3 answers
Arianna
Student
Homosassa, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What colleges in Florida are good for criminalistics?
I’m really interested in law, criminal justice, etc. I’m struggling to find a good college to go to for law. I want to try to stay in Florida. What is a good college to look into?
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3 answers
Cheryl Bunn Yamaguchi
10
Answers
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Arianna, your career choice is commendable! Florida is home to numerous top-tier colleges and universities that offer comprehensive programs in criminalistics, criminal justice, forensic science, and related legal studies. Let's take a look at some of the best institutions in Florida, selected based on their program quality, opportunities, and reputation:
1. Florida State University (FSU)
Located in Tallahassee, FSU is renowned for its Criminology and Criminal Justice programs. The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice here offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, allowing you to specialize in areas such as law enforcement, criminal theory, and forensic studies. A standout feature is their internships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies, which offer invaluable real-world experience.
Program Link: FSU Criminology Program
2. University of Florida (UF)
Situated in Gainesville, UF provides a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Law through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of criminal justice and law, preparing students for law school or careers in criminalistics. UF also boasts a top-ranked law school, the Levin College of Law, should you wish to pursue a law degree post your bachelor’s.
Program Link: UF Criminology & Law
3. University of Central Florida (UCF)
Based in Orlando, UCF offers a robust Criminal Justice program with options to concentrate on areas like criminalistics, forensics, and legal studies. They also offer a Forensic Science program, perfect for those interested in applying science to solve crimes. The university's proximity to Orlando provides opportunities for internships and networking with law enforcement agencies.
Program Link: UCF Criminal Justice
4. Florida International University (FIU)
Located in Miami, FIU’s Criminal Justice program is highly respected, focusing on justice policy, law enforcement, and forensics. They also offer a strong Forensic Science program for those interested in the scientific aspects of criminalistics. The diverse environment of Miami and connections to law enforcement provide excellent internship opportunities.
Program Link: FIU Criminal Justice
5. University of South Florida (USF)
Situated in Tampa, USF offers a Criminology program that delves into the criminal justice system, crime prevention, and criminal behavior. It provides a solid foundation for students interested in law enforcement or law school. The university is research-focused, offering opportunities for undergraduate research in criminology.
Program Link: USF Criminology
6. Stetson University
Based in DeLand, Stetson offers programs in Law and Criminal Justice. It’s known for its pre-law focus, and the Stetson University College of Law is one of the top law schools in Florida. The university offers small class sizes and personalized advising for students pursuing law careers.
Program Link: Stetson Criminal Justice
7. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Located in Fort Myers, FGCU’s Criminal Justice program emphasizes practical experience through internships with law enforcement and justice organizations. The program has a strong focus on community engagement and practical learning.
Program Link: FGCU Criminal Justice
8. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Situated in Boca Raton, FAU offers a robust Criminal Justice program that equips students with an understanding of criminal justice systems, law, and public safety. The university has strong partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies.
Program Link: FAU Criminal Justice
To align with your career goals:
- For a focus on criminology and criminal justice theory, consider FSU, UF, and USF.
- If you’re interested in forensic science, UCF and FIU offer strong science-based programs.
- If you plan to eventually attend law school, UF, FSU, and Stetson offer excellent pre-law preparation.
Moving forward, I recommend visiting the websites of these colleges to review their criminal justice or forensic science programs. Look for opportunities to tour campuses, attend information sessions, or speak with faculty. Consider what type of environment suits you best—large universities (like UF or UCF) or smaller schools (like Stetson).
1. Florida State University (FSU)
Located in Tallahassee, FSU is renowned for its Criminology and Criminal Justice programs. The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice here offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, allowing you to specialize in areas such as law enforcement, criminal theory, and forensic studies. A standout feature is their internships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies, which offer invaluable real-world experience.
Program Link: FSU Criminology Program
2. University of Florida (UF)
Situated in Gainesville, UF provides a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Law through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of criminal justice and law, preparing students for law school or careers in criminalistics. UF also boasts a top-ranked law school, the Levin College of Law, should you wish to pursue a law degree post your bachelor’s.
Program Link: UF Criminology & Law
3. University of Central Florida (UCF)
Based in Orlando, UCF offers a robust Criminal Justice program with options to concentrate on areas like criminalistics, forensics, and legal studies. They also offer a Forensic Science program, perfect for those interested in applying science to solve crimes. The university's proximity to Orlando provides opportunities for internships and networking with law enforcement agencies.
Program Link: UCF Criminal Justice
4. Florida International University (FIU)
Located in Miami, FIU’s Criminal Justice program is highly respected, focusing on justice policy, law enforcement, and forensics. They also offer a strong Forensic Science program for those interested in the scientific aspects of criminalistics. The diverse environment of Miami and connections to law enforcement provide excellent internship opportunities.
Program Link: FIU Criminal Justice
5. University of South Florida (USF)
Situated in Tampa, USF offers a Criminology program that delves into the criminal justice system, crime prevention, and criminal behavior. It provides a solid foundation for students interested in law enforcement or law school. The university is research-focused, offering opportunities for undergraduate research in criminology.
Program Link: USF Criminology
6. Stetson University
Based in DeLand, Stetson offers programs in Law and Criminal Justice. It’s known for its pre-law focus, and the Stetson University College of Law is one of the top law schools in Florida. The university offers small class sizes and personalized advising for students pursuing law careers.
