FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Florida College System Make History

October 9, 2013
fsu seal

Florida College System (FCS) bachelor’s degree students will have access to a world-class education in criminal justice thanks to a new agreement with The Florida State University (FSU).

The FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and the FCS have entered into an agreement that will help FCS bachelor’s degree students transition smoothly into FSU’s online Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies. Any student who is enrolled in an FCS bachelor’s program in criminal justice or public safety administration and meets FSU’s admissions requirements will be guaranteed admission into FSU’s online Master in Criminal Justice Studies program.

“The signing of this articulation agreement is groundbreaking,” said FCS Chancellor Randy Hanna. “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to collaboration with our partners in the State University System and provides an excellent opportunity for our students to continue their higher education at a top university.”

In 2001, the Florida Legislature approved FCS institutions to offer bachelor’s degrees in response to the state’s need for more bachelor’s degree holders. Of the 24 colleges approved to offer bachelor’s degrees, two have programs in criminal justice and five have programs in public safety administration/management.

The agreement also allows interested students to take two courses from FSU while still enrolled in their bachelor’s degree programs at FCS institutions. These courses will count toward their master’s degree upon formal admission into the program.

Thomas G. Blomberg, Dean of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at FSU, notes, “This is a life-changing opportunity for undergraduate students. This partnership not only allows students to fast-track their graduate coursework, it also gives them access to one of the top-ranked criminology programs in the nation, analytical and critical thinking skills, and an entire toolbox of resources they can use to find employment at top criminal justice agencies.

About FSU’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Studies Program

FSU’s online Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies is offered by the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The College is ranked number one in the nation for faculty productivity and is home to experts in the areas of biosocial criminology, gun control, sentencing, corrections, race and inequality, and the causes of criminal behavior. FSU’s program is consistently ranked as one of the top ten online programs in the nation. It offers many benefits to students:

  • Internationally recognized professors who are leaders in their field teach the online classes.
  • Students benefit from a program that is 100 percent online. No campus visits are ever required.
  • FSU offers the most competitive online tuition rates among top ranked Criminology and Criminal Justice programs.
  • Graduates receive the same diploma as on-campus students.

For more information about the online Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies, please click here.

About the Florida College System

The Florida College System is a network of 28 community colleges, colleges and state colleges serving nearly a million Floridians. Our system is the primary point of access to higher education in Florida, enrolling returning adult students and 65 percent of recent high school graduates.

The Florida College System offers an array of programs designed to prepare students for entry into the workforce or opportunities to continue their education. Our colleges develop vibrant partnerships with business, industry and other higher education sectors, affording all students low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities. For more information about the Florida College System, please click here.