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Dallas College Catalog filtered for Eastfield Campus
2020 - 2021 Dallas College Catalog
Catalog Filter(s): Eastfield Campus (remove)

2020 - 2021 Catalog
Program: Criminal Justice
Degree Plan: Forensic Science Technician Certificate


Note: This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcccd.edu/hb1508.

(Level 1 Certificate)

Eastfield campus only

  • Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
  • Complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College.

Degree Plan Code: C1.CJ.FORSCI.TECH

This certificate is designed to prepare an individual for a future career in a very specialized area of Criminal Justice. The certificate 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 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 this certificate will be taught and trained in the basics of the gathering, collecting, 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.

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 forensics. Certain WECM courses may not transfer to the degree requirements for the bachelor's degree.

Course Course Title Credit Hours
CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CJSA 1308 Criminalistics 1 3
PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
CJSA 1471 Forensic Science 1 4
Semester Total 13
Course Course Title Credit Hours
CJSA 2323 Criminalistics 2 3
CRIJ 1307 Crime in America OR 3
SOCI 2336 Criminology (3)
CJSA 1400 Death Investigation 1 4
CJSA 1472 Forensic Science 2 4
Semester Total 14
Course Course Title Credit Hours
CJSA 1401 Death Investigations 2 4
CRIJ 2314 Criminal Investigation 3
CJSA 2332 Criminalistics 3 3
CJSA 2334 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice 3
Semester Total 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.