Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology

What is the Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology?

This double major enables students to receive an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology through a four-year program map. These two disciplines directly complement each other: Legal Studies involves critically exploring law, and its relationship to society, from a variety of theoretical perspectives; meanwhile, Forensic Psychology involves applying psychological principles to various aspects of the legal system. Students deepen their understanding of legal concepts, institutions, processes and rules, learning to apply, question, and evaluate them. At the same time, they develop a sharper appreciation of the psychological conditions in which human conduct is governed and legal decisions are made; that is, they learn to identify and evaluate the legal system’s assumptions about social behaviour and legal responsibility in light of scientific evidence. This double major equips students with the knowledge and skills essential for careers in forensic psychology, as well as any area where a strong, critical legal literacy is an asset. In addition to law school and further graduate study, this dual major offers sound preparation for careers in the public service, not-for-profit sector, and business.

How can I apply?

Although admission to the Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology program is competitive, the specific grade average required for admission varies from year to year and preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications. At a minimum, current Ontario secondary school student applicants to the program must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), and demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency. One of MHF4U, MCV4U or MDM4U is recommended. To learn more about the admissions process and apply, visit our Undergraduate Admissions website.

Experiential Learning

To learn more about the Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology program’s experiential learning opportunities (e.g., the practicum, the internship, and community engagement projects), check out the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities’ Experiential Learning Office.

What courses will I take?

Required first-year courses [18 credit hours]:

BIOL 1841U – Essentials of Biology
LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
POSC 1200U – Introduction to Democracy in Theory & Practice
PSYC 1000U – Introductory Psychology
SSCI 1910U – Writing for the Social Sciences

One of:

COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication and Digital Media Studies or
CRMN 1000U – Introduction to Criminology and Justice or
POSC 1000U – Introduction to Political Science

Double Major core courses [102 credit hours]:

CRMN 2010U – Criminal Law
CRMN 3040U – Restorative Justice
FPSY 3210U – Forensic Psychology
LGLS 2100U – Public Law
LGLS 2110U – Private Law
LGLS 2200U – Legal Theory
LGLS 2940U – Legal Research Methods
LGLS 3053U – Prosecution and Sentencing
LGLS 4200U – Law and Social Change
PSYC 2010U – Developmental Psychology
PSYC 2020U – Social Psychology
PSYC 2030U – Psychopathology
PSYC 2050U – Brain and Behaviour
PSYC 2060U – Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 2900U – Research Methods in Psychology
PSYC 2910U – Data Analysis in Psychology
PSYC 3910U – Advanced Data Analysis in Psychology

One of:

LGLS 2120U – International Law or
LGLS 2420U – Canadian Human Rights Law or
LGLS 2500U – Information and Privacy Law

Two of:

LGLS 3200U – Sociology of Law or
LGLS 3220U – Philosophy of Law or
LGLS 3230U – Law and Globalization or
LGLS 3240U – Cultural Studies of Law or
LGLS 3530U – Intellectual Property or
LGLS 3700U – Law and Power

One of:

LGLS 3300U – Disability and the Law or
LGLS 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Law and the State in Canada or
LGLS 3320U – Race, Ethnicity and the Law or
LGLS 3330U – Gender, Sexuality and the Law

One of:

FPSY 4110U – Honours Thesis in Forensic Psychology I or
LGLS 4099U – Legal Studies Integrating Project or
SSCI 4101U – Honours Thesis I

One of:

FPSY 4120U – Honours Thesis in Forensic Psychology II or
SSCI 4102U – Honours Thesis II or
4000-level LGLS course

One of:

SSCI 4098U – Practicum or
SSCI 4103U – Internship or
LGLS elective course

Five Forensic Psychology electives*
Five General electives

Total [120 credit hours]

*Forensic Psychology electives

FPSY 3039U – Children, Psychology and the Law
FPSY 3055U – Treatment in Forensic Settings
FPSY 3110U – Directed Laboratory Research in Forensic Psychology (can repeat with no limit but only one per semester)
FPSY 3310U – Confessions and Interrogations
FPSY 3320U – Eyewitness Psychology
FPSY 3400U – Investigative Psychology
FPSY 3900U – Special Topics in Forensic Psychology I (can repeat with no limit but only if topics are different)
FPSY 4050U – Forensic Assessment
FPSY 4060U – Wrongful Conviction
FPSY 4070U – Sexual Offenders
FPSY 4080U – Psychopathic Behaviour
FPSY 4820U – Selected Topics in Antisociality
FPSY 4900U – Special Topics in Forensic Psychology II (can repeat with no limit but only if topics are different)
FSCI 1010U – Introductory Forensic Science
PSYC 3060U – Personality Psychology

General electives

General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled.

Other courses approved by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities:

PSYC 3500U – Stereotypes and Prejudice