Youth, Crime And Justice at Ontario Tech University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-01

Program overview

Within the Youth, Crime and Justice specialization, students will explore youthful offending and victimization, as well as the systems of youth justice in Canada and beyond. The program emphasizes contemporary issues in youth justice and evaluates the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing the needs of young individuals who come into conflict with the law. It critically analyzes criminological and sociological explanations for criminal behavior and examines societal definitions of crime and criminality. This interdisciplinary approach draws from criminology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and law, encouraging students to think about crime and justice in ways that align with principles of fairness, equity, peace, and justice.

Program structure

The Youth, Crime and Justice program is designed to be completed in four or five years, depending on the chosen path. Students can opt for a full-time study load, with classes delivered in-person at Ontario Tech University, located in Downtown Oshawa. The program offers various experiential learning opportunities, including:

Co-op placements
Experiential work terms
Internships
Practicum experiences
Research studies
Undergraduate thesis options

Students can start the program in either September or January, providing flexibility in their academic journey. The co-op option allows students to gain practical experience while earning a steady income, enhancing their employability upon graduation.

Featured Experiences

The Youth, Crime and Justice program offers a variety of unique experiences that enrich the learning process:

Co-op Program: A direct-entry co-op option allows students to apply for full-time, paid positions that provide valuable work experience.
Practicum: A limited number of fourth-year students can engage in a practicum with community organizations, gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Research Opportunities: Students can participate in research studies that contribute to the understanding of youth justice issues.
Internships: Access to over 80 summer internship jobs to apply for, enhancing practical skills and networking.
Fieldwork: The practicum course includes 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, and academic assignments, bridging theory and practice.

Career Options

Graduates of the Youth, Crime and Justice program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Addictions Rehabilitation Counsellor: Support individuals struggling with substance abuse, providing guidance and resources for recovery.
Child and Youth Worker: Work with at-risk youth, offering support and intervention strategies to promote positive development.
Corrections Officer: Oversee individuals in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and rehabilitation efforts are upheld.
Human Rights Advocate: Promote and protect the rights of marginalized groups, working towards social justice and equity.
Policy Analyst: Research and analyze policies related to youth justice, providing recommendations for improvement and reform.

Other potential roles include law enforcement officer, community outreach coordinator, and social services worker, all contributing to the betterment of society and the justice system.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-10-01

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Youth, Crime And Justice program, the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: The specific minimum GPA requirement is not mentioned on the website.

International Students: International students, including those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, must meet the following requirements:

Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma – Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học for Vietnamese students.
Applicants are required to submit both their academic transcript indicating all subjects taken and grades achieved, along with an official copy of their diploma or graduation certificate.
If documents are issued in a language other than English, notarized literal English translations must be provided.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Prerequisite Courses: The website does not specify any prerequisite courses for this program.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If you are from a country where English is not the first language of instruction, you must demonstrate English proficiency to be eligible for admission. You can demonstrate proficiency with one of the following:

Formal full-time study in English

Successfully completing at least three years of formal, full-time study (no less than three academic level courses per semester) at a secondary or post-secondary institution where the language of instruction and examination is English. The minimum three-year requirement does not include time enrolled in an English as a Second Language program or an unapproved English for Academic Purposes program.

English test

Ontario Tech will accept the following English tests with the minimum scores listed. Please note that the test date must be within two years of the desired start date and results must be sent to Ontario Tech Admissions directly from the provider unless they can be verified online.

Cambridge English - Advanced: Minimum score of 180 with no band lower than 170.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum score of 70 with no sub-score below 60.
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 120 (Education and Nursing programs require a total score of 130).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no sub-score less than 6.0 (Education and Nursing programs require an overall score of 7.0).
Oxford ELLT (Digital or Global): Minimum score of 7 (Education and Nursing programs require a score of 8).
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum score of 58.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT (Internet-Based Test): Minimum overall 4.5 with no section score below 4.0. The university's TOEFL code is 7178.

Additional options

Applicants who are following the IB curriculum can satisfy their English language proficiency (ELP) requirements by presenting an IB certificate or diploma with a minimum grade of 4 in IB English A.
Enrolling in an EAP program with one of our partner institutions.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!