Forensics and criminology have become fascinating fields thanks to the abundance of crime and legal television dramas in our media. Criminal profilers and forensic psychologists became iconic through books, films, TV dramas, and podcasts such as The Bone Collector, The Silence of the Lambs, CSI, and Morbid. But what does it mean to work in one of these seemingly cryptic fields that use science, technology, and innovation to bring criminals to justice?
If this career piques your interest, you might like to know that there are a growing number of undergraduate programs across Canada teaching students how to use scientific research and insights into human and social behaviour not only to bring criminals to justice but also to improve society and make the legal system work for all citizens.
The areas of study within this diverse field can generally be divided into three main categories: forensic science, forensic psychology, and criminology/criminal justice. Here’s a quick glimpse into these different areas and what programs you might consider.
Forensic science
This field is for those interested in studying and working in the sciences and applying science and the scientific method to the judicial system.
Here in BC, UBC and BCIT have teamed up to offer an Honours BSc degree in Biochemistry and Forensic Science↗️ where students study at both institutions. With a primary focus on hands-on work in a laboratory setting, students hone important critical thinking and analytical skills, conducting both academic and applied research, as well as forensic testing, all while learning to communicate their results effectively.
Other programs in Ontario allow students to focus on other science specialties within forensic science, such as Ontario Tech University’s program,↗️ which offers students a specialty in forensic biology, chemistry, or physics with the option of adding a fifth year of business and management courses↗️.
Forensic psychology
This is the application of psychological research and study to the legal arena, most notably the psychological assessment of individuals involved with the legal system.
This is a more narrow field with only three notable full degree options in eastern Canada, including St. Francis Xavier’s direct-entry BA or BSc program in Applied Forensic Psychology↗️ that includes 80+ hours of practicum experience working with professionals and members of vulnerable populations. Alternatively, Carleton↗️ and Wilfrid Laurier↗️ offer a concentration in forensic psychology within their psychology and criminology majors, respectively.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
These programs involve studying crime from a social viewpoint, looking into the questions of why, where, and how crime occurs; who commits crimes; what are the effects on victims and society; how do social structures influence crime; and who has what kind of access to the justice system.
These programs are more varied and diverse, from SFU’s School of Criminology↗️, which offers double major and minor options with other fields such as Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies and minors in legal studies and police studies to Brock University’s BA in Critical Criminology↗️ that “exposes students to criminology in the broader context of theories of justice and equity.” Other options include the University of Calgary, which offers a concentration in criminology, deviance, and social control within the Sociology BA↗️ as well as a BA in Law and Society↗️ that focuses on the ways the legal system is “woven into communities.”
Many of these programs offer co-op and study abroad opportunities providing ample space for hands-on work and research. You will likely learn that working in the criminal justice system might not compare with the levels of drama and resolution you find on TV, but being a part of this important work can be satisfying and meaningful.
Our consultants are here to help you navigate your interests and goals and find the right program fit. Contact us↗️ today to book an appointment.
