Ph.D. Admission Requirements

Requirements for Admission Consideration

For consideration to admission in the doctoral program, applicants must fulfill these requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

  • A 3.5 GPA or higher for the final two years of undergraduate study or a 3.5 GPA or higher for all masters coursework*

  • Most students accepted into our program have GRE scores between 148 and 160 on both the verbal and quantitative tests. Please note that the GRE score is one element of your application and the program considers will consider your entire portfolio before making a determination of admission.

  • Three letters of recommendation, preferably from professors familiar with your academic qualifications

  • A roughly 500-word statement (longer is acceptable if needed) that describes your areas of research interest in criminology and criminal justice. Where possible, please describe your prior research experience, the College faculty with whom you would like to work, and what you see as your ultimate career goals.  

  • International students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least 600 on the paper-based test, or at least 250 on the computer-based test, or at least 100 on the new Internet-based ibTOEFL test. Applicants may be asked to confirm their scores by retaking the exam when they arrive at FSU.

  • Completed area paper or thesis

Application Materials

To apply for admission, please submit the following materials online. To be considered for funding, apply for admission by January 15. Applications are accepted until July 1.

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

  • Official GRE scores – FSU institution code is 5219. Check the GRE website, for additional information.

  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably academic references).

  • Personal statement of 300-500 words describing your background, career plans, and interest in the fields of criminology and criminal justice.

  • Completed graduate application

  • Application fees can be paid online.

  • Completed area paper or thesis*

  • International students must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Check the TOEFL website for additional information.

*Students entering with a master’s degree must have a completed master’s thesis, area paper, or equivalent research paper submitted by June 1 in order to be eligible to enroll in courses.