18 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum Number: 0239
This certificate provides students with practical hands on experience in the proper techniques of identifying, processing, collecting, and preserving physical evidence associated with crime scenes. The instruction focuses on the understanding of the criminal justice field, the investigative process, criminal law, and the legal aspects of handling evidence and recovered property. The forensic science/evidence technician supports criminal justice professionals in the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity. Graduates and certificate holders may be employed as forensic evidence technicians, property custodians, arson investigators and investigators for local law enforcement and fire services, federal agencies, local, regional and national crime labs, as well as private industry that includes insurance agencies. This certificate can be completed in one semester.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses for a Certificate | ||
| LAE 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| LAE 135 | Forensics I | 3 |
| LAE 221 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAE 235 | Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| LAE 239 | Forensics II | 3 |
| LAE 270 | Law of Evidence | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Forensics Certificate Pathway
The following Pathway is recommended for students pursuing the Forensics Certificate.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | Hours | |
| LAE 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| LAE 135 | Forensics I | 3 |
| LAE 239 | Forensics II | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| LAE 221 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAE 235 | Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| LAE 270 | Law of Evidence | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Note: Pathway is a recommended sequence of courses. Full-time students should contact the Department Chair to discuss a full-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the methods and importance of proper crime scene response in a criminal investigation.
- Demonstrate methods for evaluating, collecting, preserving evidence and property at crime scenes.
- Apply investigative methods and techniques for crime scene investigation and processing.
- Explain relevant legal and ethical issues involved in investigating and processing a crime scene.