Students will:
- will learn critical thinking skills and understand forensic investigation professional practice through theory and hands-on experiences in the classroom and field.
- learn to properly recognize, identify, and preserve items of physical evidence encountered through criminal investigations.
- develop an understanding of the principles and techniques utilized by forensic practitioners during criminal investigations and at the crime scene.
- gain a practical understanding of the capabilities and limitations of scientific analyses of physical evidence.
- gain practical instrumental/methodological experience using professional equipment such as the comparison microscope, stereo microscope, latent print and impression evidence development tools, blood stain pattern analysis kits, and alternative light sources.
- learn the importance of the scientific method and its application in crime scene processing and reconstruction.
- gain practical crime scene processing and evidence handling experience using appropriate equipment and technology in mock crime scene scenarios in a dedicated crime scene house.
- learn critical aspects of the criminal justice system, criminal investigation, common law principles, and rules of evidence through criminal justice administration course work and participation in mock court proceedings.
- learn the importance of ethics and quality assurance in the application of forensic investigations and crime scene processing.
- learn to apply research methods, formulate theories, and report information concerning criminal investigations.
- develop communication and leadership skills through the University’s general education requirements, service, and extracurricular opportunities.
Note: In addition to completing the following required courses, students must fulfill the General Education Requirements. Major requirements and/or General Education Requirements may be changed by official action of the faculty.
Under “Recommended Sequence” below, a number indicates the year during which it is recommended that the course be taken (i.e., 1-first year; 2-second year, etc.); a letter indicates that the course should be taken during a particular semester (i.e., F-Fall; S-Spring). This is a recommended sequence which will be individualized based on the course rotation schedule and in consultation with the faculty advisor.
Forensic Investigation Major (BA)
Department |
Course Number |
Credits |
Course Title |
Recommended Sequence Year/Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
ACC | 101 | 3 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 2F |
ACC | 102 | 3 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 2S |
ACC | 205 | 3 | Introduction to Forensic Accounting | 4F |
ACC | 425 | 3 | Introduction to Forensic Accounting: Fraud Examination | 4S |
BIO |
4 |
1F |
||
BIO |
4 |
1S |
||
CHE |
106 | 4 | Practical Chemistry for Life | 1S |
CHE | 115 | 4 | Applications of Analytical Techniques | 2S |
COM | 228 | 3 | Business and Professional Speaking | 3 |
CRJ |
3 |
1S |
||
CRJ | 217 | 3 | American Policing | 2F |
CRJ | 218 | 3 | Criminal Investigation | 2S |
CRJ |
3 |
2F |
||
CRJ | 318 | 3 | Homeland Security and Intelligence | 3F |
CRJ | 328 | 3 | Criminal Procedure | 3S |
CRJ | 345 | 3 | White Collar Crime | 3F |
CRJ | 405 | 3 | Interview and Interrogation | 4S |
CRJ | 409 | 3 | Current Issues in Criminal Justice | 4S |
FSC |
3 |
1F |
||
FSC |
2 |
2F or 3F |
||
FSC |
3 |
Forensic Pattern Interpretation | 3F or 4F | |
FSC |
4 |
4S |
||
FSC |
3 |
4F |
||
FSC | 465 | 3-6 | Internship | 4 |
MAT |
106* |
3 |
Beginning Algebra |
1F |
MAT |
3 | Intermediate Algebra |
1S |
|
MAT |
3 |
3S |
There are 85 credits required for this major. Prerequisite courses may be necessary and the General Education Requirements must be completed.
* Math placement depends upon the results of the University math placement exam. Students with low math scores may be required to take MAT 105.