Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation

Purpose

The certificate in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) was developed to complement programs in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences.  The objective of the undergraduate certificate is to help better prepare the next generation of crime scene investigators. The CSI courses will educate professionals who look to pursue careers as crime scene investigators (CSIs). The CSI Certificate will prepare those students who either are already working in the field of CSI or are considering this as a career choice. The education and training for crime scene investigators can vary greatly. The requirements for crime scene investigators may differ based on their specific duties, as well as the particular role and focus of the hiring agency. Excellent judgment, an attention to detail and poise under pressure are among the core competencies of effective crime scene investigators. This certificate will address ongoing education requirements for crime scene investigators, who must respond to rapidly advancing technology and other changes within the criminal justice system.

Note: Students are held to all prerequisite requirements; some students may require more than 5 courses to complete this certificate.

Curriculum

Core Requirements (9 credits)

CRJ 360 Crime Scene Photography

CRJ 409 Criminalistics

CRJ 419 Crime Scene Applications and Practices

Electives (6 credits)

Behavioral Science

SOC 303 Contemporary Social Problems

SOC 352 Crisis Communications

SOC 405 Social Deviance

Computer and Network Security

SEC 100 Introduction to Computer Hardware and Operation

SEC 350 Introduction Computer Forensics

SEC 355 Mobile Device Security and Forensics

SEC 440 Network Forensics

Criminal Justice

CRJ 304 Constitutional Law

CRJ 316 Criminal Law

CRJ 318 Criminal Investigation

CRJ 322 Criminal Profiling

CRJ 411 Criminal Evidence and Procedures

CRJ 412 Ethics in Criminal Justice

CRJ 490 Internship in Criminal Justice

Legal Studies

LES 304 Constitutional Law

LES 330 Cyberlaw

LES 331 Electronic Discovery

LES 350 Interviewing & Investigating

Psychology

PSY 375 Forensic Psychology

PSY 477 Introduction to Conflict Management

PSY 479 Dimensions of Organizational Conflict

Science

SCI 315 Applied Chemistry (with Lab)

SCI 335 Human Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab)

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.