COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology program at Vancouver Island University offers a comprehensive four-year degree that prepares students for diverse careers in the justice system. In Year 1, students are introduced to the fundamentals of criminology, psychology, sociology, law, and philosophy, along with meeting English requirements. Year 2 builds on this foundation with courses in deviance, criminal law, research methods, and statistics, while also requiring studies in Indigenous issues and electives. Upon completing 60 credits, students may qualify for a Criminology Diploma. Year 3 emphasizes advanced criminological theory, trauma and resilience, law and society, and both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with flexibility to pursue electives including upper-level courses. In the final year, students take advanced courses such as Law and Human Rights and choose between a capstone field placement (CRIM 475) or a research-focused capstone (CRIM 473 and CRIM 476). They also select from specialized topics such as terrorism, environmental law, charter issues, and restorative justice. The program concludes with upper-level electives, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration and practical application. With a strong blend of academic theory, applied learning, and field experience, the Criminology degree at VIU equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the criminal justice sector and related fields.