Crime Scene Investigation

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation is designed to develop knowledge and skills required to investigate and reconstruct crime scenes using scientific evidence and logical analysis. The program provides instruction in criminal investigation procedures, collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence, death investigation techniques, crime scene reconstruction methodology and presentation of testimony in court.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Crime Scene Investigation (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5964
Total credits required
16-18
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
  2. Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
  3. Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
  4. Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
  5. Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
  6. Apply the principles and processes of criminal and constitutional law, criminology theory, knowledge of the functions and components of the criminal justice system, and current issues to criminal justice operations.
  7. Utilize technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
  8. Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  9. Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  10. Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Coroners

$64,889

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

$91,087

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$91,085

Forensic Science Technicians

$62,092

Intelligence Analysts

$91,085

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$75,271

Police Detectives

$91,087

Police Identification and Records Officers

$91,085

Police Patrol Officers

$75,273

Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$109,500

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS213 or
AJS243		 Evidence Technology: Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction 3
AJS214 Evidence Technology/Photography 3
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence None or SQ 3–4
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or SQ 3–4
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I Critical course Gateway course 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence None or SQ 3–4
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I Critical course Gateway course 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS213 or
AJS243		 Evidence Technology: Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction 3
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or SQ 3–4

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS214 Evidence Technology/Photography 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=187232).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.