2022 - 2023 Catalog
Program: Criminal Justice
Title: 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.dallascollege.edu/hb1508.

(Level 1I Certificate)

• 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.