Aboriginal Justice & Criminology
Explore the relationship between Aboriginal people and the criminal justice system. Gain valuable work experience through practicum placements in the areas of policing, courts, corrections and community-based justice agencies. Prepare for a career in criminal justice. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose the Department of Sociology's Aboriginal Justice & Criminology Program at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Aboriginal Justice & Criminology?
Aboriginal people are over-represented in Canada’s criminal justice system, both as those accused of crimes and those who have been convicted. They are also under-represented as those employed in the system. Aboriginal Justice & Criminology explores the impact of discrimination on the lives of Aboriginal men, women and youth and studies the steps that Aboriginal communities are taking to reclaim their justice practices and stop the continued over-representation of their citizens in the Canadian criminal justice system.
A Stepping Stone...
A degree in Sociology with Aboriginal Justice & Criminology prepares students for a career in criminal justice. Students are also encouraged to develop their research skills, and graduates may advance to degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in Sociology or a Bachelor of Laws.
Career Opportunities
Aboriginal Justice & Criminology provides students with rigorous academic training and practical experiences working within the justice system. The goal is to end the under-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice work force.
Graduates work in prisons, jails, healing lodges, parole offices, police services and community service agencies. Some graduates return to their communities to further empower Aboriginal governments, while others secure employment in many of the diverse areas of the criminal and social justice systems.
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan has more students of Aboriginal ancestry than any other Canadian university. Furthermore, the Aboriginal Justice & Criminology program at the U of S is the only program of its kind in North America. It is a departmental program where students and faculty develop close relationships.
| "Opportunities such as the New Zealand practicum placement have greatly enhanced my understanding of curriculum. New Zealand and Canada share the same or very similar issues when it comes to Aboriginal issues and initiatives." | Dwight Bird, Fourth-year Student |
Choose Your Program!
The Aboriginal Justice & Criminology program assists students in gaining valuable work experience through practicum placements in a variety of justice agencies. Practicum placements provide students with actual work experience in the areas of policing, courts, corrections and community-based justice agencies. Only Aboriginal students may enrol in the practicum classes, and the Department of Sociology holds an exemption from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to limit enrolment.
Students enrolled in the program will learn about theoretical perspectives on race and ethnicity, social research, sociological theory, criminology and justice in Aboriginal communities.
A Major in Sociology with an Aboriginal Justice & Criminology Distinction
Students majoring in Sociology with a minor in Aboriginal Justice & Criminology can choose to complete one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Three-year
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
Getting Involved!
Mentorship and student support are clear departmental goals. The Aboriginal Justice & Criminology program hosts a number of events for students during the academic year, such as potlucks with faculty and staff.
Related Interests
If you are interested in Aboriginal Justice & Criminology, you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
For more information available online for Aboriginal Justice & Criminology:
