Graduate Certificate in Latent Print Examination
GW's online Graduate Certificate in Latent Print Examination is a first-of-its-kind program in the United States, offering specialized training for aspiring and transitioning forensic professionals that aligns with standards set by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) in this field.
Coursework immerses students in introductory and advanced latent print comparison, photography and digital image processing, fingerprint development techniques and testimony. The one-year curriculum has been keyed to the requirements listed in OSAC’s Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program (PDF).
To be casework ready, students complete all academic portions of OSAC’s training program and have a full understanding of standards of practice and use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. The certificate equips students with knowledge of the topic areas that are covered on the written certification exam of the International Association for Identification’s Certification Board.
Program Outcomes
Academic training aligned with the OSAC Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program
Preparation for presenting courtroom expert testimony and conducting real-world casework
Expertise in beginning and advanced latent print comparison, photography and digital image processing
Thorough background for the International Association for Identification’s certification exam
Is This Program Right for You?
This innovative certificate is ideal for:
- Trainees in latent print forensic units whose agencies want to outsource the training burden
- Current crime scene investigators who want to transition to latent prints while still working
- Traditional students who want to be highly competitive in the latent print job market and arrive to interviews nearly casework ready
Admissions
The requirements for consideration for admission include two courses in biology, chemistry and/or forensic science at the undergraduate level and a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited college or university.
Students enrolled in the MS in Crime Scene Investigation program at GW may speak with their academic advisor about the possibility of dual enrollment in this certificate along with the master’s curriculum.
For application requirement details, visit the GW Bulletin.
Course Requirements
This program takes one full calendar year to complete, with two courses taken each in the fall, spring and summer terms. Courses are offered online, with two short required trips to GW’s campus.
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
18 credits in required courses and achievement of a passing grade on the comprehensive examination.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| FORS 6207 | Photography in the Forensic Sciences | |
| FORS 6215 | Latent Print Comparisons I | |
| FORS 6216 | Latent Print Processing | |
| FORS 6217 | Latent Print Comparisons II | |
| FORS 6219 | Digital Image Processing | |
| FORS 6230 | Communicating About Latent Prints | |
| Additional requirement | ||
| Successful completion of a comprehensive examination consisting of an exam and moot court. | ||