This track trains students to process a crime scene the way a working forensic technician does — systematically, cautiously, and with an eye toward what will hold up in court. You'll study the science behind physical evidence, the procedures that keep a chain of custody intact, and the documentation standards that separate a defensible case from a compromised one.
Graduates pursue careers as crime scene technicians, evidence custodians, forensic lab support staff, and investigative aides within police departments and medical examiner's offices. The self-paced, four-year format is designed for students balancing coursework with existing jobs or family obligations.
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General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101Introduction 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 102Social 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 103English 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 104College 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 105World 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 106Ethics
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 107Art 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 108Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic relationships
- Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109Human 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 110World 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
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Surveys the major theories used to explain why crime occurs and who commits it.
- Classical and positivist explanations of criminal behavior
- Biological, psychological, and social risk factors
- Applying theory to real crime trends
SS 126Sociology
Introduces core sociological concepts for understanding group behavior and social institutions.
- Socialization and the formation of social norms
- Social stratification and inequality
- Institutions shaping community and family life
CJ 448Corrections
Examines how jails, prisons, probation, and parole function within the justice system.
- Sentencing structures and incarceration models
- Community supervision and reentry programs
- Institutional management and inmate rights
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Explores current controversies and emerging challenges facing justice agencies today.
- Policy debates shaping law enforcement and courts
- Emerging technology and its impact on practice
- Analyzing case studies of contemporary reform
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Covers the constitutional rules governing arrest, search, and trial procedure.
- Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections
- Rules governing arrest, interrogation, and evidence
- Pretrial, trial, and appellate procedure
CJ 585Investigation
Develops practical techniques for gathering and documenting evidence in criminal cases.
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Evidence collection and case documentation
- Case file organization and follow-up strategy
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Provides a foundation in legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are interpreted.
- Structure of federal, state, and local law
- Reading statutes, regulations, and case law
- Basics of civil versus criminal liability
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Compares how different countries structure policing, courts, and corrections.
- Adversarial versus inquisitorial court models
- International approaches to policing and sentencing
- Lessons from cross-national justice reform
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
INV 071Fundamentals of Victimology
Studies the experience of crime victims and their role within the justice process.
- Patterns of victimization and risk factors
- Victim rights and support services
- Impact of victimization on investigations
INV 293Computer Forensics
Introduces techniques for recovering and analyzing evidence from digital devices.
- Imaging and preserving digital storage media
- Recovering deleted or hidden files
- Documenting findings for forensic reports
CSI 321Introduction to Criminal Behavior
Explores the psychological and situational factors that drive criminal acts.
- Patterns of offending and motive
- Behavioral indicators at crime scenes
- Linking behavior to investigative leads
CSI 462Criminal Evidence
Covers the rules and standards governing the collection and use of evidence in court.
- Types and classification of physical evidence
- Chain of custody requirements
- Admissibility standards in criminal trials
CSI 475Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
Introduces the systematic process of documenting and processing a crime scene.
- Scene security and initial assessment
- Search patterns and evidence mapping
- Sketching and photographic documentation
CSI 676Criminalists
Examines the role of the criminalist in analyzing physical evidence within a crime lab.
- Laboratory analysis of trace and pattern evidence
- Standards for scientific evidence testing
- Reporting and testifying on lab findings
$72,000
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 High School Diploma or GED.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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