatment Courts reduce emergency department use? An evaluation (supervisor: Dr. Hannah Scott; committee member: Dr. Liqun Cao). Vanessa Rhodes , MA, Race, place and crime through the lens of Toronto’s print media (supervisor: Dr. Steven Downing; committee member: Dr. Carla Cesaroni). Kanika Samuels , MA, Examining the utility of pre-charge youth diversion programs: A Canadian context (supervisor: Dr. Nawal Ammar; Co-supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni). Serdar San , MA, The policing of terrorism: A comparative analysis of Turkish and Canadian counter-terrorism responses (supervisor: Dr. Carla Cesaroni; committee member: Dr. Nawal Ammar).

Jeremiah Baarbe , MA, Effect of an emotional situation on decision recipients' and decision-makers' justice appraisals (supervisor: Dr. Brian Cutler; committee member: Dr. Amy Leach). Bailey Guminny , MA, Teenage serial homicide offenders: A typology (supervisor: Dr. Ron Hinch; committee member: Dr. Phillip Shon). Nicole Pigeon , MA, Elder abuse and victimization: Yet another vulnerable population (supervisor: Dr. Nawal Ammar; committee member: Dr. Arshia Zaidi). Jankie Ramnaraine , MA, Michael Slobodian: The forgotten school shooter. An examination of the on-scene offense characteristics of the first Canadian school shooting, Brampton, Ontario, 1975 (supervisors: Dr. Ron Hinch, Dr. Phillip Shon; committee member: Dr. Hannah Scott). Renee Grozelle , MA, The meaning of murder: Newspaper framing of hate crimes against lesbians (supervisor: Dr. Barbara Perry; committee member: Dr. Aziz Douai). Alyx Ivany, MA , Examining the effects of apology and compensation on participants' perceptions of exonerees (supervisor: Dr. Kimberley Clow; committee members: Dr. Leigh Harkins, Dr. Rose Ricciardelli). Michael Jehu , MA, An applied comparison of eyewitness line-up procedures: New Jersey v. England and Wales' PACE v. New York (supervisor: Dr. Brian Cutler; committee member: Dr. Amy Leach). Allison Gray , MA, Milking anomie: Experiencing food safety on Canadian dairy farms (supervisor: Dr. Ron Hinch; committee member: Dr. Steven Downing). Anisah Hussain , MA, Social control and deviance within the South Asian Muslim female community: An exploratory study (supervisor: Dr. Shahid Alvi; committee member: Dr. Nawal Ammar).

To enrich the academic and social experience of the Ontario Tech Criminology graduate student body through networking, learning opportunities and social events in preparation for academic and professional success post-graduation.

A graduate student experience where all students feel connected and supported to achieve their full potential.

Members and roles

Emily cauduro.

Vice-President

Larissa Jansen

Vice President of Graduate Student Engagement

Financial Officer

Adriana Avraam

Criminology Graduate Committee Representative - MA Student

Maddy Charman

Criminology Graduate Committee Representative - PhD Student

Mythreyi Vijayakulan and Jeffrey Kong

Communication and Events Coordinator(s)

Social Media Manager

Secretary 

FSSH Representative

Universal Navigation

Universal navigation2.

• About Criminological Highlights
• Resources for Alumni & Friends

Search form

• Prospective Graduate Students
• Admission to the Doctoral Program

Candidates for admission to the PhD Program normally have an MA degree in Criminology or an equivalent master’s degree.

• Applicants must have at minimum an A- standing (or equivalent) in their MA degree program.
• Students from MA programs other than the University of Toronto’s MA in criminology may be required to take additional courses as part of their doctoral program.
• If you do not meet the program requirements, you should consult the Graduate Coordinator or Graduate Administrator before submitting an application.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Our PhD program is a very small one (around a dozen students) and only a very small number of students are accepted into the doctoral program in any year.

In addition to excellent performance at the Masters level, each student accepted into the doctoral program must have a presumptive PhD dissertation supervisor . In making admissions decisions, we seek to ensure that every student who is admitted can be matched with a supervisor who is a good fit with the student’s scholarly interests.

