Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigation

A gloved hand holding a cotton swab and dusting a bullet casing

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.

 


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

 
Firearm identification, including bullet shown here, is part of forensic investigation

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.
Required
FORS 6207Photography in the Forensic Sciences
FORS 6215Science of Fingerprints
FORS 6251Crime Scene Investigation I
FORS 6252Crime Scene Investigation II
FORS 6257Medicolegal Death Investigation
Elective
One of the following:
FORS 6203Examination of Questioned Documents
FORS 6204Firearms and Toolmark Identification
FORS 6254
FORS 6255Investigation of Child Abuse
Alternate courses can be selected with approval of advisor.