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Online Undergraduate Certificate Crime Scene Investigation

Crime Scene Investigation
Undergraduate Certificate
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 18 credits
  • Transfer up to 9 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
TUITION RATES
  • $324 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now

Contribute to public safety and build skills in forensic science with an online undergraduate certificate in crime scene investigation from University of Maryland Global Campus. Connect with a network of professionals and experienced faculty members as you prepare to make a critical impact in the fields of criminal justice and law enforcement. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, access to lifetime career services, and a generous transfer credit policy, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. Start your journey today.

Gain Knowledge in Forensic Evidence & Crime Scene Analysis 

This specialized online certificate program features courses ranging from the fundamentals of crime scene investigation to advanced forensic science and criminal procedures. Throughout the 18-credit curriculum, students delve into crime scene processing and documentation, evidence collection and preservation, fingerprint analysis and classification, and more. They also learn about forensic laboratories and criminalistics, legal and ethical standards, and post-crime scene procedures. Ultimately, this undergraduate certificate is designed for those aiming to kickstart their career in the criminal justice and law enforcement fields. 

View Crime Scene Investigation Courses

This program requires a total of 18 credits.

  • (3 Credits, CCJS 101) 
    • Please note that (3 Credits, CCJS 101) is a prerequisite for the other courses in this program.     
  • (3 Credits, CCJS 234) 
  • (3 Credits, CCJS 320) 
  • (3 Credits, CCJS 342) 
  • (3 Credits, CCJS 420) 
  • (3 Credits, CCJS 440) 

Search Course Catalog

This program is first being offered in the 2024–2025 academic year. There will be no differing UMGC program requirements for previous years. To review information about other programs, please visit the catalog archive. 

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each certificate webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all certificates.

Develop Practical Skills in Crime Scene Investigation

Forensic science plays a critical role in the justice system, so mastering the nuances of crime scene investigation, evidence processing, and forensic analysis is important for making an impact in our communities. This online certificate program focuses on areas such as evidence collection and preservation, forensic documentation, fingerprint analysis, crime scene management, the legal aspects of the criminal justice system, and effective communication within investigation teams. Program directors regularly review and update the curriculum with an emphasis on helping students achieve the following:

Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

 

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is designed to help you to succeed in a range of professional environments within both the public and private sectors, including law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, government entities, legal firms, and more. Graduates might pursue careers as crime scene investigators, forensic science technicians, evidence technicians, forensic analysts, court liaisons, or members of emergency and disaster response teams. 

Vernon H., Woodbine, MD

13%
Job Growth
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the national average.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | Last Reviewed: April 30, 2024
65K
Job Openings
About 64,500 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | Last Reviewed: April 30, 2024

Apply Real-World Skills in Your Courses

Throughout the curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize practical skills and hands-on experiences. Some possible course projects include:

  • Evaluate a crime scene scenario and write a report about it. 
  • Evaluate and analyze unknown and known fingerprints.
  • Evaluate and explain of the steps involved in the death investigation process.
  • Apply forensic analysis to items of evidence.

Explore UMGC Insights

Gain insights from our faculty and staff and dive deeper into a range of topics, including work-life balance, career support, industry trends, academic support, and more.  

 

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Crime Scene Investigation
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