Program Overview
St. Francis Xavier University's Applied Forensic Psychology program is a unique undergraduate degree in Canada that combines clinical and forensic psychology. It prepares students for careers in social, correctional, and legal fields by integrating psychological principles with criminal and social justice contexts. The program emphasizes professional skills development, field trips, and practicum placements, enhancing students' success in graduate programs and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the complex systems they will work in.
Program Outline
Applied Forensic Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University
Degree Overview
#Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts/Science in Applied Forensic Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University is a unique program in Canada that prepares students for careers in social, correctional, and legal fields. It integrates clinical psychology with forensic psychology, focusing on the application of psychological principles and methods to criminal and social justice contexts.
Objectives:
- Understand the intersection of psychology and the law
- Gain knowledge of forensic-specific topics like eyewitness testimony, criminal law, and offender profiles
- Develop professional skills in basic counselling and interviewing, ethics, and boundaries
- Develops awareness of the complex ways social, legal, and correctional systems influence one another
- Equips graduates to contribute meaningfully to these systems
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology
- Analyze the interaction of biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors on criminal and psychopathology
- Apply psychological principles and methods to cognitive and behavioral problems
- Develop professional skills in areas like counselling, interviewing, report writing, and ethical practice
- Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience and community engagement
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
- Correctional Officer
- Counselor
- Crime Analyst
- Interventionist
- Journalist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Lawyer
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Victim Advocate
Other Considerations:
- Many career options require additional education beyond the undergraduate degree.
- The program is designed to prepare students for success in graduate programs.
Other
Program Uniqueness:
- Only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada
- Integrates clinical and forensic psychology
- Strong focus on professional skills development
- Opportunities for field trips and practicum placements
St. Francis Xavier University
Overview:
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is a renowned Canadian university located in the charming town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It is consistently recognized as one of Canada's best universities, particularly for its undergraduate programs. StFX prides itself on its small campus size, which fosters a close-knit community and provides ample opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive.
Services Offered:
StFX offers a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic and personal endeavors. These include:
Academic Services:
Academic advising, accessible learning, academic success center, tutoring, and library resources.Support Services:
Health and counselling services, human rights and equity support, sexual violence prevention and response, student career center, childcare, chaplaincy, and IT services.Student Life:
New student orientation, transition programs, campus life activities, student societies, and resources for living off-campus.University Housing:
Residence options, dining services, and information for living away from home.International:
International exchange opportunities, international travel support, and advising for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
StFX offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
Close-knit community:
The small campus size fosters a strong sense of community and allows students to build meaningful relationships with peers and faculty.Experiential learning:
StFX is highly ranked for its experiential learning opportunities, providing students with practical experience through co-op programs, internships, research opportunities, and service learning initiatives.Active campus life:
Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student societies, sports, arts, and cultural events.Beautiful campus:
StFX is known for its picturesque campus, located in a charming town with a rich history and culture.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong academic reputation:
StFX is consistently ranked among Canada's top universities, particularly for its undergraduate programs.Small class sizes:
Students benefit from personalized attention and close interaction with professors in small class settings.Experiential learning opportunities:
StFX provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world settings.Vibrant campus community:
The close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and provides ample opportunities for students to connect with peers and faculty.Beautiful location:
StFX is situated in a charming town with a rich history and culture, offering a unique and enriching environment for students.Academic Programs:
StFX offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional diploma programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Anthropology, Applied Forensic Psychology, Aquatic Resources, Art, Catholic Studies, Celtic Studies, Classical Studies, Development Studies, Economics, English, Health, History, Humanities Colloquium, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy and Governance, Religious Studies, Social Justice Colloquium, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies, and Psychology.Business:
Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Enterprise Systems, Entrepreneurship and Human Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Management & Leadership, and Marketing.Education:
Bachelor of Education, Master of Adult Education, Master of Education, and Ph.D. in Education.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Human Nutrition, Math & Statistics, Nursing, and Physics.Other:
StFX is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. The university has a dedicated Diversity Engagement Centre that provides support and resources for students from various backgrounds, including Black students, Indigenous students, and international students. StFX also has a strong focus on research, with numerous research chairs, institutes, centers, and networks dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation.
Entry Requirements:
High School Students:
- A minimum overall average of 70% with no grade less than 60%, or equivalent.
- Required courses: English Language Arts 12 (or a strong equivalent in English); and three of the following subjects:
- Mathematics 11 or 12 (or Pre-Calculus 12)
- Psychology 11 or 12
- Sociology 11 or 12
- a second language 11 or 12
- Biology 11 or 12
- Chemistry 11 or 12
- Physics 11 or 12
- History 11 or 12
- Philosophy 11 or 12
- Political Science 11 or 12
- Social Studies 11 or 12
- Business Management 12
- Economics 12
- Legal Studies 12
- Media Studies 12
- Anthropology 11 or 12
- Criminology 12
- Law 12
- Justice Studies 12
- Forensics Science 12
- a third or fourth-year university-level subject.
- Applicants from other provinces or countries may have different requirements depending on their education systems. They are encouraged to contact the university for more information.
Transfer Students:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of at least 24 credit hours of transferable post-secondary coursework.
- Completion of a minimum of the following prerequisites:
- Introductory college-level course in psychology
- Introductory college-level course in sociology or criminology
Mature Students (23+ without High School):
- Minimum of 2 academic years in a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Minimum of 24 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Minimum of the following prerequisites:
- Introductory college-level course in psychology
- Introductory college-level course in sociology or criminology
- Applicants may be considered for admission upon taking the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Test and earning an exemption from a high school diploma or equivalent.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by achieving a minimum score in an English language test such as:
- TOEFL: 88 on the internet-based test (iBT)
- IELTS: 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5
- Duolingo: 120