A statue of a woman representing justice holding a set of scales.

Criminal Justice and Public Policy

Why Criminal Justice and Public Policy?

How do central criminal justice institutions and processes of government, like policymaking, civic engagement and the overall legal system, work and operate? What improvements can be made to pre-existing systems to create more just procedures and outcomes?

Learn about real-world public policy and its effect on the Canadian criminal justice system and graduate with a critical understanding of political and social issues while building a solid foundation for a career or further studies in law, policy and justice.

The Criminal Justice and Public Policy program offers a unique blend of sociological and political science courses that investigate criminal justice systems nationally and beyond, public policy formulation and implementation and challenges surrounding the attainment of justice for all.

Students in the CJPP program may also be interested in studying Justice and Legal Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or other majors.

To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our 2023-2024 Academic Calendar.

Investigate the Causes of Crime and the Impact of Public Policy

 Build Your Career Foundation

Get equipped with a unique blend of sociological courses dealing with the criminal justice system, in-depth courses in political science and optional co-op experience.

 Gain Hands-On, Multidisciplinary Experience

Apply theories related to the practices and policies of the criminal justice system and its major institutions from multidisciplinary perspectives, while learning from the experts.

 Go Beyond the Classroom

Gain a detailed understanding of how criminal justice policies are embedded in legal, political, social, and economic contexts — locally, nationally and transnationally.

Criminal Justice and Public Policy Graduate Career Outcomes

The fields of policy, politics and criminal justice in Canadian contemporary society are ever changing and demand constant adaptation in order to better serve society and humanity at large. As a graduate of the CJPP program at the University of Guelph, you will build a solid foundation for a career that drives an impact in the criminal justice system.

 Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

  • Lawyer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Police Officer
  • Social Services
  • Legal Professional
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Conflict Mediator
Paige Saunders
I really liked it because it was so interdisciplinary. It kind of touched on criminology and it touched on politics and in upper years, you got to do philosophy and psychology. So all of it really intrigued me, and I do want to go to law school afterwards. So they really spoke to my interests and they were very well rounded courses, too. So, you know I had options to explore and I really liked that.

Paige Saunders
Criminal Justice and Public Policy
Watch Paige's video

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