CSI program guidebook

CRIME INVESTIGATION CRIMESCENE SCENE INVESTIGATION AT F L O R I D A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

AT F LO RPA I DA STAT E U N I V E R S I T Y NAMA CITY PA N A M A C I T Y P C .F S U .EDU .E DU

LEARN FROM THE PROS. Some people just notice the details. For the scientific mind — the “whodunit” aficionado — FSU’s crime scene investigation program offers hands-on coursework, real-world scenarios and intriguing lectures to get you where you want to go.

The program teaches students to collect, identify, classify and analyze physical evidence to help solve and prosecute criminal activity.

CAREER OPTIONS crime scene investigator crime scene analyst crime lab technician forensic science technician autopsy technician death investigator criminal investigator

EMPLOYMENT federal, state and local law enforcement medical examiner’s offices public and private crime labs

With an average class size of 12 students or less, you benefit from a personal teaching environment and individual attention in a Top 20 public university.

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ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings and reputation

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FLORIDA STATE AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

based on graduation/retention rates, reputation, faculty, student excellence, financial resources and more.

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AFFORDABLE ONLINE CSI BACHELOR’S

Already a fingerprint analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, James Pollock knew a specialized degree would expand his career options. While working full time in Tallahassee, Florida, he took advantage of Florida State’s distance learning program to earn his bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation.

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The more you know, the more marketable you become and more sought out you are.”

— James Pollock, ’18

After graduation, he accepted a position researching and maintaining criminal histories as a criminal justice information analyst then moved on to become a criminal justice information consultant to help streamline information sharing between agencies.

“Always look for training or educational opportunities whether it is for career development or additional college degrees,” he said. “New opportunities may await you if you continue to learn and remain patient.”

I WANTED TO MAKE MYSELF MARKETABLE

‘EYES AND EARS’ OF THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER

Sammi Masterson always knew she wanted to help solve mysteries.

As a medicolegal death investigator, she serves as “the eyes and ears” of the District One Medical Examiner’s Office in Pensacola, Florida, investigating suspicious, unattended, unexpected and unexplained deaths.

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After my first autopsy, I knew that I was rationally prepared and passionate enough to pursue this area of work.”

— Sammi Masterson, ’19

Using her CSI training, she collects and documents evidence and provides expert testimony in the courtroom to help solve complex cases and bring closure to families.

“Our office attempts to provide answers to difficult questions for people who have had a loved pass away and is important for providing loved ones with closure,” she said.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY. All required coursework is available online along with four accelerated one-week (40 hours) on-campus summer labs that take you into real cold cases and mock crime scene scenarios. All CSI specific labs are approved by the International Association of Identification (IAI) as training certification or continuing education hours.

IMPRESSION AND PATTERN EVIDENCE LAB

TRACE AND BIOMETRIC EVIDENCE LAB

CRIME AND ACCIDENT SCENE IMAGING AND RECONSTRUCTION LAB

FORENSIC DEATH INVESTIGATION LAB

After Eric Lewis retired from the military, he knew he wanted more from his civilian life.

“I wanted to make a difference,” he said. “I decided to return to school and challenge myself by getting into a field that would help people.”

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CSIs have an immense responsibility to help discover the truth because someone’s life can literally depend on the job you do. ” — Eric Lewis, ’20

Through the CSI program, Lewis has been able to experience life as an investigator, viewing an autopsy, studying ballistics and searching computers for digital evidence to answer unsolved crimes.

“I have enjoyed the challenges the program has to offer,” he said. “I have had the opportunity to visit places and see things you normally would never see otherwise.”

A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IT’S NOTHING LIKE TELEVISION

For Lindsey Miller Warren, who was in the first graduating class of Florida State CSI students, summer labs and program mentors helped her land her dream job as a criminal analyst for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.

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This program doesn’t sugarcoat anything. You are exposed to the real deal, you get your hands dirty and see what CSI really is.”

— Lindsey Miller Warren, ’17

“The summer labs were hands down the best,” she said. “You get to participate and experience real cases and get a feel for what the work is like in the real world as a crime scene investigator.”

Warren helped solve a homicide within the first few months as an intern in 2016. By 2017, the sheriff offered her the full-time position.

“I have an uncanny ability to identify people and vehicles, and that was a strength that the Investigations Division was missing,” she said.

In her first year, she helped solve 122 of the 123 missing persons cases assigned to her.

ARE YOU READY TO CRACK THE CASE? Applicants must meet the foreign language admission requirement in addition to one of the following: •

Associate of Arts (A.A.) from a Florida public college (recommended) or 52+ semester hours of transferable credit, to include three hours of freshman English composition and three hours of mathematics/ statistics. Earning the Associates of Arts degree will satisfy the Liberal Studies/general education requirement and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

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A student not earning the Associates of Arts degree must complete the Florida State University general education requirements while enrolled in this program.

PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY Crime Scene Investigation

850-770-2160 • pc.fsu.edu/csi