Designed for students who already hold an associate degree in investigation or a related field, this track moves past single-case fieldwork into the management of complex, high-volume, and multi-agency investigations. You'll study how caseloads are prioritized, how evidence is coordinated across jurisdictions, and how findings are prepared for the courtroom.
Building on the fundamentals gained at the associate level, coursework adds task-force operations, cross-agency information sharing, and the testimony skills required to present findings persuasively under cross-examination. Graduates are prepared for senior investigator roles, task force assignments, and lead case coordinator positions.
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Surveying the major theories that attempt to explain why crime occurs and who commits it.
- Origins of criminological theory
- Biological, psychological, and sociological explanations of crime
- Measuring and classifying criminal behavior
SS 126Sociology
Examining how social structures, institutions, and group dynamics shape individual and collective behavior.
- Socialization and social institutions
- Stratification, inequality, and social class
- Group behavior and deviance within society
CJ 448Corrections
Introducing the philosophy, structure, and daily operation of the American correctional system.
- History and goals of punishment
- Institutional vs. community-based corrections
- Classification and management of offender populations
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Analyzing current controversies and emerging challenges facing the criminal justice system.
- Contemporary policy debates
- Balancing public safety and civil liberties
- Evaluating reform proposals and their impact
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Studying the constitutional rules that govern arrest, search, seizure, and trial.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections
- Procedures from arrest through sentencing
- Exclusionary rule and its exceptions
CJ 585Investigation
Covering the principles and techniques used to gather, document, and preserve criminal evidence.
- Crime scene processing fundamentals
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Chain of custody and case documentation
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Providing a foundation in legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are interpreted and applied.
- Structure of the American legal system
- Statutory, case, and constitutional law
- Legal reasoning and interpretation
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Comparing how different countries organize policing, courts, and corrections.
- International models of policing and courts
- Cultural and political influences on justice systems
- Lessons from cross-national justice reform
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
INV 071Fundamentals of Victimology
Introducing how investigators account for victim experience when building a case.
- Victim interview techniques
- Trauma-informed investigative practices
- Victim assistance resources
CSI 321Introduction to Criminal Behavior
Examining patterns of offender behavior that inform investigative strategy.
- Behavioral patterns in offending
- Modus operandi and signature analysis
- Applying behavioral insight to casework
INV 529Fundamentals of Criminal Evidence
Covering the collection, preservation, and legal standards governing physical evidence.
- Types and sources of physical evidence
- Proper collection and packaging methods
- Admissibility standards in court
CSI 676Criminalists
Introducing the forensic science techniques used to analyze evidence recovered from a crime scene.
- Laboratory analysis of physical evidence
- Trace evidence identification
- Reporting forensic findings
INV 764Cyber Crime
Exploring the investigation of crimes committed through digital and networked systems.
- Digital evidence recovery
- Common cyber crime schemes
- Tracing online criminal activity
INV 856Introduction to Criminal Investigation
Providing a foundation in the investigative process from initial report to case closure.
- Case initiation and lead development
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Organizing case files for prosecution
$24,000
Total Program Cost
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 Associate Degree or equivalent credits.
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Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
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