General information
The Forensic Psychology program at our university 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 the university, 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.
Admission 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 (SB14U) and one of Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U) is 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, in-class seminars, a set of academic assignments and a major research paper and poster. As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4098U .
Internship
This program offers students who have successfully completed three years of study with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (B average on a 4.3 scale) an opportunity to engage in a work-integrated learning partnership with organizations locally and globally. The internship program not only gives students an opportunity to apply classroom concepts to the challenges of organizational life, but also helps them to gain valuable and relevant work experience to promote networking and life-long career success.
The internship program placement equates to a minimum of 280 hours of paid or unpaid field experience. The intern’s wages, where applicable, are paid by the sponsoring organization over a contracted period. The faculty may provide links to various internship placement opportunities or a student may secure an internship opportunity that meets the criteria as prescribed by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. Successful work placement completion and both a verbal and written final project will result in the intern receiving a mark and three credits toward the Honours Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
Admission to the internship program is competitive. While students are participating in an internship program, they may enrol in up to two additional courses (six credits) per semester. These courses must not interfere with the internship schedule outlined by the employer. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4103U .
Double majors
Students registered in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the university have the opportunity, in most cases, to combine two majors within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities concurrently as a double major (note - some restrictions apply). Double major program maps have been approved by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and are available through the Academic Advising Office. Students undertaking a double major within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities will, in most cases, be required to complete more than 120 credit hours. Students wishing to declare a double major must consult with the Academic Advising office. New in 2023-2024, the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities will offer a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science that is 120 credit hours to complete.
Degree and major requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Forensic Psychology, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits. Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students.
Required first-year courses for all Bachelor of Arts students in Forensic Psychology [15 credit hours]
Courses required for Forensic Psychology major [105 credit hours]
*Forensic Psychology electives
Note:
Not all Forensic Psychology electives will be offered every year.
**General and FSSH electives
General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. FSSH electives are any courses offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (i.e. ALSU, COMM, CRMN, INDG, LBAT, LGLS, POSC, PSYC and SSCI). No more than five 1000-level elective courses can be included. A minimum of three FSSH elective courses must be outside of major at the 2000-level or higher and a minimum of three elective courses must be at the 3000-level or higher. ALSU 1101U is recommended as an elective in first year.
FPSY 4110U and FPSY 4120U Honours Thesis in Forensic Psychology 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.
FPSY 3110U Directed Laboratory Research in Forensic Psychology
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.
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