Aboriginal Justice and Criminology (ABJAC) Program
About the Program
This program is for Aboriginal students concerned with issues of social justice and criminology. Graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and concentration in Aboriginal Justice and Criminology. ABJAC students can complete a B.A. 3-year degree, B.A. 4-year degree, or B.A. Honours degree.
ABJAC can accommodate twelve new students each year. New students are encouraged to take the two SOC 100-level courses during the summer prior to their first full year of study to help lighten the regular session load, and to give them an orientation to University life.
Graduates of the program may apply for employment in the criminal justice system directly upon graduation, or may use the program as a step towards advanced degrees such as a Bachelor of Laws, or a Master’s degree in Sociology.
How do I Apply?
First, apply to the College of Arts and Science. After you have been admitted you can apply to the ABJAC program. Students are not usually accepted into the ABJAC program until they have completed their first year of universities studies.
To apply to the College of Arts and Science download the application from the College of Arts & Science website at: www.explore.usask.ca/admission/ or contact the Recruitment and Admissions office at (306)966-5788. Application deadlines are listed on the above website as well.
To apply to the ABJAC program you may download the application from the Sociology website at Department of Sociology; or, on receipt of a telephone request, an application to the ABJAC program will be forwarded to you. The deadline for application to the ABJAC program is March 15th.
Students at the Agency Appreciation Day
Unique Aspects of ABJAC
The ABJAC program was created in 1991 to meet the needs of Aboriginal students interested in justice careers. It is the only program of its kind in North America. What makes the program unique are the two 12-week practicum courses (SOC 313.6 and SOC 314.6) usually taken the summer after the second and third year of the students’ program that allows students to work in justice organizations for course credit. Students attend two orientation days of classes prior to commencing their agency placements. The organizations in which the students may work range from Aboriginal community programs to non-profit advocacy groups to penal institutions. The practicum aspect of the program, combined with its academic focus, provides a sound foundation for Aboriginal students planning a career in the justice field.
Permission has been granted from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to restrict these practicum classes to Aboriginal students only.
Program Requirements
Required courses: SOC 111.3, 112.3, 203.3, 212.3, 219.3, 225.3, 232.3, 233.3, 313.6, 314.6, and six credit units of 100-level English.
Recommended courses: SOC 234.4, 311.3, 312.3, 329.3, 334.3, 341.3, 418.3, 419.3, 439.3. We also recommend that students take Native Studies 105.3 and 106.3.
Students are allowed to take up to 42 credit units in Sociology in the B.A. 3-year program. ABJAC students may also be interested in the interdisciplinary courses in the Indigenous Peoples and Justice Program (IPJP). More information available at: www.usask.ca/ipjp/.
For more information on the College of Arts and Science requirements, course information, or other related matters please see the current General Calendar
Careers in the Field of Criminal Justice
Graduates of the program may apply for employment in the following areas of the justice system:
Parole / Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Youth Outreach Worker, Criminal Investigator, Courtworker, staff at Healing Lodges, Police Officer.
Students have opportunities to learn about addictions, colonization and racism, Aboriginal and treaty rights, successful programs and services for Aboriginal peoples, conflict management and mediation as well as the structure of the Canadian criminal justice system.
Students completing the ABJAC program are not limited to careers in the criminal justice system. Many of our graduates hold management jobs or positions that deal with the rights of Aboriginal Peoples.
For more information, please contact:
Lee Sanders, ABJAC Program Coordinator (Office Hours: Monday & Tuesday 1:00 - 4:00pm)
Department of Sociology
University of Saskatchewan
1014 - 9 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A5
Tel: (306)966-2787
Fax: (306)966-6950
Email: ABJAC.sociology@usask.ca
