Requirements for Admission Consideration
Criminology is a multidisciplinary field. We encourage students with various majors as diverse as biology, computer science, and economics to apply. There are no criminology coursework prerequisites.
For consideration for admission in the master’s program, applicants must fulfill these requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- A 3.25 GPA or higher for the final two years of undergraduate study (In recent cycles, Master's applicants who gain admission often have had GPAs of 3.50 or higher. However, we encourage applications from all interested students.)
- Florida State University is currently waiving the GRE requirement for most Master's programs, including the Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from professors familiar with your academic qualifications
- A roughly 300-500-word statement (longer is acceptable if needed) that describes your interest in pursuing the master's degree and your ultimate career goals. Where possible, please describe those interests in reference to topical issues and areas of research in criminology and criminal justice that inspire your 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.
The College Academic Committee assesses all applicant files. No files will be considered unless they contain all required materials. Admission decisions are made on the following basis:
- Whether the candidate meets the minimum qualifications of the University and the College
- The level of the GPA and GRE scores
- Assessments of the quality of the file documents, especially letters of recommendation and personal statements
- The strength of the file when compared with others in the applicant pool
All masters applicants are screened as their files are complete, and admission offers are made to those selected by the Academic Committee.
Application Materials
To apply for admission to the masters program, please submit the following materials online. The Academic Committee will review files as completed applications are received. They will continue to review applications until the graduate classes are full. No applications will be accepted after 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.
- Completed graduate application.
- Application fees can be paid online.
- International students must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Check the TOEFL website for additional information.