Dive into a forensic career! The Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI) certificate provides a program of applied study that focuses on underwater forensic research and investigations. UCSI courses involve critical thinking to reach mission objectives and include the application of theory and methodology. Our mission is to challenge students through sequenced courses and laboratories, which provide students with the theory and practical experience needed for the field of underwater research. An UCSI certificate, available on BOTH the Tallahassee and Panama City, FL campuses, may be earned independently as a non-degree seeking student or as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. With courses such as the application of theory and methodology, the program is relevant to many careers in law enforcement and public safety. Our mission is to rigorously challenge our students through five sequenced courses and labs that provide students with the theory and practical experiences that equip them to be underwater forensic scientists and become highly qualified law enforcement and forensic professionals in the world.
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Excellence in underwater research
Graduates are educated to be both scientists and investigators, which benefits science-based disciplines such as engineering, medicine, criminology and archaeology.
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One certificate; unlimited possibilities
The UCSI certificate opens doors for careers processing accidents, crime scenes, insurance fraud cases, environmental pollution investigations and maritime security.
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Open doors to scholarship opportunities
Students enrolled in at least 3 hours of a diving class are eligible for the Bob Barth Underwater Research Scholarship.
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We train the pros
Students in dive courses might have the opportunity to participate in criminal investigations, JAWS dive training or underwater research. Faculty and students have trained national law enforcement divers and assisted with rescue and recovery missions.
Students Eye View
"I had an interest in crime scene plus I love the water ... and I found out that FSU Panama City has those 2 programs."
- Amber Bosley
crime scene investigation, '17
“Most of the time when I am in the water I have one of the best educations out of all the divers there.”
- Will McEwan
international affairs, '22
“Scuba changed my life, and the program helped guide me to achieve goals I didn’t even know were possible.”
- Sally Pendoley
crime scene investigation, '19
Undergraduate students must apply for the undergraduate certificate. Graduate students must apply for the graduate certificate. Student cannot mix undergraduate and graduate classes in their certificate.
Graduate Certificate in Underwater Crime Investigation - 16 graduate credit hours
To earn a graduate certificate, students must:
- Submit the Graduate UCSI Certificate Program Application (see Quick Links menu for application) and be approved to pursue the UCSI certificate program prior to completion of the second course and lab.
- Complete the required number of graduate credit hours (16) from the approved list of courses.
- Earn a grade of “B” or higher in each of the graduate level courses and labs. Non-degree seeking students pursuing the UCSI graduate certificate must earn a grade of “B” or higher in each of the graduate level courses and labs.
- Complete and submit the UCSI Graduate Certificate Completion Request (see Quick Links menu for request) at the beginning of the term in which the requirements for the certificate will be completed.
ISC 5060 - Introduction to Underwater Investigation (3) presents the history, principles of basic hyperbaric science diving, physics and physiology as they relate to diving. This course provides the theoretical foundation for individuals preparing to be divers.
ISC 5060L - Introduction to Underwater Investigation Lab (1) presents the principles and practice of compressed-gas as a life-support system for underwater hyperbaric exposure. This course is designed to develop proficiency in the basic skills required to perform safe underwater operations. Certifications earned: Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver
ISC 5061 - Scientific Underwater Investigation (3) builds upon the Introduction to Underwater Investigation course by providing the technology to collect data in an underwater environment according to the scientific method. The course the techniques used in science disciplines that function underwater.
ISC 5061L - Scientific Underwater Investigation Lab (1) builds upon the Introduction to Underwater Investigation Laboratory course by providing the tools and techniques to collect data in an underwater environment for prolonged periods of time. The underwater data collection techniques use traditional underwater technology and techniques for data gathering related to scientific disciplines. Certifications earned: Enriched Air (EANx) Diver and American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
CJE 5768 - Underwater Crime Scene Methodology (3) synthesizes the various theories for the conduct of crime with the knowledge of how physical evidence is produced during the commission of a crime on or under the water in order to produce information that enables the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
CJE 5768L - Underwater Crime Scene Methodology Lab (1) applies various techniques for the examination of physical materials generated during the commission of a crime on or under the water in order to produce information that enables the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity. Additional equipment fee required.
