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2023-2024 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue
Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
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 Return to: Graduate Programs
This program is in the process of being phased out.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Midori Albert
The Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Certificate Program addresses the needs of graduates with Bachelor’s degrees in the areas of criminology, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or other forensic-science related fields, who endeavor to gain employment as crime scene investigators and need to obtain the necessary and specific forensic science foundational knowledge, skills, and applied experience. The certificate program serves individuals pursuing a career in crime scene investigation by equipping them with job-germane theoretical and technical training, as well as fostering professional development and work-place competency. It prepares students for securing entry level forensic science positions with job titles such as crime scene investigator, crime scene technician, crime scene analyst, forensic investigator, forensic science technician and evidence technician. This certificate program is delivered completely online, featuring accelerated 7-week courses (three in the fall and three in the spring). These classes are staggered within the fall and spring semesters to ensure students get the most out of each course.
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Certificate Program Student Learning Outcomes
The Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate Program seeks to develop competent forensic science professionals who:
- Demonstrate expertise in the evaluation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes and death scenes.
- Reflect a deep theoretical understanding of, and training and experience in, the application of proper procedures, methods and techniques of forensic investigation and evidence recovery.
- Exhibit skills in the various approaches to examining and documenting crime scenes and in the proper handling, packaging, and transport of physical evidence to crime laboratories for further analysis.
- Acquire a deep applied learning experience and cultivate realistic career procurement and advancement goals.
- Demonstrate critical thinking capabilities, knowledge, technical skills, ethics, discernment and humility in preparation for working in the medico-legal realm with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the medical and scientific community, and the justice system.
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to the Forensic Science CSI graduate certificate program must have a strong record of academic achievement with a bachelor’s degree in hand by the start of the program; a major and/or minor in biology, chemistry, criminology, criminal justice, forensic science, or relevant social science or natural science is preferred but not required. The BS or BA must be from an accredited college or university in the U.S., or its equivalent in a non-U.S. institution based on a four-year program.
To apply for admission to the Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) graduate certificate program, the candidate must submit the following:
- Application for admission to the Graduate School: https://www.uncw.edu/gradschool/prospective.html
- Copy of official transcripts of all university or college coursework (undergraduate, and graduate if applicable).
- A one or two-page (maximum) letter of interest (i.e., statement of purpose, statement of intent, letter of interest, or personal letter), detailing the applicant’s goals and how the Forensic Science: CSI Graduate Certificate Program will help meet those goals.
- Professional resume and three letters of recommendation.
Candidates who do not meet one of these criteria may be admitted if other components indicate a high potential for success.
Certificate Requirements (18 total credit hours)
The program requires 18 hours and offers specialized training for individuals who wish to gain a theoretical understanding of and applied skills in the appropriate methods and techniques used in crime scene processing, from evidence documentation to collection and preservation. FSC CSI Certificate courses are offered with a seven-week timeframe, and are fully online with end-of-term face-to-face applied skills workshop sessions, allowing both out of town students and professionals to earn their certificates conveniently. Students must complete the six courses offered to obtain the certificate.
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Return to: Graduate Programs
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