Criminal Justice and Public Policy MA
Want to shape the future of criminal justice?
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Public Policy (CJPP) at the University of Guelph is more than just a graduate degree – it's your launchpad to a meaningful career where you can drive change, influence policy, and lead reform across the criminal justice sector.
Why choose the CJPP program at U of G? Unlike traditional criminology degrees, the CJPP MA blends theory, practice, and policy. You'll explore the most pressing and complex issues in today's criminal justice landscape – from wrongful convictions to systemic reform – through multiple lenses: criminology, sociology, political science, and law.
Don't just study criminal justice. Shape it.
Considering Grad School? Join Us on November 6!
We're hosting a Virtual Graduate School Information Night on Wednesday, November 6 at 5:30 PM, eastern time.
Whether you're actively preparing to apply or just exploring your options, this is your chance to:
- Meet faculty and current students
- Learn about the CJPP MA program and application process
- Get your questions answered in real time
Everyone welcome — no commitment required.
Two Pathways to Fit Your Goals
Course-Based
10 Months
Fast-track your career with a focused curriculum and an experiential learning capstone.
Thesis-Based
16-24 Months
Deepen your research expertise on specific criminal justice issues to prepare for advanced academic and career positions.
Program Format and Courses
Our graduate program in Criminal Justice and Public Policy is delivered in-person at the University of Guelph's main campus.
In the course-based stream, you'll complete these courses over 10 months from September to June:
- Governing Criminal Justice
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Society, Crime and Control
- Professional Seminar in CJPP
- Current Issues in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice and Public Policy in Practice
- 2 elective courses
Check out the CJPP course descriptions to learn more.
In the thesis stream, you'll complete these components over 16-24 months, starting in September:
- Governing Criminal Justice
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Society, Crime and Control
- Professional Seminar in CJPP
- Thesis
Check out the CJPP course descriptions to learn more.
Learn from Experts
Join a vibrant academic community with 20+ faculty members leading cutting-edge research in criminal justice, governance, and policy.
You'll gain mentorship from scholars who are actively shaping national and international conversations.
Our faculty have expertise in areas like drug policy, gender-based violence, policing, bail, cyber-bullying, racial justice, restorative and transitional justice, judicial process, and more.
Learn from Professionals
The CJPP program exposes you to opportunities to engage directly with the justice system, learning from professionals working in the field as well as people with lived experience of the system.
- Truscott Lecture in Justice – learn from professionals shining a light on the Canadian criminal justice system.
- Criminal Justice in Practice – meet professionals working on the front lines of policing, corrections, legal advocacy, and policy.
- Wrongful Conviction Day – explore real-world cases and justice reform.
- Career Development Events – network with alumni, discover diverse career paths, and build your future.
Where Can a CJPP MA Take You?
The MA program will give you a deep understanding of crime, justice, equity, and governance. Graduates are also equipped with in-demand skills in research, analysis, communication, and policy writing, along with real-world experience and professional networks.
Our graduates are leaders and changemakers across the justice sector, working in:
- Community and social services (mental health and addictions)
- Policing (front-line and civilian roles)
- Law and legal advocacy
- Corrections and rehabilitation
- Border services and immigration
- Policy analysis and government consulting
- NGOs, research institutes, and think tanks
- Courthouse staff positions
Meet our Students
My research project explores the unique incarceration experiences of Indigenous Canadians in correctional institutions. I am especially interested in looking at access to healthcare in the prison system.
My research interests include victimology, restorative justice, and gender-based violence. Specifically, I am interested in exploring survivors of gender-based violence and their perceptions on the suitability of restorative justice.
Applying to Criminal Justice and Public Policy
Admission to CJPP is competitive. We consider applicants who meet the following minimum requirements:
- Honours bachelor's degree in a social science or humanities program, with:
- A minimum B+ average (77-79%) in the last two years of study
- At least 5 criminology and/or public policy undergraduate courses
Note:
- Applicants with an undergraduate major in sociology, criminology or political science are preferred.
- Applicants are expected to have secured a faculty advisor before applying to the thesis stream of the program.
- Requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30 of the entrance year.
See the guide on applying to the CJPP MA.
Visit the Student Financial Services website for full details on domestic and international tuition per semester.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for external scholarships in the fall of the year before entering the program. External award opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Applicants can also browse scholarships available to graduate students in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.
Learn more about funding your graduate studies.
Get in Touch
Questions about the graduate program in Criminal Justice and Public Policy? Contact:
Renée Tavascia
Graduate Program Assistant
Email: cjppgrad@uoguelph.ca