Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations
The Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (FCSI) is designed to prepare you to enter the field of forensic and crime scene investigation, and for those currently in the field as law enforcement personnel, criminal investigators, evidence technicians, forensic nurses, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, and other members of the multidisciplinary team involved in criminal investigation who would like to further develop their skills and expertise. If you want to attend crime scene investigator school to pursue a master’s degree, you may be able to apply some or all the academic credits awarded in the certificate program toward the MFS degree.
Program Requirements
FSC 630 Forensic Pathology I – 4.50
Forensic terminology, anatomy, and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the understanding of the underlying pathology of sudden, unexpected deaths encountered in forensics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), methods personal identification and different types of injuries with their characteristic features and mechanisms of death.
FSC 642 Forensic Pathology II – 4.50
Prerequisite: FSC 630
The scientific techniques used in Medicolegal investigations of regional injuries and death, firearm injuries transportation injuries, physical injuries, trauma and disease, child abuse, sexual assaults, diagnosis of rape, pregnancy, abortion and delivery. Infanticide, asphyxial and drug deaths. Forensic medical evidence and records for the court.
FSC 647 Crime Scene Investigation – 4.50
A comprehensive study of the techniques and procedures used for approaching and protecting the crime scene, survey and documentation, detailed search of the scene, initial evidence collection and packaging, processing the scene for latent prints and maintaining the chain-of-custody. The legal and scientific principles of crime scene searches and seizures.
FSC 620 Advanced Criminalistics – 4.50
This class surveys physical evidence with an introduction to the operation of a forensic science laboratory and an overview of many of the analytical tools used in the criminalistics laboratory. Principles of chain of custody; and role of forensic scientist as expert witness.
FSC 621 Digital Evidence – 4.50
This course will provide broad perspective on theory, technique and practice of digital evidence investigation. Different types of digital related crime, including fraud, stalking, identity theft, and internet related crimes. Chain of custody and current legal issues on digital evidence.
FSC 622 Law and Criminal Procedure – 4.50
This course is an examination of the foundation for understanding Constitutional laws. The course will cover various sections of the Constitution and how law enforcement officials may obtain evidence and conduct a search and seizure.
FSC 623 Fingerprint Analysis – 4.50
Introduction to basic principles and techniques of fingerprints as applied to crime scenes, forensic evidence, identification, and court presentation. Methods of recognition, proper collection of known and latent fingerprints, processing, classification and comparison. Courtroom presentations will be discussed
Degree and Course Requirements
Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree can apply some or all the academic credits awarded in the certificate program toward the MFS degree, assuming they meet the GPA and other requirements of that degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate understanding of basic human anatomy, component of death investigation and techniques used for analysis of diseases and trauma, and identification of unknown dead bodies.
Differentiate the characteristic features of the various types of violent death with the circumstances under which those deaths occur and to meaningfully interact with the forensic pathologist and medico-legal death investigators.
Demonstrate and describe the basic principles and the role of crime scene investigators in forensic and legal procedures.
Identify, collect, transport, preserve, and explain the evidentiary value of physical evidence including chain of custody.
Explain & use the investigative techniques utilized in the processing, and interpretation of evidence of computer and multimedia (video, image, audio) forensics, and the application of the field in both the criminal and civil arenas.
Demonstrate understanding of friction ridge skin differential development and how it applies to the classification of fingerprints and the methodology used in forensic individualization.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Admissions
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.