Crime Scene Investigation Certificate

A certificate will be issued for completion of six courses for a total of 18 units. Students may submit a student petition to enrollment services to substitute credit for completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic Police Officers Academy through an accredited institution. Students must attach official college transcripts and an academy course outline or syllabus to the student petition. The Administration of Justice and Corrections Department Chair will determine the amount of credit to award the student. Four Administration of Justice course must be completed at MSJC to earn a certificate.

This certificate is designed to offer a basic pattern of coursework that will prepare the student to enter the professional field of crime scene investigation and forensic science at the introductory level. The successful student will gain the needed skills and understanding of criminal investigative procedures to properly identify, collect, process, analyze, package, catalog, and present crime scene evidence.    

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an enhanced knowledge of the principle of criminal law and the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of ethical issues relating to crime scene investigation to include crime scene security/integrity, investigative responsibilities, integrity of evidence, and court preparation.
• Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of the procedures and process of identifying physical evidence from a crime scene.
• Demonstrate an enhanced knowledge of the procedures and process of collecting, processing, analyzing, packaging, preserving, and cataloging physical evidence from a crime scene.
• Demonstrate an enhanced ability to use computer and/or other forensic technology to document (report) the collection, preservation, and presentation of crime scene evidence.   

CT.AJ.CSI

Design Your Future!

Begin by exploring MSJC program maps to find career or transfer opportunities.  Program maps show the recommended course sequence that leads to graduation or transfer. The maps were developed by program experts to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.    

• Starting in Spring? Choose Fall Semester 1 courses.   
• Are you a part-time student?  Start Fall Semester 1 courses and follow the course sequence.

Plan of Study Grid

Fall Semester 1		Units
AJ-101	Criminal Law	3
AJ-103	Criminal Evidence	3
AJ-105	Tactical Communication and Report Writing for Law Enforcement (formerly Public Safety Report Writing)	3
	Units	9
Spring Semester 1
AJ-108	Criminal Investigation	3
AJ-124	Introduction to Forensics for Law Enforcement	3
ANTH-201	Introduction to Forensic Anthropology	3
	Units	9
	Total Units	18

Note: Recommended preparations: ENGL-101 and ANTH-101

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Required Courses
AJ-101	Criminal Law	3
AJ-103	Criminal Evidence	3
AJ-105	Tactical Communication and Report Writing for Law Enforcement (formerly Public Safety Report Writing)	3
AJ-108	Criminal Investigation	3
AJ-124	Introduction to Forensics for Law Enforcement	3
ANTH-201	Introduction to Forensic Anthropology	3
Total Units		18

Students may submit a student petition to Enrollment Services to substitute credit for completion of a P.O.S.T. Basic Police Officers Academy through an accredited institution. Students must attach official college transcripts and an academy course outline or syllabus to the student petition. The Administration of Justice and Corrections Department Chair will determine the amount of credit to award the student. Four Administration of Justice courses must be completed at MSJC to earn a certificate.

Discover information about careers that interest you!

1. Take a Career Quiz to learn about yourself and receive career suggestions based on your interests. 
2. Search available in-demand jobs in your career areas of interest and find up-to-date salaries and education requirements. 
3. Find the MSJC Program that connects your interests to a career.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer.