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Program Overview

Forensic Science is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology. This curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of forensic science systems and operations. Studies will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, evidence processing and procedures.

Students will learn both theory and hands-on analysis of forensic science. They will learn fingerprint classification, identification, and chemical development. Students will record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire tracks; and process crime scenes. Issues and concepts of communications and the use of computers and computer assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed.

The Criminal Justice Technology: Forensic Science classes and crime lab are located in Mount Airy at the Center for Public Safety.

Career and College Promise:

This program is offered through our Career and College Promise Dual Enrollment program.

Employment Opportunities:

Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of criminal justice organizations especially in local, state, and federal law enforcement, and correctional agencies.

Technical Standards:

Program Contacts:

Denise Sizemore

Lead Instructor - Criminal Justice

Degree Curriculum

To complete the degree, 36 credit hours from Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Forensic Science Diploma (D5518C) must be included in A5518C.

Two Semesters

WBL-110 World of Work 1
CJC-113 Juvenile Justice 3
CJC-131 Criminal Law 3
CJC-212 Ethics & Community Relations 3
CJC-221 Investigative Principles 4
CJC-232 Civil Liability 3
ENG-114 Professional Research & Reporting 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
MAT-110 Mathematical Measurement and Literacy 3
PSY-150 General Psychology 3
PSY-231 Forensic Psychology 3

WBL options: WBL 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 124, 131, 132, 133, 211, 212, 213, 221, or 231

Total credits needed to graduate: 32 Hours

Diploma Curriculum

To complete the diploma, 18 credit hours from Criminal Justice Technology Certificate (C5518C/C5518CX) must be included in D5518C.

One Semester

CJC-111 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CJC-132 Court Procedure & Evidence 3
CJC-231 Constitutional Law 3
CJC-112 Criminology 3
ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry 3
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 3

Total credits needed to graduate: 18 Hours

Certificate Curriculum

Fall Semester

CJC-115 Crime Scene Photography 3
CJC-146 Trace Evidence 3
CJC-245 Friction Ridge Analysis 3

Spring Semester

CJC-144 Crime Scene Processing 3
CJC-222 Criminalistics 3
CJC-246 Advanced Friction Ridge Analysis 3

Total credits needed to graduate: 18 Hours

These courses offered at the Center for Public Safety: CJC 115, CJC 144, CJC 146, CJC 222, CJC 245, and CJC 246.

This certificate is offered to high school students through the Career and College Promise program (C5518CX).

Learning Outcomes

  • Research, reconstruct, analyze, and investigate crime scenes.
  • Search, collect, analyze, and interpret trace evidence from crime scenes.
  • Interpret evidence and analyze potential motives to develop theories in criminal investigation.
  • Conduct professional criminal investigations and assist in their successful prosecution in a criminal court.
  • Exhibit ethical behavior and adhere to professional codes of conduct in criminal evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Program Costs

Degree In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $4,700.00 $15,000.00
Books and Supplies $2,100.00 $2,100.00
Total Cost $6,800.00 $17,100.00

Related Programs

Program Facts

Key Angela WEB 1
The BLET program at SCC has instructors from various law enforcement agencies, which allows the students to explore different agencies and what that particular agency can offer,

Angie Key

Class of 1997,
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology

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