Director’s Welcome
Welcome!
At Florida Atlantic University’s dedication ceremony in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson challenged the University’s pioneers saying, “It is time now…for a new, adventurous, imaginative, courageous breakthrough for a new revolution in education in America.” Those words continue to define what we in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice believe and do.
FAU opened its doors as the first public university in southeast Florida and the first in America designed for upper division students only. Now, over a half a century later, with more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, FAU is the most culturally diverse university in the State of Florida. Reflective of this, in 2017, the U.S. Department of Education designated FAU as a Hispanic Serving Institution.
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a variety of degree and certificate programs. With more than 1,500 majors, the Bachelor of Arts degree is the third largest undergraduate degree program at FAU and is available both on the Boca Raton campus and through FAU Online. In addition, the School offers a Minor in Criminal Justice as well as an Honors in Criminal Justice Research Program. At the graduate level, the School offers a competitive Master of Science degree in a student-friendly environment that meets the needs of both working professionals and students seeking advanced study on many topics germane to criminology and criminal justice. Paralegal and Legal Nurse Consultant certificate programs are also offered through the School.
As Director of the School, it is my goal to enhance the national and international reputations of our degree and certificate programs, making certain that students receive a top-quality education that positions them for success in a rapidly evolving world. I also work to ensure faculty receive the support needed to help students acquire both the knowledge and practical skills to develop careers focused on addressing the causes of crime and societal responses to it.
The School proudly embraces community engagement at all levels. The faculty is committed to being a force for positive change in the communities they serve and the agencies with which they work. Faculty in our School have national and international networks and produce cutting edge research on a diverse range of topics. I encourage you to browse the Latest News, Events, and faculty biography pages to fully appreciate what the faculty are doing and the recognition they are receiving inside and outside the University.
Whether you are a current or prospective student or a professional seeking to advance your career to address real-world problems related to crime, we invite you to contact us to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.
Ryan C. Meldrum, PhD
Director and Professor