How to Apply to the Master of Criminal Justice

Log into or create an account for the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) to begin the initial online application for the University of Guelph.

Read and follow the instructions in the OUAC application very carefully.

From the program list, select Master of Criminal Justice.

If you are applying to multiple programs, add the additional program(s) from the program list.

You do not need to complete the Statement of Academic Intent or Professional Background sections within OUAC.

You have the option of ordering official (sealed) transcripts through OUAC for a fee. This is not required as we accept unofficial transcripts uploaded to WebAdvisor in Step 2.

An official copy of your transcript is only required if you accept an offer of admission.

If your first language is not English and this will be your first time completing a degree in the English language, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test.

If your first language is not English but you have completed prior post-secondary studies in English, contact csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca to see if you are eligible to have the test requirement waived.

Provide contact information for two referees. An email is automatically sent to the referee listed, so ensure that you have entered the correct email address.

Your referees can be academic or professional. Professional referees may select "Unable to Judge" for questions that focus on academic performance. See the FAQ for guidelines on requesting references.

Please note that references are due on the Supplemental Documents Deadline listed above, so ensure you give your referee plenty of time to prepare and complete your reference.

After entering and verifying all required information, complete the application fee payment.

A non-refundable application fee of $125 CAD is required for each program/field you apply to.

Upload an unofficial transcript for each university you have attended.

An official copy of your transcript is only required if you accept an offer of admission.

Transcripts requested through OUAC will be automatically uploaded to your account. If you request an official transcript through OUAC, do not upload an unofficial copy of the same transcript to WebAdvisor.

Upload your resume to "Resume/CV."

Ensure all your relevant academic, employment, volunteer, and research experience is listed and described in detail.

Write a 2-3 page statement of interest outlining your professional goals, alignment with the program's objectives, and readiness for graduate study.

If you are applying as an experienced professional, be sure to include evidence of professional development, leadership responsibilities, policy or program-related work, or other applied experience relevant to the field.

Upload your completed document to "Statement of Interest/Research."

The Master of Criminal Justice was designed after extensive interviews with professionals in the field, who identified their need for a workforce with advanced skills in areas like business communication, conflict resolution, mental health literacy, data analysis, and leadership readiness.

This program builds on the University of Guelph's well-established course of study in criminal justice and public policy, taught by faculty with expertise across the breadth of criminology. MCJ also offers education and mentorship from criminal justice system practitioners that are working in the community today.

While other programs may focus on public safety more broadly, MCJ is explicitly centered on criminal justice institutions and processes, including courts, policing, community supervision, and criminal justice policy and administration. The program's training will prepare you to lead in organizations, translate evidence into policy, and manage complex criminal justice contexts.

Even though the MCJ program has no required in-person components, we're committed to fostering a sense of belonging for our students. As an MCJ student, you'll be part of a small cohort and will be learning from faculty who get to know you and your goals through frequent check-ins.

You'll also be supported by your learning community of peers and you'll be invited to community events like Wrongful Conviction Day and our Criminal Justice in Practice lecture series.

Our master of arts program in Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) emphasizes the academic study of criminology and criminal justice policy. It offers students the opportunity to write a thesis that addresses an original research question. It's best for students who want to dive deep into theory and potentially pursue a PhD. The MA in CJPP is also an in-person and full-time only program.

The Master of Criminal Justice is all about developing professional skills through the practical application of knowledge. The online format is designed to give maximum flexibility to professionals working in the criminal justice sector. MCJ is best for students who want to focus on leadership-ready competencies like teamwork, evidence-based decision-making, and program evaluation.

Calculate your admission average using your grades from the final two years of full-time equivalent study (4-6 semesters) of your undergraduate degree.

For the typical bachelor's degree, this will be 20 courses, but you'll need a minimum of 16 courses in your calculation. If you took a double weight course, that grade is counted twice.

You must also include the grade from each course you completed in a given semester (i.e., do not split a semester). If you failed a course, do not include it in your calculation. If you repeated a course, only take the higher grade.

If your transcript uses letter grades, look up your university's grading scale and convert the letters to percentage grades. If the grading scale provides a range of percentage values, use the midpoint of the range.

For example, at the University of Guelph, a B grade equates to 73-76%, so you would use 74.5% in your calculation. Keep in mind that the conversion may be different at other universities.

Consider using a GPA calculator tool like Scholaro for assistance.

When you apply, we recalculate your average, so don't worry if your self-declared average isn't perfectly accurate.

Yes. If you are still completing your undergraduate degree, calculate your admission average using the most recent final grades available.

You may be admitted to the program on the condition that you complete all requirements for your undergraduate degree by April 30 of the entrance year.

The MCJ is a course-based master's program, and most PhD programs require that you have completed a master's thesis in a research-based program.

If you want to complete a PhD, check the admission requirements of the program that interests you.

References are a critical component of any application to graduate school. The following guidelines will help you through the process:

• Request references early. Allow at least three weeks for your referee to complete the form. Keep in mind that the form is sent directly to your referee's email address when you submit your OUAC application.
• Prepare your referee with information that will help them complete the form. Share your draft Statement of Interest with them. You can remind them of your key strengths and accomplishments that they can attest to.
• Choose academic referees carefully. Consider approaching professors who have taught you in senior-level courses and ask if they can provide you with a strong reference. References from non-professors such as teaching assistants, research supervisors, and college instructors are also acceptable.
• Inform your referee of the application deadline and ask them to confirm that they have completed your reference.

Applications will be reviewed and offers will be extended on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. We will review all applications that meet minimum admission requirements.

If you are a successful applicant, we will notify you that we are recommending you for admission.