Crime Scene Technician Certificate

CJ 101: INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, the current state of the criminal justice agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges facing them.

CJ 102: CRIMINOLOGY I (5 Credits)

This course presents a framework for studying the nature and causes of crime and antisocial behavior. It focuses on explanations provided through criminal topologies and criminological theories, using a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives. Topics range from crime causation to the extent of crime, victimization, social and psychological theories, and various types of criminality including violent, property, and public order offenses.

MM 212: COLLEGE ALGEBRA (5 Credits)

This course covers topics of algebra, including linear functions, equations, and inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, rational and radical equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions, ratios, proportions, variation, and graphing.

100/ 200 LEVEL: COMPOSITION COURSE (5 Credits)

200 LEVEL OR ABOVE: PHYSICAL/BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE COURSE (5 Credits)

CJ 210: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (5 Credits)

This course explains the importance and legal significance of evidence. It demonstrates how the investigative process works, from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. It also examines various techniques used during criminal investigations, such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, and scene reconstruction, and how each applies to specific types of crimes.

CJ 305: LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE (6 Credits)

This course explores the trial process, the definitions and types of evidence, and proof. Students will learn about trial proceedings and the role of the prosecutor and defense counsel. They will gain a thorough understanding of the different types of evidence, including real or physical evidence, testimonial evidence, documentary evidence, and demonstrative evidence. They will also study constitutional concepts such as the Exclusionary Rule, search and seizure, and discovery.

CJ 327: CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY (6 Credits)

This course provides the student with introductory knowledge of crime scene photography. The course will cover the fundamentals of photography, as well as photography's application to law enforcement. The course examines the mechanics of a camera, the methodology of photography at crime scenes, advances in digital photography and image enhancement, videography, and recent court decisions regarding the admissibility of photographic evidence in court.

CJ 328: FORENSIC FINGERPRINT ANALYSIS (6 Credits)

This course provides the student with a historical view of the science of fingerprints, as well as a look at the struggle to develop a universal classification system. It will discuss the basic fundamentals of the formation of friction ridge skin and the functions of the different layers of human skin. As the course explores the systematic approach to processing crime scenes for latent fingerprints, the student will experience hands-on fingerprint processing techniques. In addition, various types of computer software and photography equipment will be evaluated as latent print enhancement and documentary tools. In summation, the course will delve into the actual evaluation and comparison of latent prints, ending with a discussion of the latent print examiner as an expert witness in court.

CJ 370: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II (6 Credits)

This course provides students with a general overview of crime scene techniques for a basic understanding of how to process crime scenes. Students will also learn the importance of evaluating and processing evidence in order to assist crime laboratory experts.

CJ 385: FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS (6 Credits)

This course enhances the student's understanding of forensic science and its application to criminal investigations. It examines the history and development of the crime laboratory, forensic services provided to the law enforcement community, and the function of the forensic scientist. It provides an overview of the various types of physical evidence commonly submitted to the forensic laboratory for analysis. Students will explore how the forensic scientist uses analytical instruments and microscopes to examine, identify, and compare chemical and physical properties of suspected drug and toxicology samples, and trace evidence (e.g., glass, soil, metal, hair, fibers, paint, flammable liquids, and explosives).

CJ 386: FORENSIC BIOLOGY AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE (6 Credits)

In this course, students will explore historical serological and modern DNA techniques used to examine, identify, and compare types of biological evidence. This course will enhance the student's understanding of how forensic scientists examine and compare types of impression evidence. This course also provides an overview of other forensic science disciplines, including document examination, voice identification, and the recent field of computer forensics.

CJ 483: INDEPENDENT STUDY IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 Credits)

In this course, students will engage in an independent, directed-studies project focused on a student-submitted topic of inquiry. The student will select a project or topic for inquiry which is of interest and relevant to her/his professional goals.