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Home Criminal Justice Academic Programs Crime Scene Investigation

Associate-to-Bachelor's in Crime Scene Investigation

1 Year
Duration
14
Courses
84
Credit Hours
$24,000
Total Cost

This track is built for students who already hold an associate credential in crime scene work and want to move into the more technical and evidentiary side of the discipline. Coursework shifts from basic scene processing toward advanced forensic analysis, laboratory-grade evidence handling, and the standards that keep findings admissible in court.

You'll build on your existing field experience with deeper study of forensic disciplines, lab accreditation requirements, and the communication skills needed to present technical findings clearly. Graduates are prepared for advanced crime scene technician roles, forensic lab positions, and paths toward forensic supervisory work.

1
Core Courses
8 Courses
CJ 125
Introduction to Criminology
Surveying the major theories that explain why crime occurs and how societies respond to it.
  • Classical and positivist theories of crime
  • Biological, psychological, and sociological explanations
  • Measuring and interpreting crime data trends
SS 126
Sociology
Introducing the study of social groups, institutions, and the structures that shape human behavior.
  • Socialization and group dynamics
  • Social stratification and inequality
  • Institutions and social change
CJ 448
Corrections
Examining the structure and goals of correctional institutions and community supervision programs.
  • Prison and jail administration
  • Probation and parole systems
  • Rehabilitation versus punishment models
CJ 493
Issues in Criminal Justice
Exploring current controversies and emerging challenges facing the criminal justice system.
  • Contemporary policy debates
  • Reform movements and their impact
  • Balancing public safety and civil rights
CJ 519
Criminal Procedures
Analyzing the constitutional rules that govern arrest, search, and trial processes.
  • Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections
  • Arrest and search procedures
  • Due process throughout the criminal case lifecycle
CJ 585
Investigation
Developing systematic techniques for gathering, documenting, and analyzing case evidence.
  • Interview and interrogation methods
  • Evidence collection and preservation
  • Case file organization and reporting
LLS 642
Introduction to Laws
Providing a foundational overview of legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are applied.
  • Structure of the legal system
  • Statutory versus case law
  • Legal research and interpretation basics
CJ 720
Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Comparing how different nations structure policing, courts, and corrections.
  • International policing models
  • Comparative court and sentencing practices
  • Cross-cultural approaches to justice reform
2
Specialist Courses
6 Courses
INV 071
Fundamentals of Victimology
Studying the relationship between victims, offenders, and the justice system.
  • Victim rights and support services
  • Patterns and causes of victimization
  • Victim impact on case outcomes
INV 293
Computer Forensics
Introducing techniques for recovering and analyzing digital evidence from computers.
  • Digital evidence acquisition methods
  • File system and data recovery basics
  • Maintaining chain of custody for digital evidence
CSI 321
Introduction to Criminal Behavior
Exploring the psychological and social factors that drive criminal conduct.
  • Behavioral profiling fundamentals
  • Motive and opportunity analysis
  • Patterns in repeat offending
CSI 462
Criminal Evidence
Covering the legal standards and handling procedures for evidence used in prosecution.
  • Rules governing evidence admissibility
  • Physical and testimonial evidence types
  • Standards for evidence preservation
CSI 475
Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
Introducing the systematic process of documenting and processing a crime scene.
  • Securing and documenting a scene
  • Evidence identification and collection
  • Crime scene photography and sketching
CSI 676
Criminalists
Examining the role of the criminalist in scientific evidence analysis.
  • Laboratory analysis techniques
  • Trace evidence examination
  • Reporting scientific findings for court
$24,000
Total Program Cost
$286
Per Credit Hour
84
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 Associate Degree or equivalent credits.

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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