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

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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 1Units
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
 Units9
Spring Semester 1
AJ-108 Criminal Investigation 3
AJ-124 Introduction to Forensics for Law Enforcement 3
ANTH-201 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology 3
 Units9
 Total Units18

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

Course Title Credits
Required Courses
AJ-101Criminal Law3
AJ-103Criminal Evidence3
AJ-105Tactical Communication and Report Writing for Law Enforcement (formerly Public Safety Report Writing)3
AJ-108Criminal Investigation3
AJ-124Introduction to Forensics for Law Enforcement3
ANTH-201Introduction to Forensic Anthropology3
Total Units18

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.

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  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.

Gainful Employment Disclosures: Crime Scene Investigation

Gainful Employment Disclosures – 2024 

Program Name CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION 

This program is designed to be completed in 8 months 

This program will cost $828 if completed within normal time.  There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting, but may have changed.   

Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $0 of debt.   

The following States do not have licensure requirements for this profession: California 

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: 
 https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ 

NOTE:
Cost per unit $46
Nonresident Fees- Tuition: $318
Capital Outlay: $58
Parking Permits cost $90 a year or $45 a semester
RTA Go Pass cost $16 a year or $8 a semester
SGA discount sticker (optional) - $14 a year or $7 a semester
Student representation fee (optional) - $4 a year or $2 a semester
Student Health Center Fee - $52 a year or $26 a semester
*For summer session fees and non-CA resident tuition, please see: https://www.msjc.edu/enroll/what-fees-do-i-have-to-pay.html