Forensic Investigations
The Upper Division Certificate in Forensic Investigations provides prospective undergraduate students with a new and innovative curriculum that contains specialized skill sets that will open up additional opportunities in law enforcement and other public and private sector investigative careers or enhance their present status within a particular agency or organization. The course is designed to allow students to understand the steps taken in crime scene investigations, from the initial walk through, reconstruction phase, documentation, and type of evidence encountered. Utilizing the scientific method of investigation, students will broaden their horizons in regard to the processes of conducting investigations (civil or criminal); expand their knowledge concerning critical investigations.
Admission Criteria
Students must meet the following criteria to be admitted into the Upper Division Certificate:
- Admitted into the University through the regular admissions process
- Enrolled in the B.S. in Criminal Justice or approved baccalaureate degree program
- Earned status as a sophomore or higher (must have completed above 30 credits)
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must have completed pre-requisites – CRJU 201 or, BIO 101 or 107, or CHEM 101
Certificate Requirements
To graduate with an undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Investigations, students must complete 18 credit hours:
Core Courses (18 credits)
| Course | Credits | Name |
|---|---|---|
| CRJU 306 | 3 | Criminal Investigation |
| CRJU 325 | 3 | Forensic Science–From the Crime Scene to the Crime Lab |
| CRJU 326 | 3 | Criminal Procedures |
| CRJU 486 | 3 | Crime Scene Investigation I |
| CRJU 487 | 3 | Forensic Science Lab I |
| CRJU 489 | 3 | Advanced Investigative Techniques |
Electives
Two electives below may be used as substitutions, which allow students to meet the core competencies of the certificates.
| Course | Credits | Name |
|---|---|---|
| CRJU 332 | 3 | Forensic Anthropology |
| CRJU 441 | 3 | Analysis of Fingerprints |
| CRJU 442 | 3 | Latent Print Development |
| CRJU 443 | 3 | Biological Evidence |
| CRJU 445 | 3 | Bloodstain Pattern Analysis |
| CRJU 446 | 3 | Forensic Photography |
| CRJU 448 | 3 | Forensic Entomology |
750+ Course Options
Our Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.
Forensic Investigations is in the Department of Criminal Justice in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.