Academic Catalog 2025-2026 Edition

Criminal Justice (M.S.)

College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Justice Studies

Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/departments/js/cjms/index.aspx

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare graduates for advancement in justice-related professions, particularly as administrative and management level officers in law enforcement, corrections and juvenile justice, as well as pursuing advanced academic education in doctoral or legal programs. The program will provide graduates with an in-depth understanding of management of criminal justice agencies as it relates to the agency, the law, the courts, and the public.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
  • Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree. 
  • International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
  • One official transcript from each baccalaureate and/or graduate institution attended.
  • Three completed reference rating forms/letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's academic and professional potential.
  • Personal Aspiration Statement 300-500 words.
  • Interview if requested.

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

  • Students must satisfactorily complete the minimum number of credit hours specified by the graduate degree program.
  • A grade of B or higher must be earned in all Department graduate courses used as prerequisites and each core course.
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework in program.
  • Students must complete and pass a culminating demonstration of learning and competence at the end of the program, currently a comprehensive examination.
  • The Department limits the transfer of coursework into its graduate programs to a maximum of 12 credits or three courses. To be considered, courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B and no more than seven years prior to the date of entry into the graduate program and no more than ten years prior to graduation from the graduate program.
  • Apply for graduation by the semester deadline indicated in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
  • Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
  • Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU. 
  • If pursuing the thesis option, submit one electronic copy of the completed thesis to ProQuest. Refer to the Graduate Studies website for guidelines.