Criminal Justice
The Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice provides opportunities for graduate training in theory, methods, and research. The areas covered include, but are not limited to, policing, corrections, social services, and policy development.
See our website for more information on our program: uwinnipeg.ca/criminal-justice/graduate-program-and-courses
Applications for any given September start are open for three months, from November 1 of the preceding year until February 1 of the start year. We do not have a January intake.
Because of its flexibility and options for practical and applied studies, the MA in Criminal Justice will appeal to both traditional students pursuing advanced studies in the social sciences as well as in-service professionals.
Students in the program gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, as well as advanced skills in research methodology, study design and application, and policy development.
Students can pursue one of two streams:
- course and thesis; or
- course and knowledge synthesis project (KSP).
This program may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The normal time to graduate is 24 months (full-time) or 48 months (part-time).
Admission Requirements
Applicants who hold an Honours degree in a related social science discipline (e.g., Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Political Science) with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 are preferred candidates.
Applicants with a 4-year social science degree, strong backgrounds in theory and methods and a GPA of 3.0 or higher will also be considered. Students without a strong background in criminology or criminal justice, or without coursework at a 4th-year level, may be asked to take additional courses or complete a qualifying year.
Individuals with 5 or more years of experience at the line level in the justice field (police officer, probation officer) may be given credit for CJ-3800(6) Field Placement in a qualifying year. There may be other professional experiences that can be considered. NOTE: Applicants who do not have social science degrees must demonstrate in their applications the potential to succeed in a social science graduate program.
For this program, the English Requirement (if an applicant’s first language is not English) is: A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100, with a minimum score of 22 on the writing/speaking components, an IELTS score of 7.5, or Duolingo score of 125.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form: uwinnipeg.ca/apply-to-grad-studies
- Transcripts are required from ALL recognized, post-secondary institutions attended, whether or not a degree has been awarded. For initial assessment purposes only, copies of unofficial transcripts uploaded on the online application are acceptable and preferred. Official transcripts will only be required if you are recommended for admission. All official transcripts are to be sent directly from the post-secondary institutions. If the final transcript does not show a completed degree, an official/notarized copy of your diploma is also required.
- Provide contact information for 2 individuals familiar with your academic work and who will provide letters of recommendation.
- Provide a narrative statement (1800 characters or less, including spaces) describing your reasons for applying to this program. If applicable, attach your curriculum vitae or résumé.
- In 3000 characters or less (including spaces), and based on the stream to which you are applying, concisely outline i) the KSP or thesis topic you would like to pursue, ii) brief summary of key literature that informed your topic choice, iii) your research question(s), iv) your proposed method, and v) which faculty member(s) you would like to work with. This is a key part of your application, so we encourage applicants to give these research proposals careful attention.
- (Optional) In 1800 characters or less (including spaces), you may include additional relevant information for the selection committee’s consideration that is not already in your application.
- Include an academic writing sample from a previous course (e.g. paper in an upper-year course).
- If applicable, provide results of English proficiency test, taken within two years of the date of application.
The deadline to submit a complete application package, including all supporting documents is February 1.
Program Contacts
Dr. Katharina Maier
phone: 204.786.9870
email: k.maier@uwinnipeg.ca
Graduate Studies Admissions Office
email: graduateadmissions@uwinnipeg.ca
website: uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this webpage differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
Program Contacts
Dr. Katharina Maier
phone: 204.786.9870
email: k.maier@uwinnipeg.ca
website: uwinnipeg.ca/criminal-justice/graduate-program-and-courses/
Graduate Studies Contacts
Graduate Studies Admissions Office
email: graduateadmissions@uwinnipeg.ca
website: uwinnipeg.ca/graduate-studies
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this fact sheet differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
Last Updated: 06/16/2025
Last Updated: 06/16/2025