CJE 5769 - Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (3) combines the various analytical underwater examinations into a holistic investigation process designed to locate and detect persons and physical evidence involved in, or victims of, crimes in or on the water. Emphasis is placed on the theory of the technology and the scientific decision-making required for its optimum application.
CJE 5769L - USCI Capstone (1) empirically applies methodology based on advanced technology to enhance the location and detection of physical evidence used, or intended for use, in the commission of underwater crimes. Emphasis is placed on the use of the Incident Command System and the UCSI Process for management of an underwater crime scene investigation and on the verification of investigative protocols. Additional equipment fee required.
Advising
Mark Feulner, Advanced Science Diving Program Director
(850) 770-2205
mfeulner@pc.fsu.edu
Cristina Doan, Graduate Coordinator
(850) 770-2148
cdoan@pc.fsu.edu
Undergraduate Underwater Crime Scene Investigation - 16 undergraduate credit hours
To earn an undergraduate certificate, students must:
- Submit the Undergraduate UCSI Certificate Program Application (see Quick Links menu for application) and be approved to pursue the UCSI certificate program prior to completion of the second course and lab.
- Complete the required number of undergraduate credit hours (16) from the approved list of courses.
- Earn a grade of “C minus” or higher in each of the undergraduate courses and labs.
- Complete and submit the UCSI Certificate Completion Request (see Quick Links menu for request) at the beginning of the term in which the requirements for the certificate will be complete.
ISC 3062 - Introduction to Underwater Investigation (3) presents the history, principles of basic hyperbaric science diving, physics and physiology as they relate to diving. This course provides the theoretical foundation for individuals preparing to be divers.
ISC 3062L - Introduction to Underwater Investigation Lab (1) presents the principles and practice of compressed-gas as a life-support system for underwater hyperbaric exposure. This course is designed to develop proficiency in the basic skills required to perform safe underwater operations. Certifications earned: Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver.
ISC 3063 - Scientific Underwater Investigation (3) builds upon the Introduction to Underwater Investigation course by providing the technology to collect data in an underwater environment according to the scientific method. The course the techniques used in science disciplines that function underwater.
ISC 3063L - Scientific Underwater Investigation Lab (1) builds upon the Introduction to Underwater Investigation Laboratory course by providing the tools and techniques to collect data in an underwater environment for prolonged periods of time. The underwater data collection techniques use traditional underwater technology and techniques for data gathering related to scientific disciplines. Certifications earned: Enriched Air (EANx) Diver and American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
CJE 4764 - Underwater Crime Scene Methodology (3) synthesizes the various theories for the conduct of crime with the knowledge of how physical evidence is produced during the commission of a crime on or under the water in order to produce information that enables the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
CJE 4764L - Underwater Crime Scene Methodology Lab (1) applies various techniques for the examination of physical materials generated during the commission of a crime on or under the water in order to produce information that enables the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity. Additional equipment fee required.
CJE 4765 - Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (3) combines the various analytical underwater examinations into a holistic investigation process designed to locate and detect persons and physical evidence involved in, or victims of, crimes in or on the water. Emphasis is placed on the theory of the technology and the scientific decision-making required for its optimum application.
CJE 4765L -USCI Capstone (1) empirically applies methodology based on advanced technology to enhance the location and detection of physical evidence used, or intended for use, in the commission of underwater crimes. Emphasis is placed on the use of the Incident Command System and the UCSI Process for management of an underwater crime scene investigation and on the verification of investigative protocols. Additional equipment fee required.
Advising
Mark Feulner, Advanced Science Diving Program Director
(850) 770-2205
mfeulner@pc.fsu.edu
Dana Smith, Academic Program Specialist
(850) 770-2266
dsmith@pc.fsu.edu
Elective Course
PEN 1136 Theory and practice of compressed-gas diving. Certification earned: Open Water Diver (Summer only)
