EDUCATION

FSU PC Expands Online Graduate Programs by: Erica Martin, Marketing and Communication Coordinator, FSU Panama City

FSU Panama City is taking its commitment to partnering with students to a new level through online education. The regional campus recently began offering distance-learning master’s programs in law enforcement intelligence and systems engineering.

“It has been an exciting time for FSU Panama City as we continue developing new programs to better serve area students’ evolving educational needs,” Dean Randy Hanna said. “Distance-learning programs will help us to expand our reach to offer a Top 20 university education to area residents and students throughout the country who work full time or prefer the flexibility of the online learning environment.”

FSU Panama City has already excelled in online education, managing FSU’s distance-learning programs in computer science and public safety & security. The computer science program has been ranked No. 3 best online computer science program, according to bestcolleges.com. The public safety & security program’s crime scene investigation major has been ranked No. 1 CSI bachelor’s program, according to thebestschools.com.

“Through the bachelor’s-level computer science and public safety & security programs, we have seen a huge surge in interest in online learning,” Hanna said. “Offering master’s-level programs online will provide students with the research and management skills necessary to excel in their fields.”

In the past three years, FSU Panama City has added on-campus programs ranging from hospitality and entrepreneurship to mechanical engineering and computer programming. Each of these programs serve a need within the community to prepare students to become an integral part of the local workforce.

“FSU Panama City offers a diverse selection of STEM majors that have a growing demand locally and nationwide,” Hanna said. “We look forward to continuing to develop new programs based on the region’s changing needs.”

Law Enforcement Intelligence

The master’s law enforcement intelligence program began in 2018, providing students with advanced skills in evaluating intelligence functions through online coursework in criminal justice, economics, political science and military science. A semester-long research-based project with a law enforcement agency offers handson management experience.

“The significance of this program is founded upon providing well-educated and trained intelligence data analysts to public safety agencies at all levels, from local to federal and to domestic and international corporations that depend on the acquisition and evaluation of information to protect their integrity,” said Tom Kelley, Ph.D., public safety and security faculty member. “The curriculum is designed to enhance the investigative skills of our students ultimately reducing the amount of preparation our graduates will need once they enter the workforce.”

“We’re preparing students to be the leaders in this discipline,” said faculty member Banyon Pelham. “While the main foundation of this program is integrative and flexible, it will also provide applied experience for students who will learn from faculty who have direct professional experience in the law enforcement intelligence arena.”

“Competent instructors have always known you only really learn by doing,” said faculty member John Andrews. “Our instructors have worked in the intelligence community and are familiar with core competencies deemed essential for intelligence analysts. We know by our experience what students need to know to succeed as a professional practitioner, and we see our job as ensuring they get what they need to succeed.”

Systems Engineering

Developed in conjunction with Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, the systems engineering program integrates engineering disciplines with industrial and management practices. Students learn to effectively design and manage complex technical systems, such as integrating tasks to build a new military weapons system or to optimize the efficiency of a retailer’s product distribution system.

“Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division employs nearly 900 scientists and engineers, many of whom would like the opportunity to advance their education,” said NSWC PCD Technical Director Ed Stewart. “Partnering with a prestigious university like Florida State University Panama City right here in our own community makes perfect sense as we collaborate to develop tomorrow’s scientists and engineers to meet challenges of tomorrow’s warfighters.”

“They have been extremely helpful, helping us to design a curriculum that meets the market needs,” said Murray Gibson, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

Using the Navy’s expertise, the program initially will focus on marine systems. Courses eventually will grow into other specialized areas to meet a broader market.

“We are excited to expand collaboration with FSU Panama City and the community,” Gibson said when the on-campus program began in fall 2018. “When we looked at where there would be growth in engineering opportunities in Florida, Northwest Florida was a natural choice.”

The online program will begin accepting students in fall 2020, targeting civilian engineers at military bases around the country.