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Saint Leo University

St. Leo , Florida ,United States

MS in Criminal Justice - Criminal Investigations

The College of Education & Social Services offers several competitive, quality graduate degree programs, and the online M.S. in Criminal Justice with a Criminal Investigation specialization is no exception.

In light of recent disasters and world events, it is increasingly important for criminal justice administrators, first responders, government officials, and organizations to understand how to manage critical incidents, psychological aspects of disasters, hazard mitigation, and risk identification.

Saint Leo University's criminal justice program director, Dr. Robert J. Diemer, has nearly 30 years of varied investigative experience, and is known across Florida and, increasingly, among national law enforcement at local, state, and federal agency levels. Dr. Diemer has served as a Deputy Sheriff, State Coordinator for the Florida Sheriff’s Association Statewide Task Force, and Chief of Investigations for the Florida Department of Environmental Protections Division of Law Enforcement. Dr. Diemer was also responsible for managing and coordinating the operations of the Florida Department of Environmental Protections Environmental Terrorism Response Team.

The curriculum, as outlined below, is designed for criminal justice administrators, first responders, government officials, and those individuals who have an interest in understanding the role that criminal investigations play with regards to the field of criminal justice. The area of criminal investigations plays an important role in criminal offences. This course of study will focus on the way the different investigative methodologies interact together to solve some of the world’s most heinous, violent criminal acts, which cause major economic loss in addition to loss of life.  The course introduces the student to violence, sexual deviance and environmental and juvenile crimes.  A student must successfully complete the five core courses,  four Criminal Investigation courses and two elective courses.

One of the leading military colleges in the United States, Saint Leo University has been educating criminal justice professionals for more than three decades. In the Catholic spirit, we base our criminal justice model on a steadfast moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Aug

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Career Services assists students and alumni with all phases of career development, from career guidance and job search training to resume advice, interview skills, and professional networking. We support the mission of Saint Leo University by offering a practical and effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world.

Emphasis/Goals:
Our department provides career coaching and job search resources to assist students and alumni with making informed career development decisions and building the career competencies needed for successful employment outcomes.

Specifically:

  • Encouraging student and alumni development through personal career exploration, by providing networking opportunities, workshops, and career events.
  • Creating collaborative employer partnerships to optimize career opportunities.
  • Partnering with the academic community to facilitate the development of career skills.
  • Offering contemporary technological resources to enhance the delivery of career services.

PSW Opportunity

12 to 36 months (OPT duration depends on the major studied)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Admission Requirements

To apply for enrollment in one of Saint Leo University's traditional campus graduate programs:

  • Application

Apply online

  • Official Transcript

Submit transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas or certificates from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with course descriptions and credit values. 
Certified word-for-word translations of all non-English credentials must be provided.
Graduates or former students of Saint Leo University do not need to submit transcripts if they have been previously submitted and are on file.

Saint Leo University accepts 3- Year Bachelor’s Degree for Direct entry in our Master of Business Administration and MS Cybersecurity (STEM) program.

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

All international candidates for admission must prove English language proficiency by at least one of the following: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 45 iBT
  • International English Language Testing system (IELTS) - minimum score of 5.0
  • Pearson Test of English Academics (PTE A) - minimum score of 35
  • Successful completion of ELS Level 109
  • For transfer students, two semesters with grades of B or higher in English composition courses at regionally accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States
  • Successful completion of a NAFSA-recognized ESL program
  • Duolingo English Test - minimum score of 75
  • Students who meet these requirements are eligible for admission to Saint Leo University through the Bridge Program. Undergraduate students will be required to utilize elective credits for English courses and graduate students will be required to take the foundation component of their program. Student’s English Proficiency scores will determine placement into the Bridge program. See Bridge Program for more details.

Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meets or exceeds one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT (Minimum 19 subscores), IELTS 6.5 (Minimum 6.0 bandscores), PTE A 53 (Minimum 52 bandscores), ELS Level 112, or Duolingo 105.

Saint Leo University reserves the right to require a student to take Bridge classes to increase English proficiency in a particular area, regardless of total test scores. Other English language examination results will also be considered, and experience studying in the English language, as documented through school transcripts, will be taken into consideration.

Supplemental Documentation

  • Submit a current resume.
  • Submit two professional recommendations completed on forms you can download here.
  • Submit a Statement of Professional Goals of 500 words or more that outlines how your educational and career goals match Saint Leo University's program.

Photocopy of the biographical section of your current passport

  • Proof of Financial Ability to Pay

Generally, international students must show evidence of ability to pay all direct and indirect costs of attendance. Indirect costs include expenses not covered by tuition, room/board and fee charges.

Submit your completed and signed Certificate of Finances form. 
Send supporting financial documentation. All students are required to demonstrate the financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document by Saint Leo University. All supporting financial documents must be in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation showing available liquid funds. The financial documents cannot be older than six months at the time of submission to Saint Leo University in order to be considered valid. These financial documents include, but are not limited to, bank statements and letters, government or organization scholarships. These items can be sent electronically, through postal mail or faxed. 

Once your documents have been received and reviewed, Saint Leo University will issue the Form I-20. This will be mailed to the mailing address listed on your Certificate of Finances form.