Dec 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

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


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

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

Code: AAS.CJS.ST-FOR.SCT

Total Credit Hours: 60

About the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

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
  • Crime laboratory assistant
  • Detective
  • Federal police officer
  • Fire investigator
  • Mobile crime unit assistant
  • Police officer
  • Private investigation agencies

Honors Program Courses


If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions  of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Graduation Requirements


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  for college-wide graduation requirements.

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

  Open/Print this Planning Tool    

 

General Education Requirements: 24 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits


See General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirements  for a list of approved courses.​

Mathematics: 3 credits


Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Additional General Education Requirements: 6 credits


Area of Concentration Requirements: 22 credits


Diversity Requirement


Satisfied by SOC 111 . 

Technology Requirement


May be satisfied by CTP 103 .

Wellness Requirement


Unless they are in a degree that is exempt, all students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Wellness Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

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:

1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills in the context of criminal, civil and administrative investigations.

2. Implement forensic laboratory techniques.

3. Apply the law in gathering, analyzing, preserving, and interpreting evidence.

4. Demonstrate ethical and professional standards of conduct and performance.

5. Integrate forensic applications with diversity issues, civil liberties, and constitutional rights.

6. Use technology and forensic analysis methods to gather, compose, appraise, and interpret evidence.


This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Related Offerings


Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources