BS in Public Safety & Security

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Florida State University

Program Overview

Florida State University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Safety & Security, with a major in Crime Scene Investigation, prepares students to investigate crime scenes, understand forensic evidence, and support criminal investigations using scientific and analytical methods. Offered through the College of Applied Studies, the program is suitable for students interested in forensic science, criminal investigations, and public safety who want to develop practical skills for careers in law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Students build a foundation in communication, mathematics, general education, and computer skills. Courses such as Freshman Composition, Research, Genre, and Context, and Computer Fluency help develop the writing, research, and digital skills needed for later forensic and investigative coursework.

Second Year

Students begin studying criminal justice and crime scene investigation more directly. Courses such as The Criminal Justice System, Forensic Science in Investigation, and Forensic Science in Investigation Lab introduce students to the workings of the justice system and the scientific methods used to examine evidence. Students also develop skills in crime scene professionalism and criminal investigation theory and practice.

Third Year

Students move into more specialised forensic and investigative subjects, including Conduct of Investigation, Crime & Accident Scene Imaging & Reconstruction, and Impression and Pattern Evidence. Related laboratory courses give students opportunities to learn how crime scene images are captured and interpreted and how physical evidence can help investigators reconstruct events.

Fourth Year

In the final year, students develop their knowledge of evidence analysis, forensic investigation, and professional practice through courses such as Trace & Digital Evidence, Forensic Death Investigation, and Evidential Reasoning for Research & Investigation. Students also complete the CJE 4710 Capstone, usually in their final semester, bringing together their investigative knowledge and analytical skills. The exact course sequence can vary depending on course availability and the student’s academic plan.

Focus Areas

Crime scene investigation, forensic science, criminal investigation, crime scene imaging and reconstruction, impression and pattern evidence, trace and digital evidence, forensic death investigation, evidential reasoning, criminal justice, investigative interviewing, and crime scene professionalism.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to understand criminal justice procedures, examine and interpret forensic evidence, document crime scenes, use investigative reasoning, and apply scientific methods to criminal investigations. They also build skills in digital applications, professional conduct, evidence handling, communication, and research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Florida State University’s College of Applied Studies states that its specialised crime scene investigation laboratories are approved by the International Association for Identification (IAI). This approval can help students apply eligible coursework toward relevant professional training certifications or continuing education hours. It should not be confused with accreditation of the entire bachelor’s degree, and individual certification requirements may still apply.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Florida State University identifies career opportunities in local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as public and private crime laboratories. Potential roles include crime scene investigator, forensic science technician, crime laboratory assistant, death investigator, and criminalist. A verified employment rate or employability ranking specifically for this major was not identified in the official program information reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Florida State University’s Crime Scene Investigation major places a strong emphasis on practical learning, giving students opportunities to practise forensic techniques rather than relying on classroom theory alone. Students complete specialised laboratory courses covering evidence collection, crime scene reconstruction, fingerprints, and forensic death investigation. Some of these labs are delivered in intensive, 40-hour sessions on the Panama City campus, where students work through mock crime scenes and practical case exercises.

Key practical learning opportunities include:

Forensic Science in Investigation Lab: Students learn the foundations of forensic evidence examination and investigative procedures. Online students can access a 3D virtual simulation for this introductory lab.
Crime & Accident Scene Imaging and Reconstruction Lab: Students practise documenting crime scenes and using visual evidence to help reconstruct events.
Impression and Pattern Evidence Lab: Students explore evidence such as fingerprints and other impressions that may help investigators identify objects or establish links to a scene.
Trace and Digital Evidence Lab: Students study how trace materials and digital evidence can contribute to an investigation.
Forensic Death Investigation Lab: Students learn about evidence and investigative procedures used in death investigations, including the recovery and examination of skeletal remains.
Mock crime scenes and cold cases: The college describes practical exercises involving simulated crime scenes and real cold cases, helping students practise forensic methods in investigative scenarios.
Capstone internship or guided research: The CJE 4710 Capstone allows students to integrate their learning through an experiential project with an approved public safety and security agency or through guided research.
Computer applications: CCJ 3071, Computer Applications for Public Safety and Security, develops the digital skills required for the program.
Career and internship support: FSU’s Career Center helps students explore internships, research, service-learning opportunities, and other forms of professional experience. Its InternFSU program also offers paid on-campus opportunities to eligible undergraduate students, although placements are not guaranteed to be related to crime scene investigation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in crime scene investigation, forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and related public safety fields. The program develops skills in evidence collection, crime scene documentation, forensic analysis, and investigative reasoning, helping students prepare for roles that require careful observation, accurate reporting, and professional handling of evidence.

Possible career paths include:

Crime Scene Investigator
Forensic Science Technician
Crime Laboratory Assistant
Death Investigator

Students can prepare for these careers through the following opportunities:

Career services: FSU’s Career Center offers career advising, internship-search guidance, job-search resources, and support with building professional experience. Students can explore opportunities through NoleNetwork and apply for eligible InternFSU placements.
Employment statistics and salaries: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $72,060 for forensic science technicians in May 2025. It projects employment in this occupation to grow by 13% from 2025 to 2035. These are national figures for the occupation, not salary or employment statistics specific to FSU graduates. Actual earnings depend on location, employer, experience, and job responsibilities.
Professional training recognition: The International Association for Identification has approved the program’s specialised crime scene investigation labs for eligible training certification or continuing education hours. This can help students build relevant professional credentials, subject to the requirements of the specific certification.
Employment opportunities: FSU identifies potential employers across local, state, and federal law enforcement, public and private forensic laboratories, and other investigative organisations. Its program information lists graduate destinations including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Children and Families, and Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. These examples demonstrate the range of organisations represented among graduates; they do not guarantee employment with those employers.
Graduation and further development: Students complete a minimum of 120 credits, including required general education and major coursework. Qualified students may also explore FSU’s Honors in the Major program, which provides an opportunity to complete a supervised research or creative project.

Further Academic Progression

After completing the degree, graduates can consider postgraduate study in forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, forensic investigation, or related fields. Further study may help them specialise in areas such as forensic analysis, criminal investigation, or criminal justice research. Students interested in advanced forensic roles should check each postgraduate program’s admission requirements and whether additional laboratory experience or professional training is recommended.