Criminal Justice - Forensic Science*

Program Design

The Forensic Science certificate program is designed for students who want to obtain knowledge in the area of forensics for their work in criminal investigation. The certificate is recommended for students who are already working in the field of criminal investigation, those who would like to specialize in this area, or those who have a particular interest in the field of study.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Forensic Science certificate program requirements, graduates will

Define forensic science and describe its importance in criminal investigation.
Define physical evidence and how it is used to provide investigative leads.
Describe the various approaches to different types of crime scenes.
Define specialized fields of forensic sciences.
Collect evidence at crime scenes, including photographic evidence.
Examine forensic evidence including fingerprints and firearms evidence.
Reconstruct shooting-related cases and measure bullet trajectories.
Interpret blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
Define concepts associated with crime scenes and crime scene reconstruction.

Required Courses

CJS* 225: Forensic Science I 3 Credits
CJS* 226: Forensic Science II 3 Credits
CJS* 220: Criminal Investigation 3 Credits
CJS* 213: Evidence & Criminal Procedure 3 Credits
CJS* 227: Forensic Photography 3 Credits
CJS* 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credits
PSY* 217: Psychology of Criminal Behavior 3 Credits or
SOC* 240: Criminology 3 Credits
CHE* 111: Concepts of Chemistry 4 Credits or
BIO* 115: Human Biology 4 Credits
Elective Criminal Justice 3 Credits

Total Credits Required: 28

Notes:

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. See below for more detail about this exciting transition!

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023. Here are some important facts students need to know:

the final commencement ceremony for Manchester Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
as a part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023 will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the Manchester location,
students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2023 will complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College,
in all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential,
further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page: www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.