Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core criminology theory and criminal justice practice with specialised coursework on corrections and offender reintegration. You will study how correctional institutions operate, the social and legal contexts of punishment, and evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation and reentry.

• Core modules: criminological theory; criminal law and procedure; criminal justice systems; research methods and ethics; quantitative methods and basic statistics for social science.
• Corrections-focused modules: history and philosophy of corrections; institutional corrections and prison management; community corrections and supervision; juvenile corrections; rehabilitative programmes and offender treatment.
• Applied and professional skills: risk and needs assessment; case management; programme evaluation; restorative justice; ethics and professional responsibility.
• Practicum and capstone: supervised internship or field placement with a correctional agency, probation service or community provider, and a capstone project or practicum-based research paper applying theory to practice.

Elective options allow you to explore policing, victimology, policy analysis, substance abuse treatment, mental health in the criminal justice system, or preparation for graduate study. Instruction blends lectures, seminars, applied labs and field placements; research-led teaching introduces students to current empirical methods and policy debates.

Entry requirements

Admission requires a completed high-school qualification or equivalent with a strong academic record and a profile demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study in the social sciences. Typical applicants present solid performance in humanities and social science subjects; competency in academic writing and quantitative reasoning is expected.

• International applicants must demonstrate competence in English through recognised qualifications or prior education taught in English.
• Practical placements may require background checks, immunisations or additional clearances; any relevant criminal convictions can affect eligibility for certain internships or professional roles.
• Where applicable, applicants should check the university's general undergraduate admission policies and provide transcripts, personal statements and references as required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles across the criminal justice sector and allied fields. The programme emphasises practical skills in assessment, casework and programme evaluation that employers seek.

• Corrections officer, institutional case manager or prison programme coordinator
• Probation and parole officer, community supervision practitioner or reentry coordinator
• Juvenile justice specialist, youth services worker or diversion programme officer
• Victim services coordinator, victim advocate or restorative justice practitioner
• Policy analyst, research assistant or programme evaluator in government, NGOs or think tanks
• Further study options include postgraduate degrees in criminology, criminal justice, social work, public administration or law.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University's programme is delivered by a dedicated criminology and criminal justice faculty with active research and close links to state agencies. Studying in Tallahassee provides direct access to courts, correctional institutions and policy-makers, enhancing opportunities for meaningful internships and applied research.

Students benefit from research-led teaching, practical field placement infrastructure, and career support services that help connect graduates with public-sector employers, non-profit organisations and research roles. The programme's balance of theory, methods and applied practice is designed to prepare graduates to contribute to safer communities and evidence-informed criminal justice policy.