Forensic Psychology

General information

The Forensic Psychology program at UOIT prepares students for leadership roles in the interface between Psychology and Law. The Forensic Psychology program combines disciplinary study in Psychology, specialized study in Forensic Psychology, study in related fields at UOIT, and applied learning experiences to prepare students to work in a variety of settings and for post-secondary study in fields associated with Forensic Psychology.

The first and second years of study are common to all Forensic Psychology students. In the third and fourth years, students develop unique knowledge bases and skills through carefully selected elective coursework in Forensic Psychology and related disciplines and applied learning experiences.

Admissions requirements

Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). It is recommended that Biology (SBI4U) and one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U) be taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions  for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

Practicum

A limited number of fourth year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments. The Pre-Practicum course commences in the winter of third year. As part of the Pre-Practicum, students will be expected to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information please refer to the course descriptions for SSCI 3098U  and SSCI 4098U .

Program details and degree requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Forensic Psychology, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours, including all courses outlined in the following program map. Each year prior to course registration the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.

Year 1 (30 credit hours)

• One general elective (recommended elective: ALSU 1101U )
• BIOL 1841U – Essentials of Biology
• COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication Studies
• CRMN 1000U – Introduction to Criminal Justice
• FSCI 1010U – Introductory Forensic Science
• LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
• POSC 1000U – Introduction to Political Science
• PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology
• SOCI 1000U – Introductory Sociology
• SSCI 1910U – Writing for the Social Sciences

Year 2 (30 credit hours)

• Two general electives
• PSYC 2010U – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 2020U – Social Psychology
• PSYC 2030U – Abnormal Psychology
• PSYC 2050U – Brain and Behaviour
• PSYC 2060U – Cognitive Psychology
• PSYC 3210U – Forensic Psychology
• SSCI 2900U – Research Methods
• SSCI 2910U – Data Analysis

Year 3 (30 credit hours)

• Four Forensic Psychology electives*
• Three FSSH electives**
• Two general electives
• SSCI 3910U – Advanced Data Analysis

Year 4 (30 credit hours)

• Three FSSH electives**
• Four general electives

• One of:

• PSYC 4101U – Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis I or
• Forensic Psychology elective*

• One of:

• PSYC 4102U – Forensic Psychology Honours Thesis II or
• Forensic Psychology elective*

• One of:

• SSCI 4098U – Practicum or
• Forensic Psychology elective*

*Forensic Psychology electives:

• PSYC 3100U – Directed Laboratory Research (can repeat with no limit but only one per semester)
• PSYC 4050U – Forensic Assessment
• PSYC 3055U – Treatment in Forensic Settings
• PSYC 3060U – Personality Psychology
• PSYC 3310U – Confessions and Interrogations
• PSYC 3320U – Eyewitness Psychology
• PSYC 3400U – Investigative Psychology
• PSYC 3500U – Stereotypes and Prejudice
• PSYC 4820U – Selected Topics in Antisociality
• PSYC 3999U – Special Topics in Forensic Psychology I
• PSYC 4999U – Special Topics in Forensic Psychology II
• SSCI 3039U – Children, Psychology and the Law
• Other courses as approved by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

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  Note: Not all of the listed forensic psychology electives will be offered every year.

**FSSH electives:

Any course offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH).

PSYC 4101U and PSYC 4102U Honours Thesis I and II

In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum B+ and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project.

Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean.

PSYC 3100U Directed Laboratory Research

In order to be considered for the Directed Laboratory Research students must complete an application form at least one week before the beginning of the semester in which they wish to take the course. The course will involve routine contact and communication between the student and faculty member, during which time the research will be planned, goals established and progress tracked. The faculty member will provide ongoing guidance and feedback. Depending upon the nature of the research, students may be engaged in collaborative work with other students, graduate students and/or other faculty. Students who successfully complete the course will gain practical research experience. This course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the course concepts and theories from their courses to actual research projects. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to work as part of a research team. Eligibility to enrol in this course includes successful completion of the course prerequisite and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.