Program Overview
This interdisciplinary graduate certificate introduces students to the principles of forensic science, including crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and legal considerations. Students can choose from concentrations in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biometric Identity Analysis, or General Forensic Science. The program can be completed part-time or full-time, and students may be eligible for federal financial aid.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This interdisciplinary graduate certificate program is designed for students seeking training in forensic science, as well as for current professionals employed by the federal government, local law enforcement, and private security corporations. Forensics refers to the application of scientific methodologies to the analysis of crime scenes, the collection of evidence, and the laboratory analysis of that evidence in support of criminal investigations. Related legal aspects are also considered as part of a comprehensive approach to forensics. At the time of completion, depending on the concentration, students will be able to understand the basic principles of forensics and perform a general crime scene analysis. Available concentrations include: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biometric Identity Analysis, and General Forensic Science; curriculum requirements for each concentration are listed in the Requirements tab. This certificate may be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
Outline:
Total credits:
18
Core Courses:
- FRSC 500 Introduction to Forensic Science (3 credits)
- FRSC 510 Basic Crime Analysis (3 credits)
Concentrations:
- Crime Scene Investigation (CSCN): 12 credits from the following:
- FRSC 511 Advanced Crime Scene Analysis
- FRSC 513 Forensic Photography
- FRSC 530 Law and Forensic Science
- FRSC 550 Issues in Forensic Anthropology
- FRSC 590 Medicolegal Death Investigation and Pathology
- FRSC 690 Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony
- Forensic Biometric Identity Analysis (FRBI):
- FRSC 620 Face and Biometric Pattern Analysis (3 credits)
- FRSC 630 Fingerprint Identification (3 credits)
- FRSC 640 Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Identity Analysis (3 credits)
- General Forensic Science (FRSG): 12 credits from the following:
- FRSC 517 Questioned Document Examination
- FRSC 520 Toxicology
- FRSC 530 Law and Forensic Science
- FRSC 570 Trace and Physical Evidence Concepts
- FRSC 580 Facial Reconstruction
- FRSC 630 Fingerprint Identification
- FRSC 690 Capstone - Moot Court Expert Testimony
Other:
- This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.
- Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this certificate.
- Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this certificate; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.
- Students enrolled in this professional certificate are charged at a differential (premium) tuition rate. any courses or secondary programs that students may enroll in are subject to the differential tuition rate. The Forensic Science, MS has the same premium tuition rate, making it the ideal program for concurrent enrollment (if desired).
