
Why criminology?
Why study in criminology?
Few issues attract more public attention and generate more public debate than those involving crime and victimization. Unfortunately, these debates are too often based on emotion rather that on the best available information.
Criminology is the study of crime, criminalization and processes of social control. Criminology is also an applied discipline. As such, it studies interventions that help resolve conflicts and problems in society.
Through your courses, you will become acquainted with:
- the nature and dynamics of rule-breaking
- how norms and the concept of crime are constructed socially
- the criminalization of various acts by society
- how the penal justice system operates and how its operation ultimately affects society
- new intervention methods for individuals and communities
Our overall objective is to provide students with the concepts, theories and methods necessary for a better understanding of the realities of crime and control, and with the practical skills that will allow them to participate and to, hopefully, make a difference in these areas.

Contact us
Department of Criminology
Faculty of Social Sciences
120 University Private
Social Sciences Building
Room 14002
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
Map
Tel.: 613-562-5754
Office hours
Monday to Friday
8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)
Note
Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic our services and our personnel are also available by MS Teams and by email.
The Social Sciences (FSS) and Vanier (VNR) buildings will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Thank you for your patience and collaboration.