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Home Criminal Justice Academic Programs Crime Scene Investigation

Associate Degree in Crime Scene Investigation

1 Year
Duration
16
Courses
96
Credit Hours
$48,000
Total Cost

This associate track trains students to process a crime scene from arrival to final report — securing the scene, recognizing and collecting physical evidence, and documenting everything to a standard that holds up in court. Coursework blends practical technique with the legal rules that govern how evidence must be handled.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles such as evidence technician, crime scene support staff, and forensic unit assistant. The one-year format delivers a focused, career-ready foundation in crime scene work without the length of a full bachelor's program.

1
General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101
Introduction to the Humanities
A broad survey of the art, literature, and ideas that have shaped human culture.
  • Landmark works in art and literature
  • Philosophical movements across eras
  • Interpreting cultural artifacts in context
GEN 102
Social and Cultural Geography
Exploring how geography shapes societies, economies, and cultural identity.
  • Population patterns and migration
  • Urban and rural land use
  • Regional cultural differences
GEN 103
English Composition
Developing clear, well-organized writing for academic and professional contexts.
  • Building a strong thesis and outline
  • Paragraph structure and transitions
  • Revising drafts for clarity and tone
GEN 104
College Algebra
Building fluency with algebraic methods used across academic disciplines.
  • Solving linear and quadratic equations
  • Working with functions and graphs
  • Applying algebra to real-world problems
GEN 105
World Religions
A comparative look at the beliefs and practices of major world faiths.
  • Core beliefs of major traditions
  • Religious ritual and practice
  • Religion's influence on society
GEN 106
Ethics
Examining moral theories and how they apply to everyday decisions.
  • Major ethical theories and frameworks
  • Applying ethics to real-life dilemmas
  • Evaluating competing moral claims
GEN 107
Art Appreciation
Building a vocabulary for understanding and evaluating visual art.
  • Elements and principles of design
  • Major art movements through history
  • Analyzing meaning in visual works
GEN 108
Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
  • Polynomial and rational functions
  • Exponential and logarithmic relationships
  • Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109
Human Biology
An introduction to how the human body functions at the systems level.
  • Structure and function of major organ systems
  • Cellular processes and genetics basics
  • Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
GEN 110
World History
Tracing major civilizations, conflicts, and turning points across the globe.
  • Rise and fall of major civilizations
  • Global trade and cultural exchange
  • Key turning points of the modern era
2
Core Courses
3 Courses
CJ 125
Introduction to Criminology
An introduction to the theories that explain why crime occurs and who is most affected by it.
  • Comparing biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime
  • Analyzing patterns in offending and victimization data
  • Evaluating how criminological theory informs policy and practice
CJ 585
Investigation
Core methods used to gather, document, and analyze information during a criminal investigation.
  • Conducting witness and suspect interviews
  • Organizing case files and investigative leads
  • Applying logical analysis to build a case narrative
LLS 642
Introduction to Laws
A foundational look at how laws are created, interpreted, and applied within the justice system.
  • Distinguishing statutory, case, and constitutional law
  • Understanding the structure of the court system
  • Reading and interpreting basic legal language
3
Specialist Courses
3 Courses
INV 071
Fundamentals of Victimology
An introduction to the study of victims and their role within the criminal justice process.
  • Patterns of victimization across different crime types
  • Victim rights and available support services
  • The relationship between victims and offenders
INV 293
Computer Forensics
Techniques for locating and preserving digital evidence stored on computers and devices.
  • Recovering deleted or hidden files
  • Preserving digital evidence for court
  • Common software and hardware forensic tools
CSI 321
Introduction to Criminal Behavior
An examination of the factors and patterns behind why individuals commit crimes.
  • Behavioral indicators observed at crime scenes
  • Situational versus habitual offending
  • Linking behavior patterns to investigative leads
$48,000
Total Program Cost
$500
Per Credit Hour
96
Total Credit Hours

Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.

Explore Financial Aid

Admission requires High School Diploma or GED.

01

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.

02

Advisor Review

An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.

03

Enroll & Begin

Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.

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