Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology

*2025-2026 - UG - Major Program Modification (Create New Calendar Entry)

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(A) Proposal summary
Next
  • STEP 1 - Complete the proposal summary information
  • Home faculty*
    Choose your faculty from the list of available options.
  • Content type*
    Choose ‘program’, unless you are certain the content you are creating should be a shared core. Contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca if you require assistance.
  • Major Program Modification type*
  • Summary of proposed changes*

    The creation of a 4-year double major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology.

    Provide a brief point by point summary of the changes included in this proposal.
  • Is there a change to total credit hours in the program?*
  • Is a new course associated with this proposal?*
    Select 'yes' only if you are adding a brand new course to the calendar copy in this proposal.

  • If applicable, list new course codes, course titles and include hyperlinks to course proposals in Curriculog in the 'new courses' field below. To hyperlink, open a new window and search for the new course proposal in Curriculog. Copy the url from your web browser, return to this form and select the hyper link icon. Paste the url into the url field and save.

  • New courses
  • Are you creating a new minor that is not associated with a standalone major?*
  • If you answered yes to the above question, please describe in detail the capacity available to deliver the minor.
  • Calendar start date*
    Choose when the change should first appear in the academic calendar (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • Registration start date*
    Specify the first active term (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • STEP 2 - Attach supporting documents, if applicable

  • Visit the files section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form to attach any supporting documentation.

  • Are you attaching any supporting documents*
(B) Program component information and calendar copy
Next
  • STEP 3 - Complete Section B
  • Title of new program component*
    Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology
    Double Major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology
    This will be the title of the program or shared core in the calendar.
  • Program type*
    Select the corresponding program type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Degree type*
    Select the corresponding degree type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Description of new program component*

    This double major enables students to receive an Honours BA 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, that includes careers in the public service, not-for-profit sector, and business.

    The description of the new program component will be included in the Academic Calendar.
  • Admission requirements*

    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. The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities offers a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science and Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology that are 120 credit hours to complete.

    An outline of the requirements for admission to the new program component, including additional requirements or procedures, and recognition of prior learning experience.
  • Program map*
    Use this section to build a program map for the academic calendar that shows courses and/or research components offered each academic year.
  • Program structure*

    Students still have the opportunity to take Practicum or Internship during their 4th year of study.

    Describe any experiential or other applied learning opportunities that are part of the new program component.
  • Program learning outcomes*
    1. Acquire and express an understanding of how law operates, including: grasp of structural elements of law; a plural understanding of law; critical perspectives on the forms and functions of law; critical attention to how the lens of law illuminates social phenomena
    2. Apply acquired knowledge (as outlined above) to interpret legal phenomena and developments from a variety of critical perspectives
    3. Conduct legal and interdisciplinary research and interpret research results
    4. Communicate effectively in written, spoken, and visual form with both academic audiences and members of the general public
    5. Recognize and demonstrate an appreciation of diverse perspectives
    6. Develop and demonstrate strong work and professional ethic that approaches problems with enthusiasm and intellectual rigour
    7. Cultivate and strengthen capacity to engage in analysis, reasoning, and critical self-reflection
    If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

  • If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

(C) Detailed proposal information
Next
  • STEP 4 - Complete Section C
  • Introduction
  • Brief background on existing program*

    The Legal Studies program accepted its first students in Fall 2008, and graduated its first class in June 2012. When the program began, one tenure track faculty member was associated with it (Dr. Sasha Baglay). Tenure track faculty members were hired nearly annually thereafter: Dr. Andrea Slane in 2009; Drs. Rachel Ariss and Natalie Oman in 2010; Dr. Thomas McMorrow in 2011; and our last tenure track hire was Dr. Jen Rinaldi in 2014. A teaching stream faculty member, Dr. Bruce Curran was employed in the program from July 2014 until August 2016, and has not been replaced. Dr. Dennis Molinaro is at present employed on a one-year teaching contract. The overall program structure has not changed since its inception. However, the program maps have been significantly modified, as have nearly all of the course descriptions and some of the course titles. These adjustments were necessary in order to align the program requirements and course offerings with the program focus: that being critical exploration of the social roles of law. The Faculty has a history of developing programs that include Legal Studies courses and involve Legal Studies faculty members.  LGLS faculty member Dr. Slane led the development of the Faculty’s new inter-disciplinary Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI), which began Fall 2023. At the intersections of legal studies, communication and digital media, and political science, the program aims to equip graduate students with the skills and knowledge to address complex contemporary, social challenges of our contemporary social world. The MSPI program culminates in a Major Research Project (MRP) aimed at public and community engagement.

  • Rationale for the new component*

    The new double major enables students to receive degrees in both 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, that includes careers in the public service, not-for-profit sector, and business.

    How will this change enhance the program and/or opportunities for students and graduates?
  • Fit with the mission, mandate, strategic plans of the University and broader array of program offerings*

    The dual major combines existing curricular strengths, thereby multiplying career opportunities for graduates.

    Description of how the proposed modifications fit into the broader array of program offerings, particularly those areas of teaching and research strengths, and complementary areas of study.
  • Resource requirements
  • Faculty members*

    There is no change to the faculty members for this double major.

    List of core faculty associated with the program, including appointment status, home unit, areas of teaching and research interests, and any new faculty requirements and gaps they would be expected to fill.
  • Additional academic and non-academic human resources*

    There are no additional academic or non-academic human resources required.

    Details of any administrative requirements, including support staff, adjunct and part-time faculty, supervision of experiential learning opportunities, and any other additional academic and non-academic human resources.
  • Physical resource requirements*

    There are no physical resource requirements.

    Details of any physical resource requirements, including library holdings, information technology support and student services, special equipment, and space requirements (classrooms, laboratory, graduate student work/study space, other).
  • Business plan
  • Statement of funding requirements*

    There are no additional funding requirements.

    A summary statement of the funding required to support the modification, including projected enrolments, start-up and continuing costs, if applicable.
  • Statement of resource/funding availability*

    There are no additional resource funding requirements.

    Statements attesting to the adequacy of resources to support the modification from Deans who may have faculty members involved in or are contributing resources, the Registrar or the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Chief Librarian and the Provost.
  • Transition and communication plan
  • Transition plan for both new and current students*
    1. Establishing the double major in Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology will not require a transition plan beyond the usual approvals and alteration of calendar copy.
    Semester (e.g., Fall 2025) for the implementation of the proposed changes; include a plan for all current students in the program, by year level. If this change impacts students that are not new and/or 1st year students as of the start date, then a transition plan is required. Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Communication plan for both new and current students*

    Students will be advised through our website, academic advising and Ontario Tech events such as open house and OUF.

    Please explain how the current students will be made aware of this change (e.g., Who will be responsible for notifying students? How? Is Academic Advising aware?). Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Converting to online options
  • Does this proposal contain any intended conversion of progam components to online options? If yes, please complete the remaining items below.*
  • Adequacy of technological platform
    Describe the adequacy of the technological platform to be used for online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to the quality of education
    Describe how the quality of education will be maintained and/or changes when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program objectives
    Describe how the current program objectives will be maintained and/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program-level learning outcomes
    Describe how the current program-level outcomes will be maintained an/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Sufficiency of support services and training for teaching staff
    Describe the support services and training for teaching staff that will be made available when moving to online delivery.
  • Sufficiency and type of support for students in the new learning environment
    Describe the sufficiency and type of supports that will be available to students when moving to online delivery.
  • Other
  • Additional supporting information, if applicable
    Describe any additional information needed to support the proposal.
(D) Impact and consultation
Next
  • STEP 5 - Complete Section D

  • Consultation is central to governance at Ontario Tech. Faculties are required to consult with all areas impacted by this change, and the home faculty dean is responsible for all consultation decisions in this section of the form. Note that any false statements related to consultation may require re-submission of proposals.

  • Faculty Consultation
  • Will this change impact any other faculties? Some examples may include, but are not limited to, the scenarios listed below.*

  • Examples:

    • A course from another faculty is being added or removed from the program map.
    • Changes to joint and/or service programs (e.g., 'and Management' programs, targeted minors).
    • Changes to year of offering for courses from another faculty (e.g., moving a course from Year 1 to Year 2).

    Additional examples can be found in the Resources section of the CIQE website.

  • If you answered yes to the question above, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail. Attach relevant documents (emails, Faculty Council minutes, etc.) or include links to corresponding documents. *

    NA

  • Student Consultation
  • How have current or prospective students been consulted about this change? (e.g., informal conversations, attendance at meetings, survey, indirectly through academic advising). Please provide details below. *

    Students have been consulted informally through in-class discussion, academic advising and at Ontario Tech events.

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • What considerations have been made for equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization?*

    EDID principles have been considered in relation to this change.  Students will have an opportunity to complete a double major in less time and have sooner access to courses.

  • For more information and guidance on incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion principles in curricula, please visit the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging resource section of the CIQE website.

  • Indigenous Content and Consultation
  • Does this change include any Indigenous content?*

  • For more information on how Indigenous content is defined at Ontario Tech University and how to consult with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle, please refer to the Protocol for Consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle.

  • Has the IEAC been contacted?
  • If Yes, when?
  • What was the advice you received from the IEAC? And, how has it been included in your proposal? Please attach or provide links to documents that outline the consultation process and advice given.
  • Did the IEAC ask you to return the proposal to them for review?
    If Yes, have they completed their review?
  • Other Consultation
  • Have you consulted with the Office of the Registrar, Student Life, the Library and/or any other areas on campus that may be impacted? *
  • If yes, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail.*

    NA

  • Does this change involve co-op?*
  • If yes, please acknowledge that you have consulted with Lindsay Coolidge, Director, External Relations and Partnerships by checking the box below.
(E) Routing
Next
  • STEP 6 - Enter routing information

  • Important note: it is imperative that you choose the correct routing path as it cannot be changed once a proposal has been launched. If you have made a routing error after launching the proposal, the proposal will be cancelled and a new proposal will be required. If you require assistance with routing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

    Please note that changes to joint or collaborative programs do require approval at Faculty Council of each faculty involved in the program. You do not need to include other faculties in the routing, however, consultation with other faculties should be noted and any required approval by other Faculty Councils (and date of approval) should be noted in the comments section as approval is logged on the home Faculty Council step.

  • Should this proposal be routed to the Program Approval step prior to Curriculum Committee?*
    If your curriculum committee is organized by program, or if program-level approval prior to curriculum committee is not required, select 'no'.
  • Faculty or program-level group*
    Choose your faculty or program-level group from the list of options. If your faculty has program-level committees, choose the corresponding program group from the list. Otherwise, choose the home faculty. You may choose more than one option, but please note that your proposal will go to the committees of all options selected. The proposal will not move on to the next step until all faculties have approved at their respective committees. Note: If you are making a change for a Bachelor of Engineering program in FESNS, you must select both the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science from the list of options.
  • Is this change for a Bachelor of Engineering program or program which requires Engineering Curriculum Committee approval?*
  • Are there departments associated with your faculty?*
  • Is this change for the Sustainability Studies program?*
(F) End of proposal
Next
  • STEP 7 - Save and ensure all required fields are complete
  • STEP 8 - Validate and launch proposal
  • STEP 9 - Approve proposal

  • As the originator, you must approve the proposal to send it on to the next step. To approve, navigate to the decisions section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form.

(G) CIQE use only
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