Description
The Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation is designed to prepare students to identify, collect and analyze crime scene evidence and to summarize and communicate their findings in a courtroom setting. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies rely on crime scene investigators to assist field investigative personnel in gathering physical evidence that is then provided to crime laboratory personnel for scientific examination. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and jurors continue to place more importance on the value of scientific evidence in the criminal justice system. Graduates of this degree program will be prepared for careers as crime scene investigators.
Objectives
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Crime Scene Investigation, graduates will be able to:
- Process forensic evidence and report findings in an ethical manner.
- Communicate those findings in both written and oral formats.
- Apply the quality assurance, quality control and safety requirements used in accredited forensic science laboratories.
- Evaluate crime scenes and select the appropriate steps to be followed in documenting, collecting, preserving and processing evidence.
- Develop a comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature on a topic.
- Formulate a hypothesis, design, and execute a research project.
- Develop a thesis that reflects the results of the research project; explains those results; and formulates novel suggestions for further study.
- Participate in mock judicial examinations.
Policies
The grade of "C" is the lowest acceptable grade, and only one can be awarded during the program. A student may repeat one course in a graduate program one time. Once a student has repeated a course, the student will not be permitted to repeat any other courses. If a student repeats a course, only the latter grade is used in computing the grade point average. However, all courses taken become a part of the student's academic record. Further, a student may withdraw from each graduate course one time only. A minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average on all graduate work attempted is required for graduation. Only one grade of "C" may be applied toward the GPA requirement. Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after the first course applied to the degree was completed.
Requirements
Required Courses
| FSCI 540 | Crime Scene Photography | 3 credits |
| FSCI 500 | Survey of Forensic Science | 3 credits |
| FSCI 610 | Physical Evidence at Crime Scenes | 3 credits |
| FSCI 615 | Safety/Quality Control/Quality Assurance | 3 credits |
| FSCI 630 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3 credits |
| FSCI 632 | Pattern Analysis | 3 credits |
| FSCI 655 or FSCI 675 | FSCI 655 Practicum Rotations or FSCI 675 The Crime Laboratory: Structure and Operations | 3 credits |
| FSCI 702 | Seminar in Forensic Science | 3 credits |
| FSCI 760 | Research Project & Presentation I | 3 credits |
| FSCI 761 | Research Project & Presentation II | 3 credits |
| FSCI 762 | Expert Witness Preparation and Practice | 3 credits |
| FSCI or FS Elective | Forensic Science or Forensic Studies Elective | 3 credits |
Certificate Option
Crime Scene Investigation
Course Descriptions
See FSCI - Forensic Science Courses