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.
MFS and Graduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences Info Session: January 16
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of forensic sciences and the GW Master of Forensic Sciences 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
| 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 of the following: | ||
| FORS 6203 | Examination of Questioned Documents | |
| FORS 6204 | Firearms and Toolmark Identification | |
| FORS 6254 | ||
| FORS 6255 | Investigation of Child Abuse | |
| Alternate courses can be selected with approval of advisor. | ||