Are you ready to advance your career in criminology and criminal justice without disrupting your current life? Florida State University (FSU) offers a flexible and comprehensive online Master’s program designed for ambitious professionals like you. This program provides a robust curriculum, expert faculty, and the prestige of FSU, all within an accessible online format. Discover the requirements for admission and take the first step towards earning your FSU online master’s degree.
Admission Requirements for the FSU Online Master’s Program
Gaining admission to FSU’s online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice involves meeting specific academic and application criteria. The admissions committee carefully reviews each applicant to ensure a diverse and academically strong cohort. Here are the key requirements you need to know:
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Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. FSU welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, recognizing that criminology is a multidisciplinary field. Majors ranging from biology to computer science and economics are encouraged to apply. No prior criminology coursework is required.
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GPA: While there is no strict GPA cutoff, successful applicants in recent admission cycles have generally had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, FSU encourages all interested students to apply, as they consider the entirety of your application, showcasing your academic potential and achievements. Your GPA serves as an indicator of your previous academic success and preparedness for graduate-level studies.
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Statement of Purpose: A critical component of your application is a statement of purpose, ranging from 300 to 500 words. This statement should articulate your motivations for pursuing a master’s degree through distance learning and clearly define your career aspirations. To strengthen your statement, connect your interests to current issues and research areas within criminology and criminal justice that align with your professional goals.
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Resume: You are required to submit a current resume outlining your professional and academic experiences. This provides the admissions committee with a comprehensive view of your background and relevant skills.
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GRE (Waived until Fall 2026): For applicants applying through the Fall 2026 semester, the GRE requirement has been waived. This temporary waiver makes the application process more streamlined and accessible.
Requirements for International Students
International students have a few additional requirements to ensure they meet FSU standards and can successfully participate in the online program:
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TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): If your native language is not English and you have not earned a degree from an English-speaking university, you must submit TOEFL scores. Minimum scores are 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (internet-based TOEFL – iBT).
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Transcript Translations: All academic records not originally in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. This ensures accurate evaluation of your academic history.
For more detailed information for international applicants, including financial responsibilities and degree equivalency, please visit the FSU Graduate School International Admissions page.
Curriculum and Coursework: Shaping Your Expertise
The FSU online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires the completion of 36 graduate credit hours. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in core criminological principles while allowing for specialization through elective courses.
- Total Credit Hours: 36 graduate credit hours are needed to complete the program.
Core Courses: Building a Solid Foundation
Fifteen credit hours are dedicated to core courses, essential for all students in the program. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each core course, and students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 throughout their studies. The core courses include:
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CCJ 5606 Survey Criminological Theories (3 credits): This course delves into the major criminological theories, exploring physiological, genetic, psychological, and psychiatric perspectives on criminal behavior.
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CCJ 5285 Survey of Criminal Justice Theory & Research (3 credits): Provides an overview of theoretical and research issues concerning law and the legal control of deviance within society.
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CCJ 5078 Computer Applications in Criminal Justice (3 credits): An introductory course focusing on computer and internet use within the criminal justice system. Topics include word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, email, and online research tools.
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CCJ 5705 Research Methods in Criminology I (3 credits): Focuses on research design for criminological studies, emphasizing data collection methods and the measurement of validity and reliability in research.
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CCJ 5706 Applied Statistics in Criminology I (3 credits): This course centers on the application of statistical techniques specifically within the field of criminology.
Elective Courses: Tailoring Your Degree
The remaining 21 credits are fulfilled through elective courses, allowing you to specialize in areas of criminology that align with your interests and career goals. Twelve of these elective credits must be from within the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. However, up to 9 elective credits can be taken from approved courses in other disciplines, offering interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Examples of criminology elective courses include:
- CCJ 5669 Race, Ethnicity, Crime & Social Justice (3 credits)
- CJL 5420 Criminal Law, Procedures & Individual Rights (3 credits)
- CCJ 5546 Prevention & Treatment Of Crime & Delinquency (3 credits)
- CCJ 5636 Comparative Criminology & Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- CCJ 5456 Criminal Justice Administration (3 credits)
- CJC 5020 Penology (3 credits)
- CJE 5024 Police & Society (3 credits)
- CCJ 6665 Victimology (3 credits)
- CCJ 5981r Directed Individual Study (3 credits)
For a complete and updated list of electives, please refer to the FSU Course Bulletin.
Elective credits can also be earned through:
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Internship: Part-time or full-time internships provide practical experience in the field. More information is available on the Master’s Internship Program page.
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Area Paper or Thesis: Students can choose to complete an area paper or thesis to delve deeper into a specific research topic. Details can be found in the [Graduate Campus Handbook](2024-2025 Graduate Campus Handbook).
Transfer Credit Policy
FSU recognizes previous graduate coursework. You may transfer up to 6 credit hours from an accredited institution, provided the credits were not used towards a prior degree and a grade of “B” or higher was earned.
Tuition and Fees for Your Online Master’s
Understanding the costs associated with your education is important. For the online Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice, the tuition and fees are structured per credit hour and per semester:
- Tuition: $553.70 per credit hour
- Resident Fee: $30.18 per credit hour
- Non-Resident Financial Aid Fee: $30.16 per credit hour
- Total per Credit Hour: $614.04
Additional fees include:
- Student Facility Use Fee: $20.00 per semester
System Requirements for Online Learning
To participate effectively in the online program, you will need basic computer equipment and reliable internet access:
- Computer or Laptop: Essential for accessing course materials and participating in online activities.
- Reliable Internet: Necessary for consistent access to the online learning platform.
For more detailed information on connecting to campus technology, please visit ITS FSU Students.
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step towards your advanced degree. Apply now through the FSU Admissions website: https://admissions.fsu.edu/
Earning your FSU online master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice is an investment in your future. With its flexible online format, comprehensive curriculum, and the esteemed reputation of Florida State University, this program is designed to help you achieve your career aspirations.
