Forensic Studies (M.S.)

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Justice Studies

http://www.fgcu.edu/CAS/ForensicsMS/index.asp

2012-2013 Catalog Year

Concentrations
  • Forensic Behavioral Analysis Concentration
  • Human Identity and Trauma Analysis Concentration

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Studies, within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary training through two applied research concentrations: (1) Forensic Behavior Analysis and (2) Human Identity and Trauma Analysis.  Our program comprises a rigorous curriculum that prepares students by grounding them in theory, methods, and hands-on training.  Typically, our graduates may pursue employment within investigative and law enforcement agencies, continue their education within a wide array of doctoral programs (e.g. forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, skeletal biology, bioarchaeology, or social work), and/or help to develop and promulgate social policy for local, county, state and federal bureaus.

The Forensic Behavior Analysis concentration integrates classical theory with contemporary research to synthesize theoretical perspectives to address current social problems relating to violence, sexual deviance, domestic relations, crime, terrorism, and disasters.  There is a breadth of employment opportunities for graduates of this concentration including local, state, and federal crime and terrorism intelligence, law enforcement, and corrections, as well as capacities in child welfare and domestic violence.

Students in the Human Identity and Trauma Analysis concentration take courses in human skeletal anatomy, human behavior, and taphonomy which are quantitatively tied together within each student's thesis project.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Submit a completed FGCU Graduate Application.
  • Submit a completed Immunization History Form.
  • Provide evidence of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and supply one official transcript from each baccalaureate and/or graduate institution attended.
  • Submit an official copy of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) taken within the last five years with a combined quantitative and verbal score of 1100.
  • Provide evidence of an undergraduate GPA of 3.25.
  • Complete the following undergraduate courses or equivalent:
    • ANT 3345 Methods  in Anthropological Research (3)
    • ANT 3520 Forensic Anthropology***
    • ANT 3824 Archaeological Field Methods (3)
    • CCJ 3603 Forensic Psychology***

      ***Forensic Behavioral Analysis Concentration applicants are only required to complete these two courses.  Human Identity and Trauma Analysis Concentration applicants must complete all four.

  • For international applicants for whom English is a second language, submit a score of 550 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
  • A criminal history through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement may be required for specific internships or elective work/study assignments.
  • Special immunizations and screenings may be required for elective field work.
  • Submit a completed Forensic Studies Supplemental Application Form including:
    • Three completed reference rating forms/letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's academic and professional potential.
    • A letter of intent which describes research and career goals, no more than two pages in length (single spaced, 1-inch page borders, New Times Roman 12 point font), which specifies the student's area of concentration and foreseen ability to articulate with specific faculty.
    • Curriculum vitae 

Program Requirements

  1. Required Courses in the Major Core (24 hrs)

    • CCJ 6707 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3)
    • CJE 6629  Master's Thesis (6)*
    • CCJ 6930 Human Osteology (3)
    • Plus 12 hours from the following:
      • The non-selected concentration
      • CCJ 6930 Special Topics in Forensic Studies (3)
      • Courses outside of the Forensic Studies program, on a case-by-case basis, with prior approval of the faculty advisor.

  2. Electives in the Major (6 hrs)
       
    Select 3 hours from the following:
    • CCJ 6941 Forensic Behavioral Analysis Practicum (3)*
    • CJE 6748 Human Identity Practicum (3)*

    Select 3 hours from the following
    • CCJ 6912 Independent Research in Forensic Behavioral Analysis (3)*
    • CJE 6749 Independent Research in Human Identity Analysis (3)*

    3. *Students are permitted to enroll in additional sections of Practicum and Independent Research with faculty advisor permission.

  3. Concentration Requirements (12 hrs)
     
        Select one of the following concentrations:

    1. Forensic Behavioral Analysis Concentration

      • CCJ 6606 Social Constructs of Crime (3)
      • CCJ 6709 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (3)
      • CCJ 6711 Classical Theory & Current Research in Violent Behavior (3)
      • PSB 6244 Neurobiological Bases of Behavior (3)

    2. Human Identity and Trauma Analysis Concentration

      • CCJ 6711 Classical Theory & Current Research in Violent Behavior (3)
      • EVR 6939 Geophysical Information Systems (GIS) Spatial Analysis (3)
      • ANG 6267 Cultural Ecology (3)
      • Plus 3 hours of electives 

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED:   42 HRS