No PhD application will be successful, no matter how well-qualified the applicant, if no member of the faculty is willing to take on (at least initially) the supervision work. PhD applicants who do not establish prior contact with a presumptive supervisor may be successful but this is very unusual.

In applying, therefore, it is important to indicate which member or members of the faculty would be appropriate supervisors for your doctoral research interests.

• Communicating with faculty members prior to submitting an application is strongly advised.
• Although a firm commitment from a prospective supervisor is not essential, when you write your application, you should indicate whether you have made contact with a possible supervisor as well as possible dissertation committee members.
• CrimSL assumes that the vast majority of PhD students will be supervised by a core faculty member with their principal appointment in the Centre.
• Applicants who wish to be supervised by a cross-appointed faculty member must include with their applications a statement explaining why they wish to pursue the PhD in Criminology, rather than in the discipline or department where their preferred supervisor is principally appointed. This might explain why the student wishes to pursue the PhD in an interdisciplinary Centre, or why the other department is inappropriate for the applicant’s range of interests.
• These applicants should also consult with their potential supervisor about the likely composition of their dissertation committee, since all committees must include core Centre faculty.

Should a prospective Ph.D. student require advice on which faculty member to speak with regarding their proposed research, they should contact:

Professor B. Jauregui Graduate Coordinator [email protected]

Successful PhD applicants are invariably those who are very familiar with the research interests of at least some members of our faculty and who have had preliminary contacts with potential supervisors. We thus encourage you to review the current research interests of various faculty members, so that you can then decide if you want to approach particular professors.

For more information, please download copies of the Criminology and Sociolegal Studies Graduate Handbook  and the SGS admissions application .

Submitting an Application

Applications to the Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) through the online application which is housed on a secure server at the University of Toronto.

The Centre will consider your application only after you have entered your personal and academic information in the online application, paid the application fee, and submitted the supporting documents by the deadline date.

The applicant is responsible for assembling and submitting all required material by the application deadline. Complete the SGS online admissions application here .

Once you access the SGS online admissions application and enter your contact information, an applicant identification number and a password will be emailed to you.

• Remember to enter your SGS applicant ID on the documents.
• You can leave and return to your application at any point until you move to the payment stage.
• After the payment stage you can return to check on the status of this application including whether we have received your supporting documents.
• It is your responsibility to check the system frequently to verify that the documents have been received.

If for some reason you cannot use the online admission application, please contact us at  [email protected] .

• About Our Graduate Studies
• Application Information
• How to Apply
• Collaborative and Combined Programs
• Junior Fellows
• Admission to the Master's Program
• International Students
• Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies Awards
• PhD Program
• Curriculum & Course Information
• Request new password

School of Graduate Studies

Criminology and sociolegal studies, program overview.

The primary aim of the graduate program at the Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies is to provide students with opportunities for advanced multi‑disciplinary study and supervised research experience in the areas of crime, the administration of criminal justice, and social studies of law and regulation.

The program familiarizes students with existing bodies of criminological and sociolegal research, and develops critical, analytical and methodological skills. It is not a training program in forensic science, nor in professional legal studies. Rather, it is designed to educate students for careers in teaching or research, as well as jobs in which the ability to evaluate criminological or sociolegal research critically is necessary or desirable.

The graduate program is identified with two fields: criminology and sociolegal studies.

• The criminology field includes the study of patterns in crime, criminal behaviour, and the administration of criminal justice. Subject areas include, for example, theories of crime and order, politics and crime, the psychology of criminal behaviour, policing, the criminal process, sentencing, penology, youth crime and justice, and criminal justice history.
• The sociolegal studies field includes the study of how various types of law (e.g., criminal, civil, administrative, regulatory), as well as different mechanisms of social regulation, are used to prevent manage and sanction harmful conduct and effect security. Subject areas include, for example, theoretical perspectives on law and society; regulation, law, crime, and the economy; and, risk, regulation, and security.

Students may also be interested in the combined degree program in  Law, Juris Doctor / Criminology, Master of Arts (JD/MA) .

