What Can You Do with a Criminology Degree? Explore Pathways to Law, Graduate Studies, Business and Co-op!

Choose a pathway and start building your future from day one at Laurer.

Whether you're preparing for law school, pursuing graduate studies, exploring business leadership through an MBA or gaining hands-on experience through Laurier's newest co-op, our Criminology program opens many roads to successful careers for our students.

Criminology isn't a destination. It's a launchpad that combines experiential opportunities, co-op experiences and pathways to law school, graduate studies and business leadership. Depending on your career goals, you can choose a pathway and design the course of your education from day one. At Laurier, there are several pathways for you to consider.

Pathway #1: Law school (BA + LLB)

If you're considering a career in law, Laurier offers a pathway to a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. This accelerated option can be completed in as little as six years, providing a strong foundation for careers in legal practice, public service, advocacy and beyond. Following graduation, many students complete the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process, articling placements and licencing required to become a lawyer in Canada.

Career options: lawyer, policy analyst, global business development

Pathway #2: Graduate studies (BA + MA)

In just five years, you can earn a Criminology Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) from Laurier. This unique pathway is designed to provide advanced training in criminology and criminal justice, along with the critical research and analytical skills needed for doctoral studies and future academic or professional success. Apply once to receive conditional admission to both degrees and transition seamlessly from your undergraduate studies right into your master's degree at Laurier.

Career options: child protection worker, addictions counsellor, policy advisor

Pathway #3: MBA and business careers

Prepare for graduate business studies from the day you start the Criminology program. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) pathway is designed for students looking for deep insight into legal frameworks, human behaviour and crime prevention while also looking to develop core business leadership, risk management and strategic operations skills. In this pathway, you'll develop an in-depth understanding of the societal and individual impacts of crime before completing your MBA at the AACSB-Accredited Lazaridis School of Business and Economics (LSBE).

Career options: start-up founder, human resources manager, project manager

New co-op opportunities in Criminology

Laurier's Criminology co-op, launching Fall 2027, will give you the opportunity to “earn while you learn” by applying classroom concepts in professional settings. Along the way you can explore potential career paths, gain valuable experience and discover opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

“Employers return year after year because they recognize the value, professionalism, and contributions of Laurier co-op students in the workplace. Our new Criminology Co-op will provide students with opportunities to gain relevant work experience, apply their learning in real-world settings and explore career pathways across the public, private and community sectors.” – Colleen Myronick, Executive Director, Experiential Learning & Career Development

Choose your path at Laurier

The dynamic Criminology program at Laurier empowers students to shape their own future and pursue the career path that inspires them most. Through personalized support, expert faculty guidance and small class sizes, Laurier's Golden Hawks develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed wherever their ambitions lead, whether that's a law degree, an MBA, graduate studies or another meaningful career.