Dec 21, 2024

2024-2025 Catalog

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2024-2025 Catalog

Forensic Studies - Forensic Police Science (A.A.S.)

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

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

Code: AAS.CJS.ST-FOR.POL

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
Correctional officer
Crime laboratory assistant
Detective
Federal police officer
Fire investigator
Mobile crime unit assistant
Police officer
Private investigator

Approximate Cost

Graduation Requirements

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

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.).

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses

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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

ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1 3 credit hours
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2 3 credit hours
ENG 101 and ENG 101A are equivalent courses. Students may take ENG 101 -ENG 102 or ENG 101A -ENG 102 to meet their English Composition General Education requirement

Additional General Education Requirements: 6 credits

Technology Requirement 3 credit hours
CTP 103 is recommended. This requirement can also be met by CLEP exam. See General Education Technology Requirements for list of additional approved courses.
Wellness Requirement 3 credit hours
Must choose from:
- HEA 150 - Advanced First Aid, CPR and AED
- EMT 104 - Emergency Medical Care, CPR & AED

Program Requirements: 14 credits

CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credit hours
CJS 137 - Clinical Forensics 3 credit hours
CJS 222 - Investigation and Criminalistics 4 credit hours
CJS 250 - Introduction to Forensic Science 4 credit hours

Area of Concentration Requirements: 22 credits

CJS 136 - History of Homicide 3 credit hours
CJS 225 - Criminal Justice Ethics 3 credit hours
PHL 141 - Introduction to Logic 3 credit hours
LGS 215 - Criminal Law 3 credit hours
(formerly listed as CJS 215)
LGS 216 - Criminal Evidence and Procedure 3 credit hours
(formerly listed as CJS 216)
PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology 3 credit hours
Elective (consult with an advisor) 4 credit hours

Diversity Requirement

Satisfied by SOC 111 .

Technology Requirement

Students must satisfy the Technology Requirement. Can be satisfied by CTP 103 (recommended) or by CLEP exam.

Wellness Requirement

Satisfied by HEA 150 or EMT 104 .

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.
Use scientific methods to solve problems in criminal investigations.
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.

Related Offerings

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

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

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

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