BA Applied Forensic Psychology at St. Francis Xavier University

Programme overview

Applied Forensic Psychology at StFX is described as the only undergraduate program of its kind in Canada, applying psychology research and practice to the criminal justice context by integrating clinical psychology and forensic psychology. It is offered in person as a BA or a BSc.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

What you will study

Students take classroom-based skills training (basic counselling and interviewing, ethics and boundaries), field work in settings such as courts and correctional facilities, and community practicum placements. Topics include eyewitness testimony, jury selection, deception detection, forensic risk assessment, criminal behaviour and types of offenders. First year covers major concepts and methods in psychology.

Career pathways

Correctional officer, counsellor, crime analyst, interventionist, journalist, law enforcement officer, lawyer, psychologist, social worker, victim advocate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Forensic Psychology, Nova Scotia high school applicants: Minimum overall Grade 12 average of 70% with no grade below 65% in each required subject; limited-enrolment programs are competitive and the minimum does not guarantee admission. Required: English 12 (or English 12: African Heritage) and four other university preparatory courses. Limited enrolment. Requirements for other provinces and countries differ by location. Applicants whose first language is not English normally need proof of English proficiency (for example IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90 with no band below 20, Duolingo 115, PTE Academic 60).

Main intake: September (classes begin 2 September 2026; Welcome Days 29-30 August 2026). January intake (classes begin 5 January 2027) for eligible programmes; competitive programmes such as BSc Nursing are not available for January admission. Spring term (May 2027) and Summer term (July 2027) undergraduate studies are also offered.

Domestic applicants: 1 September deadline for September entry (2026 and 2027); 9 December 2026 for January 2027 entry. Applications for September 2027 open 15 September 2026. Bachelor of Education: last date to submit application is 1 December 2026. LPN to BScN: 9 December 2026. Four-year BSc Nursing: 3 March 2027. Spring term (May 2027): 12 April 2027. Summer term (July 2027): June, date to be confirmed. Major scholarship consideration: apply by 1 March 2027.

International applicants: 30 May 2027 deadline for September 2027 entry (later applications reviewed case by case according to visa processing times); 30 September 2026 for January 2027 entry, with confirmation by 30 October 2026. Applications for September are made at apply.stfx.ca.

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