Quick Facts

“I have worked with several community partners to improve the outcomes of racialized and marginalized youth in the GTA.”

Criminology

Graduate programs overview, master’s program, ma in criminology.

There are many pathways to obtaining the MA in Criminology. Each pathway will help you further develop your critical analysis skills in a seminar setting that allows for exchange, communication and improving your writing skills. All pathways to the MA in Criminology can be completed with a Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies.

Coursework – 8 months (24 credits)

2 required courses + 6 elective courses You can replace 2 elective CRM courses with 2 non-disciplinary courses if the Graduate Committee deems them relevant to your training. With the Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies: 3 required courses (1 CRM + 2 FEM) + 5 elective courses (one of which may be in FEM).

Coursework + major research paper (MRP) – 1 year (24 credits)

2 required courses + 4 elective courses + MRP (40-50 pages) You complete your courses in the fall and winter trimesters and write your MRP during the summer trimester. With the Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies: 3 required courses (1 CRM + 2 FEM) + 3 elective courses (one of which may be in FEM) and the MRP.

Coursework + internship – 1 year (24 credits)

2 required courses + 3 elective courses + internship You complete your coursework in the fall and winter trimesters. Your internship and internship seminar are to be completed during the following fall trimester. This pathway is highly competitive. With the Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies: 3 required courses (1 CRM + 2 FEM) + 2 elective courses (one of which can be in FEM).

Coursework + thesis – 2 years (30 credits)

With thesis (approximately 120 pages) If you are interested in pursuing research positions or graduate studies, this pathway is for you. In this pathway, you can also complete a Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies.

General information and program requirements - Master of Arts Criminology

The Master of Arts Criminology with Double Diploma

Phd program, phd in criminology.

The PhD program focuses on the creation and reform of criminal justice policies. It has two specializations: criminal justice policy and program development, and the theoretical and empirical analysis of policy and program implementation. In both specializations, the goal is to better understand the issues in order to achieve change. Students will find the department a stimulating environment with a commitment to critical analysis, research excellence and social engagement. The program is offered in English or French. Graduates find career opportunities as university or college professors, researchers or criminal justice policy officers

General information and program requirements - Doctorate in Philosophy Criminology

Graduate Scholarships

Department of Criminology students can apply to the following scholarships:

• Chuck Talbot Memorial Prize
• Tadeusz Grygier Founder's Graduate Prize
• Ross Hastings Memorial Scholarship
• Innovative Criminology Scholarship  
• Bob Gaucher Scholarship

Also, as a Faculty of Social Sciences graduate student, you have access to faculty-wide scholarships, regardless of your program of study.

For a complete list, log into uoZone .

How to apply for scholarships

Admission deadlines

Graduate programs at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Financial support from the Faculty keyboard_arrow_right

International students keyboard_arrow_right

Graduate programs and opportunities keyboard_arrow_right

How to apply keyboard_arrow_right

Department of Criminology

Faculty of Social Sciences Social Sciences Building 120 University Private, Room 14002 Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5 Canada ( map )  

Tel.: 613-562-5303

[email protected]

Office Hours

September 1 to May 31: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June 1 to August 31: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Supervisors of Graduate Studies

Supervisor of Graduate Studies - Masters Sandra Lehalle Social Sciences Building Room 13036 Phone:  613-562-5800 ext. 8851 [email protected]

Supervisor of Graduate Studies - Doctorate Justin Piché Social Sciences Building Room 13049 Phone:  613-562-5800 ext. 1812 [email protected]

• Future students
• Current students
• Grad engagement
• Faculty and staff

Graduate programs in Criminology

Get further ahead with graduate studies at Ontario Tech University. We offer:

• Master of Arts (MA) in Criminology
• PhD in Criminology and Social Justice

Please fill out the form to receive information about our Criminology research, faculty members, student experience and why our programs will get you further ahead.

Download the Criminology program postcard

2000 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5 Canada

905.721.8668

The university is proud to acknowledge the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

© University of Ontario Institute of Technology 2019