Sociology and Criminology

Graphic from above showing people walking and biking down a boulevard with their shadows in profile
Graphic from above showing people walking and biking down a boulevard with their shadows in profile

The Department of Sociology offers degrees in criminology and sociology. We are among the top-ranked sociology and criminology programs in Canada, and among the top 100 in the world. Our faculty are renowned scholars and inspiring teachers. These degrees prepare students for a highly competitive job market by providing essential skills in research methods as well as knowledge about challenges facing modern societies.

  • #2

    Our Criminology Programs are Ranked #2 in Canada.

  • 1100+

    The most popular minor in the Faculty of Arts with the largest number of registrations.

  • 800+

    The second largest number of Majors in the Faculty of Arts

Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Our programs equip you with the analytical, research and communication skills that employers value. An undergraduate degree in sociology or criminology can help you direct your talents, ambition and energy to make a positive difference in the world.

Graduate Programs

One, two, and four years programs with part-time options. Numerous funding opportunities including scholarships as well as research and teaching assistants. Explore the social dimensions of our world, investigate pressing social issues, and develop important research skills.

Criminology

Learn about some of the most pressing challenges facing our society. Includes the option of a unique placement program that facilitates direct engagement with criminal justice organizations and institutions.

Program Areas

News + Events

Congrats to our colleague at Campus St. Jean!

Valérie Lapointe Gagnon elected to prestigious Royal Society of Canada College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Learn More

Certificate

Logo for Certificate in Applied Social Science Research

Department News

Society and Culture

$3.4M in trespass tickets issued on Edmonton transit system to those with no fixed address in 2025, data shows

Temitope Oriola says ticketing is the wrong approach given those with no fixed address are often the most marginalized people in the city.

Society and Culture

AI in universities: the case against

PhD students Ping Lam Ip and Andrea DeKeseredy argue generative AI has no place in higher education.

Society and Culture

Alberta’s disability benefit overhaul shifts more economic risk onto people with disabilities

Alberta’s move to shift disability recipients onto a lower-paying, employment-focused benefit assumes people can make up the difference through work, savings or family. Research suggests few can.

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