DCCCD
(Level I Certificate)
Eastfield only
- Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
- Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by the college awarding the degree.
Degree Plan Code: C1.CJ.FORENSIC.17
The Criminal Forensics Certificate is designed to prepare an individual for a future career in a very specialized area of Criminal Justice. The Certificate in Forensic Science will be suitable for students majoring in criminal justice or certain scientific major fields of study that will launch the student into a successful career in forensic science. The Criminal Forensics Certificate will also provide the individual who is already a professional public service criminal justice employee with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills and just provide opportunities for advancement.
Students pursuing a Certificate in Criminal Forensics will be taught and trained in the basics of the gathering and the analysis of evidence. Job opportunities for students who complete this certificate will be available in local, regional, and national public service police employment.
Criminal Forensics is recognized as both an art and a science. Scientific discoveries along with advances in technology have increased the accuracy of forensic results and thus the pursuit of justice. Therefore, it is necessary that individuals who are either currently employed or are seeking future employment in the field of Criminal Justice be educated and trained in the basics of crime scene investigation procedures and evidence collection. Local, state and national law enforcement agencies, along with private detectives, attorneys and judges, rely heavily on the work of the professionally trained forensic specialist.
Students are encouraged to complete an associate degree and then pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in criminal forensics. Certain WECM courses may not transfer to the degree requirements for the bachelor's degree.
| CREDIT HOURS |
SEMESTER I
| CRIJ 1301 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJSA 1308 | Criminalistics I | 3 |
| PSYC 2301 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CJSA 1471 | Forensic Science I | 4 |
| 13 |
SEMESTER II
| CJSA 2323 | Criminalistics II | 3 |
| CRIJ 1307 | Crime in America OR | 3 |
| SOCI 2336 | Criminology | (3) |
| CJSA 1400 | Death Investigation I | 4 |
| CJSA 1472 | Forensic Science II | 4 |
| 14 |
SEMESTER III
| CJSA 1401 | Death Investigations II | 4 |
| CRIJ 2314 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| CJSA 2332 | Criminalistics III | 3 |
| CJSA 2334 | Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| 13 |
| Minimum Hours Required | 40 |
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.
