Academic Catalog
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. 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. 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.
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.
See program website at URL listed above.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework in the program.
- Each Course for this program completed with a grade of C or higher.
- Follow the guidelines for submission of thesis materials through ProQuest. Refer to Office of Research and Graduate Studies website.
- Submit an application to graduate by the deadline noted in the 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 FGCU.
- Required Courses in the Major (22 credits)
ANG 5525C Human Osteology (4)
CCJ 6606 Social Constructs of Crime (3)
CCJ 6707 Adv. Quantitative Research (3)
CJE 6629 MS Thesis in Forensic Studies (total of 6 credits)
DSC 6596 Critical Thinking and Intel Anal (3)
GIS 5306C Adv. GIS: Spatial Analysis (3) - Restricted Electives in the Major (12 credits)
Select from the following:
ANG 6910 Supervised Research (1-6)
CCJ 6617 Forensic Psychology (3)
CCJ 6696 Human Trafficking (3)
CCJ 6930 Spec Topics (3)
CJE 5777C Env'l & Subject Photography (3)
CJE 6749 Ind. Research (3)
CJL 6221 Rsch Legal Methods Pub Policy (3)
CJL 6523 Forensic Analysis of Juries (3)
Courses from the non-selected concentration below.
Courses outside the Forensic Studies program approved by the faculty advisor on a case-by-case basis. - Concentration (9-10 credits)
Select one of the following concentrations:
Forensic Behavioral Analysis Concentration
Complete each of the following:
CCJ 6709 Advanced Qualitative Research (3)
CCJ 6711 Research in Violent Behavior (3)
CCJ 6941 Practicum-Frnsic Behavrl Analyst (3)
Human Identity and Trauma Analysis Concentration
Complete each of the following:
ANG 6740C Forensic Anthropology (4)
CCJ 5796 Ecology of Crime (3)
CJE 6748 Practicum-Human Identity (3)
