criminology involves the scientific analysis of crime, of the criminalization process, and of social control. criminology is also an applied discipline in which students explore various forms of intervention to help resolve problems and conflicts. it focuses on five broad phenomena: the nature and dynamics of behavior that contravenes social norms; the social construction of norms and of the notion of crime; the criminalization of specific behaviors; individuals and groups in social relations; the goals and workings of the criminal justice system; and contemporary forms of intervention.

the institute of feminist and gender studies offers students exciting interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs that explore women, gender and feminisms. university of ottawa’s teaching and research deal with hot button issues such as globalization, transnationalism, sexualities, colonialism and racism. courses blend scientific, theoretical and practical knowledge that contributes toward intellectual development and collective efforts for social justice.