Criminology Schools and Programs in Canada

Criminology Studies in Canada

Are you interested in studying the factors, both genetic and environmental, that lead individuals to commit crimes?  Have you considered earning a portion of your education via a study abroad program—a program that will allow you to live and study for a semester or year in a foreign country?  If you answered yes to these two questions, you should definitely look into some of the amazing criminology programs offered in the beautiful and majestic country of Canada.
 
Canada is a vast and wondrous nation situated in the far northern portion of the North American continent.  Featuring topography that ranges from coastland to forests to miles of snow-capped peaks, the country stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west to the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle in the north.  Its southern border, which is the world’s longest continuous land boundary in the world between two countries, is shared with the United States, a country with which it also shares many cultural and political traits.  By total geographic area, Canada is the world’s second-largest country (after Russia), but with a population totaling only 35 million, it is also one of the least-densely populated countries on earth.
 
The land that is now Canada has been inhabited for thousands of years by various native groups.  Beginning in the late 1400s, British and French colonial expeditions explored, and later settled, the region’s Atlantic coast, but following the French and Indian War, the French ceded most of its territory in North America to the British.
 
Today Canada is a modern and very wealthy nation, largely due to the vast abundance of natural resources in the country.   Also contributing to the country’s success is its excellent system of education, including higher education, with universities that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.
 
Criminology Education in Canada
 
As a program of study, Criminology is offered by a good majority of Canada’s colleges and universities, mostly at the undergraduate (Bachelor degree) and graduate (Master’s degree) level, but there are also a small number of Doctorate or post-graduate programs for students who wish to continue their education after earning their Master’s Degree.
 
Officially considered a branch of Sociology, Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals.  The discipline examines many facets of criminal behavior, and delves into the various factors that tend to make people turn to crime.  Criminologists study the social and genetic aspects of criminal behavior and research specific unlawful incidents and the motives behind them.  Students will learn about the various consequences of crime, not just for the criminal, but for society as a whole. 
 
In essence, criminologists study crime as if it was a disease (etiology), and students learn to analyze the various methods that will lead to its prevention and treatment.  Some courses focus on aspects such as the social and governmental regulations associated with criminal behavior, and the manner in which society reacts to crime.  By doing so, students gain a clearer picture of the laws that govern crime, both in their country and throughout the world, and the various responsibilities of the individuals charged with enforcing those laws.  
 
Other disciplines that contain or work alongside criminology are sociology, psychology, law, and statistics. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Criminology is the first and best step towards pursuing a career in this highly rewarding and fast-paced field.
 
Why Study in Canada
 
Canada has an excellent higher education system, a dynamic and friendly multicultural population and delicious international cuisine.  The major metropolitan areas of Canada, where most of the universities are located, are much like that of other developed nations, particularly the United States, in that they offer scores of things to do and see for people of all ages.  Cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, for example, are bursting with historical and cultural sites and venues, ranging from landmarks to museums to galleries.  For those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere, Canada is a particularly good choice as a study abroad locale, as it offers miles of peaceful mountain trails, spacious coastline and pristine forests, some of which have never been touched by humans.
 
Below are just a few of the places students can venture when taking a well-deserved break from their studies.
 
Québec
 
The province of Québec offers visitors a scenic delight and boasts two cities that rank among Canada’s best:  Québec City and Montreal
 
Québec City
 
Located on the renowned St. Lawrence River, Québec City is a place of charm, history, and beautiful architecture with a European flair.  Québec City displays its French heritage in a variety of ways and the French language is preferred by the majority of the city's citizens.  Among its many interesting sites and attractions are an Old Town that was recently named a World Heritage Site by the United Nation’s UNESCO division; the Quartier Petit-Champlain, a fanciful neighborhood bordering the Place Royale; the Fortifications of Quebec, featuring several miles of fortifications that once defended the Old Town; and La Citadelle of Quebec - often compared to America's Gibraltar, and a place where visitors can take a guided tour.
 
Montreal 
 
Montreal is a beautiful and very culturally diverse city.  Interestingly, it is the second- largest French speaking city in the world (after Paris); a city that combines old-world charm with a modern infrastructure.  While visiting Montreal, you’ll find plenty of fun and interesting places to visit, including the picturesque neighborhood known as Plateau Mont-Royal; the Montreal Museum of Fine Art; the Park Olympique built for the 1976 Summer Olympics; and the impressive Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. 

Alberta

If your studies happen to take you to the beautiful province of Alberta, you simply must explore some of the wonderful natural treasures located there, including Banff National Park and Lake Louise.
 
Banff National Park and Lake Louise

Banff National Park is a beautiful and peaceful paradise nestled in the vast Canadian Rockies.  During your visit, be sure to take the guided tour, where an experienced park ranger will take you through miles of winding trails that showcase some of the park’s natural flora and wildlife. Banff National Park is also home to a number of beautiful lakes and streams, but perhaps none is as impressive or famous as Lake Louise.  Lake Louise is considered one of the most gorgeous lakes in the world, and one of Canada's most popular attractions.  There you’ll find pristine campsites and plenty of activities to keep you busy, including boating, fishing, skiing and whitewater rafting.