Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigation
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigation is designed for professionals working in the forensic sciences community who seek to enhance their credentials and advance their career. Coursework includes forensic photography, fingerprinting and medicolegal death investigations.
Certificate students also develop a multidisciplinary fluency common to forensic investigations.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited university is the only requirement to enroll.
MS, MFS and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences Info Session: March 4
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of forensic sciences and the GW Master of Forensic Sciences, Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences programs.
Program Objectives
Graduate certificate objectives include:
- Gaining a greater understanding of the roles (and goals) of forensic investigation specialties
- Building a cross-disciplinary perspective on best practices and emerging techniques
- Synthesizing a broader view of cultural, legal and technical field considerations
Forensic Investigation Fundamentals
Certificate students learn best practices to preserve and protect evidence from crime scenes. Students select an elective course based on their interests.
Course Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 18 credits, including 15 credits in required courses and one 3-credit elective course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FORS 6207 | Photography in the Forensic Sciences | |
| FORS 6215 | Science of Fingerprints | |
| FORS 6251 | Crime Scene Investigation I | |
| FORS 6252 | Crime Scene Investigation II | |
| FORS 6257 | Medicolegal Death Investigation | |
| Elective | ||
| One course selected from the following: | ||
| FORS 6203 | Examination of Questioned Documents | |
| FORS 6204 | Firearms and Toolmark Identification | |
| FORS 6290 | Selected Topics | |