Oct 11, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Forensic Studies - Forensic Scientist (A.A.S.)


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Title of Major: Forensic Studies - Forensic Scientist, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science, A.A.S.

Total Credit Hours: 60

About Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

Code: AAS.CJS.ST-FOR.SCT

Purpose: Prepares students for careers in the area of criminal investigation and forensic science. Provides students with an educational opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in forensic studies and is a transfer program for students planning to pursue a bachelor degree in forensic science at another college or university. Prepares students with a continuous and thorough accumulation of knowledge in the field of criminal justice and forensic science. 

Additional Program Requirements

Students are expected to participate with their advisor in tailoring a mix of electives that will satisfy their own needs with respect to immediate and long-term employment.

Range of Occupations

Employment in criminal justice agencies that utilize forensics as an investigative tool.

  • Consultant
  • Correctional officer
  • Crime laboratory assistant
  • Detective
  • Federal police officer
  • Fire investigator
  • Juvenile justice counselor
  • Mobile crime unit assistant
  • Paralegals
  • Police officer
  • Private investigation agencies

Graduation Requirements


See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

  Open/Print this Planning Tool    

 

General Education Requirements: 23-26 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education Requirements and degree program required courses  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English: 3-6 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 4 credits


Computer Technology: 4 credits


See General Education Computer Technology Requirements  for a list of approved courses.  Students should select course that satisfies computer competency.  (CTA 100  or CTP 103  each satisfies computer technology and computer competency requirements simultaneously.)

Health/Fitness/Wellness: 3 credits


Mathematics: 3 credits


Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Area of Concentration Requirements: 20-23 credits


Computer Competency Requirement


See General Education Computing Competency Requirement  for a list of approved courses. Recommend that students satisfy the computer competency requirement simultaneously with the Computer Technology requirement.

Diversity Requirement


Satisfied by SOC 111  requirement.

Fast Track Option


This program has a Fast Track Option  for those holding a college degree.

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Apply analytical and critical thinking skills in the context of criminal investigations.
  • Write concise and effective reports that reflect a working knowledge of forensic science.
  • Communicate concepts and theories about forensic science both verbally and in writing.
  • Gather, analyze, preserve, and interpret information, artifacts and evidence.
  • Conduct scientific measures and experiments that produce expected results.
  • Document and describe scientific processes.
  • Use scientific methods to solve problems in criminal investigations.
  • Demonstrate sound laboratory skills, meeting scientific standards of precision and care.
  • Describe the criminal justice system and the rules of evidence.
  • Articulate ethical and professional standards of conduct and performance.
  • Identify diversity and human rights issues pertaining to the legal system.
  • Use technology to gather, compose, appraise and apply information.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources


   

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