Program Link: Stetson Criminal Justice
7. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Located in Fort Myers, FGCU’s Criminal Justice program emphasizes practical experience through internships with law enforcement and justice organizations. The program has a strong focus on community engagement and practical learning.
Program Link: FGCU Criminal Justice
8. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Situated in Boca Raton, FAU offers a robust Criminal Justice program that equips students with an understanding of criminal justice systems, law, and public safety. The university has strong partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies.
Program Link: FAU Criminal Justice
To align with your career goals:
- For a focus on criminology and criminal justice theory, consider FSU, UF, and USF.
- If you’re interested in forensic science, UCF and FIU offer strong science-based programs.
- If you plan to eventually attend law school, UF, FSU, and Stetson offer excellent pre-law preparation.
Moving forward, I recommend visiting the websites of these colleges to review their criminal justice or forensic science programs. Look for opportunities to tour campuses, attend information sessions, or speak with faculty. Consider what type of environment suits you best—large universities (like UF or UCF) or smaller schools (like Stetson).
Cheri Overstreet, M. Ed
FT Patrolman & PT University Police Officer
12
Answers
Monticello, Arkansas
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Arianna,
Cheryl Bunn Yamaguchi has given you a fantastic and generous overview of the secondary education opportunities in your preferred study field in your state! I have some additional suggestions that may not directly answer your questions but are definitely relevant. Before you select a school:
(A) Dedicate 1-3 days to shadowing various local agencies, companies, or institutions in the fields you might be interested in. This will ensure your expectations align with the reality, and thus, pave the way for success in your chosen career, and
(B) Investigate how to finance your post-secondary education without the burden of debt. (See below.)
To determine which fields to investigate (or perhaps spend 1-3 days in each if you have the time!), ask yourself:
"Do I want to work as a paralegal with the aim of becoming a lawyer? Am I intrigued by the idea of becoming a crime analyst, forensic scientist, criminal courts clerk, criminal investigator, crime scene investigator, or an agent at a federal agency? Or am I more inclined to pursue entrepreneurship or a job as a private investigator or another role that utilizes my degree once I've earned it?"
School breaks are an excellent opportunity to explore your interests and get a head start! Using these breaks wisely to gain valuable experience can not only enhance your resume but also refine your decision-making process earlier, reducing detours. How? Your expectations will be grounded in the reality of your observed experience.
Once you've chosen a school, be aware that many colleges and universities in FL offer significant tuition reductions through programs like the Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP), the State Employee Tuition Waiver Program, and the NextEra Energy Educational Assistance Program (which also covers textbooks!). I believe the limit is 6 credit hours. It might take you longer to earn your degree, but it will be almost FREE (!), and this will give you time to potentially transfer to a job in the Criminal Justice/Criminology Department at your school and continue exploring various fieldwork opportunities while building a strong resume for your future career!
One of the main reasons college students switch their majors or return to school (which costs more time and money) is a lack of experience and true understanding in fields related to their degree track. When they finally get familiar with their chosen field, they often find it's not what they expected. The good news is that this costly mistake can be completely avoided with a bit of patience, preparation, and research, just like you're doing now!
I hope that, in combination with the detailed answers above, this helps you choose a degree path, a profession, and a school that will set you up for success in both!
Cheryl Bunn Yamaguchi has given you a fantastic and generous overview of the secondary education opportunities in your preferred study field in your state! I have some additional suggestions that may not directly answer your questions but are definitely relevant. Before you select a school:
(A) Dedicate 1-3 days to shadowing various local agencies, companies, or institutions in the fields you might be interested in. This will ensure your expectations align with the reality, and thus, pave the way for success in your chosen career, and
(B) Investigate how to finance your post-secondary education without the burden of debt. (See below.)
To determine which fields to investigate (or perhaps spend 1-3 days in each if you have the time!), ask yourself:
"Do I want to work as a paralegal with the aim of becoming a lawyer? Am I intrigued by the idea of becoming a crime analyst, forensic scientist, criminal courts clerk, criminal investigator, crime scene investigator, or an agent at a federal agency? Or am I more inclined to pursue entrepreneurship or a job as a private investigator or another role that utilizes my degree once I've earned it?"
School breaks are an excellent opportunity to explore your interests and get a head start! Using these breaks wisely to gain valuable experience can not only enhance your resume but also refine your decision-making process earlier, reducing detours. How? Your expectations will be grounded in the reality of your observed experience.
Once you've chosen a school, be aware that many colleges and universities in FL offer significant tuition reductions through programs like the Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP), the State Employee Tuition Waiver Program, and the NextEra Energy Educational Assistance Program (which also covers textbooks!). I believe the limit is 6 credit hours. It might take you longer to earn your degree, but it will be almost FREE (!), and this will give you time to potentially transfer to a job in the Criminal Justice/Criminology Department at your school and continue exploring various fieldwork opportunities while building a strong resume for your future career!
One of the main reasons college students switch their majors or return to school (which costs more time and money) is a lack of experience and true understanding in fields related to their degree track. When they finally get familiar with their chosen field, they often find it's not what they expected. The good news is that this costly mistake can be completely avoided with a bit of patience, preparation, and research, just like you're doing now!
I hope that, in combination with the detailed answers above, this helps you choose a degree path, a profession, and a school that will set you up for success in both!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Florida State University, University of Florida, and University of Miami have strong programs in criminal justice and law. University of Central Florida also offers comprehensive degrees in criminal justice, making it another excellent choice for staying in Florida while pursuing this field.