CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE - IN-PERSON CLASSES and SERVICES: Get Information at gccaz.edu/updates
Crime Scene Investigation
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation is designed to develop knowledge and skills required to investigate and reconstruct crime scenes using scientific evidence and logical analysis. The program provides instruction in criminal investigation procedures, collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence, death investigation techniques, crime scene reconstruction methodology and presentation of testimony in court.
Details
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Crime Scene Investigation (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5964
Total credits required
16-18
Catalog Year
2022-2023
Effective Term
Spring 2021
Admissions criteria
None
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
This program replaces: CCL/5490 Crime Scene Investigation
What You'll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
- Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
- Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
- Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
- Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
- Apply the principles and processes of criminal and constitutional law, criminology theory, knowledge of the functions and components of the criminal justice system, and current issues to criminal justice operations.
- Utilize technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
- Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
- Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
- Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information.
Compliance Officers
$62,470 Show expanded career information for Compliance Officers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
$91,350 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$98,870 Show expanded career information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Forensic Science Technicians
$63,360 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$66,020 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS213 or AJS243 | Evidence Technology/Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction | 3 | |||
| AJS214 | Evidence Technology/Photography | 3 | |||
| AJS215 or AJS219 or FOR105 | Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence | SQ | 3–4 | ||
| AJS216 or FOR106 | Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence | SQ | 3–4 | ||
| AJS275 | Criminal Investigation I | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | ||
| AJS290BN | Courtroom Testimony Seminar | 1 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS215 or AJS219 or FOR105 | Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence | SQ | 3–4 | ||
| AJS275 | Criminal Investigation I | Critical course Gateway course | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS213 or AJS243 | Evidence Technology/Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction | 3 | |||
| AJS216 or FOR106 | Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence | SQ | 3–4 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS214 | Evidence Technology/Photography | 3 | |||
| AJS290BN | Courtroom Testimony Seminar | 1 |
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Certificate of Completion in Crime Scene Investigation (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=164152).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.