Criminology (field placement)

Students in the Field Placement Stream have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a work environment through two field placements with criminal justice system agencies. The field placement component of the degree requires students to work two days a week for ten weeks with a criminal justice system or related agency. In addition to gaining work experience students are expected to produce a major research paper based on the practicum experience, working closely with a criminology professor, who provides guidance and support during the process. The final two years of the program must include the successful completion of SOC 399 and SOC 499. Students must obtain a minimum grade of B- in each component of SOC 399 and SOC 499 or repeat the entire course. These courses are required as part of the principal subject of concentration and will involve supervised work experience.

Students interested in the Field Placement Stream should review the Criminology Handbook before applying to the Department of Sociology.

Application deadline: December 1

You must first apply to the Criminology program, once accepted; you would then apply to the competitive Field Placement Stream.

Note: Admission directly from high school is NOT permitted to the Field Placement Stream. Students may apply annually to compete for available Field Placement Stream spots. 

Applying to the Field Placement Stream:

• Must have completed ★15 transferable university credits
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the most recently completed ★15 transferable university credits as of the end of the Fall term, and
• Complete an online applicationby March 1 to the Criminology Program (if not already in the program)
• Submit an electronic copy of the following to criminology@ualberta.ca by the annual December 1 

Resume: To be tailored to your suitability to the program and to working in the criminal justice system. Highlight relevant work/volunteer experience. If your work/volunteer experience is not directly related to the criminal justice system, highlight valuable experience (e.g., leadership, organizational skills, working with youth, etc.) The strongest applicants show an interest in criminology and the criminal justice system and community by demonstrating work and/or volunteer experience related to the field.

Cover Letter/Statement of Career Objectives (1-2 pages): The written statement of career objectives, indicating areas of interest can be similar to a cover letter. Highlight your motivations for applying to the program; suggest what your career objectives may be and how the BA (Criminology) program can help you attain these goals. Describe your suitability for the program and for working in the criminal justice system. Tell us why you want to be a BA Criminology student!

The Criminology Program Advisor and Field Placement Coordinator will contact each eligible Field Placement Stream applicant to arrange an admission interview for the Field Placement Stream.

Applications will be adjudicated by March 1 annually for placements to start in the following academic year.

Requirements:

Information on requirements for the Field Placement stream can be found in the University of Alberta Academic Calendar where you can find detailed information about your program structure and course requirements.

Course Requirements: