Directors Message
Director’s welcome:
Welcome to the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice!
The Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice (ICCJ) at Carleton University offers an engaging and rigorous education focused on critically analyzing crime, criminalization, social control, punishment, and (in)justice.
Drawing on fields of study such as sociology, law, psychology, history, sexuality, gender, surveillance, technology, critical race, and Indigenous studies, among others, the ICCJ’s award winning core faculty, cross-appointed faculty and contract instructors equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to address some of the most pressing issues related to human behavior, social systems, and relations of power. Our courses and research expertise include, but are not limited to, topics such as penal abolitionism, correctional healing, biocriminology, digital criminology, policing, surveillance, disability justice, state securitization, Artificial Intelligence, emerging sexual technologies and “sex crime”, criminalization and public health, Indigenous resistance, the criminalization of Sixties Scoop Survivors, state and white collar crime, and “crimmigration”.
Our program combines various theoretical and methodological traditions with experiential learning opportunities to ensure that you develop the knowledge, analytical abilities, ethical judgment, and practical skills necessary for personal growth and success in careers that meaningfully contribute to society.
One of the many advantages of studying criminology at Carleton is our location in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. This proximity allows our students to benefit from unique field placement opportunities with various federal agencies and actors, private legal practices, and community organizations engaged in social justice and equity work.
Our Institute is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to question, collaborate, and innovate. Our two student groups—The Criminology and Criminal Justice Society and the ICCJ BIPOC Caucus—offer community, networking opportunities, resources, as well as events and expeditions. Our new student-created and student-run undergraduate criminology journal Crime and Ethos, showcases the high quality of our students’ academic work while also contributing to the broader criminology community.
I invite you to take advantage of the resources, opportunities, and mentorship available to you at the ICCJ. Please browse our website for information on our courses, our award-winning research, as well as our knowledgeable staff. Our dedicated team looks forward to working with you over the coming years.
Lara Karaian, PhD
Director, Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice