Criminal Justice Degree Online

Crime Scene Investigation (Forensic Investigation)
School of Arts and Sciences

Why choose a career in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation?
Although forensic investigation (crime scene investigation) is a young science and profession, it is a dynamic one, its growth spurred by new technologies, increased use by law enforcement, jury expectations, and new legal requirements. Forensics-focused education is a direct response to the increased role science plays in the courtroom today and is one of the fastest-growing courses of study in colleges and universities. The study of crime scene and forensic investigation includes two key components: 1) recognizing, collecting, identifying and examining the physical evidence of a crime scene, and 2) using the principles of the natural sciences to explain and interpret such evidence in legal proceedings.

What can I study?
You’ll learn scientific methodology, divergent problem solving strategies, critical thinking, and ethics in a hands-on, problem-based setting framed by forensics. You’ll develop basic investigative skills that prepare you for entrance into a career as an investigator and/or crime scene technician.
Recognize, properly document, collect, preserve, identify and examine forensic evidence in the processing of a crime scene.
Acquire specialized skills in the crime investigation relating to drugs, homicide, sex offenses, child and elder abuse, cyber crimes, pathology, and arson.

Special opportunities
On-campus learning: At the Crime Scene Investigation House, evidence may be “discovered” in any of six rooms plus the basement and outside yard. And don’t forget to check out the crime scene automobile for evidence, too. We study entomology and decay at our pseudo-body farm. There are many opportunities to learn the craft - from grave digs to mock-ups of homicide scenes.
On-campus student organization: Our Forensics Investigation Association (FIA) student group conducts fundraisers to enable students to attend forensic-related conferences. The FIA also sponsors a Haunted House each year that scares the daylights out of most folks!
Close-knit group: Forensics students seem to bond quickly with one another. Maybe it’s because they’re studying subject matter that makes most people squeamish, or the small size of our classes, or the dark blue jackets they wear (with Forensics spelled out on the back). Whatever it is, if you see one person in a forensics jacket on campus, there are bound to be several others nearby.
Cold cases study: After passing a background exam and drug screening, senior level students have the opportunity to work with local law enforcement on “cold” cases that are 5-30 years old.
Actual field experience: Our senior students are sometimes called in by regional law enforcement agencies to work a crime scene in a support role. You might diagram, photograph, and otherwise assist in a real-life situation.

What are my career options?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminalistics and forensics are predicted to grow as fast as the average industry. Some of our students go on to graduate school, while others move into the work force. There are opportunities on both the state and federal level for a wide-range of forensics jobs, including:
Crime Scene Investigator
Fingerprint Technician
Photographer
Evidence Technicians
Homicide Investigator
Food and Drug Inspector

What It Means:
Popular culture thrills us with portrayals of crime scene investigators and detectives who solve complicated crimes using their powers of deduction and sophisticated technology. However, these are only some of the more high-profile jobs in the field of criminal justice. Criminal Justice professionals work in a variety of positions, both in the public eye and behind the scenes. There are entry-level positions, for example, in: local law enforcement, including sheriff’s departments and juvenile justice centers; state law enforcement, including the court system and attorneys general offices; and private companies including workplace security, safety firms and security patrol firms.

Criminal justice is one of America’s fastest-growing career fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for correctional officers, law enforcement officers and security officers is projected to increase as much as 35% through 2010*.

What It Means To You:
The Associate degree program in Criminal Justice offered at the ITT Technical Institutes teaches fundamentals of the criminal justice system and criminal justice skills. The program offers a foundation in criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology. Areas of study include law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Graduates of this program may pursue career opportunities in a variety of entry-level positions involving law enforcement, community corrections, private investigation and security.

Some of the Courses in the Program Include:
Courts and the Criminal Justice System
Criminal Justice Organization and Administration
Criminology
Principles of Policing and Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement Reporting and Recording
Correctional Programs: Probation and Parole
Criminal Investigation
Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation
The Criminalistics of Cybercrime
Policing Techniques: Interviewing and Interrogation
Aviation Security

Equipment Used By Students In the Program:
Students will have the opportunity to use the following school equipment as required throughout the program: computer systems, network hubs, patch panels, printers and other common computer peripherals. Please refer to the Student Equipment provision in the Online course Information section of the school catalog for information relating to student equipment requirements for any distance education courses that are taught online over the Internet.

Length of Program:
Based on the typical class schedule of a full-time student, this program of study is 8 quarters in length. A typical class session lasts approximately four to five hours. Class sessions are generally available in the morning, afternoon and evening, depending on student enrollment. A number of courses in this program of study may be taught online over the Internet rather than in residence at the ITT Technical Institute. Please refer to the Program Outline and Online Course Information section of the specific ITT Technical Institute’s school catalog for specific information regarding the courses in the program that may be taught online. This program leads to an associate degree.

Admission Requirements:
Please consult the school catalog for an explanation of the admission requirements for this Associate program. Please contact the local school regarding the opportunity to transfer credits earned at other postsecondary institutions to satisfy course requirements of this program.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002 - 2003 Edition

This program is available at the following campuses. Please select a campus to learn more about this program.

Culver-Stockton’s criminal justice program prepares you for a productive, professional career in social service, law enforcement, corrections or graduate school.

The criminal justice program at Culver-Stockton College is designed to provide educational preparation for students desiring entry-level positions in both public and private agencies concerned with the administration of justice. The major is founded on a broad-based liberal arts education with practical experience, such as internships, outside the classroom. It is designed to provide you with knowledge specific to the institutions and processes of criminal justice.

Students must complete 33 hours of criminal justice coursework to earn the major, including 12 hours of criminal justice electives. A sampling of courses includes criminology, juvenile delinquency, law enforcement procedures, judicial process, criminal and constitutional law, victimology, legal research and writing, corrections, social research, and crime scene investigation. Students also may complete a minor in criminal justice.

What can I do with this major?
If you are interested in working with people and improving society, then you will find a career in criminal justice satisfying. Potential career tracks include local, state and federal law enforcement or corrections, various types of protective services, private security, and graduate or law school.
For a complete listing of the course offerings and requirements for a criminal justice major, please see the current academic catalog.

An asterisk indicates that prerequisites must be passed before taking the course.
Click here to see course descriptions.

Required Courses within the major (30 credits)
CRJ 0150 The Criminal Justice System 3 credits
CRJ 0200 Substantive Criminal and Procedural Law 3 credits
CRJ 0210 Police and Corrections: Law Enforcement Today 3 credits
CRJ 0400 Criminology 3 credits
CRJ 0215 Diversity and the Law 3 credits
CRJ 0300 Sociology of Law and Violence 3 credits
CRJ 0310 Statistical Analysis and the Criminal Justice System 3 credits
CRJ 0320 Investigational Research Methods 3 credits
CRJ 0260 Criminal Investigations 3 credits
CRJ 0450 Professional Seminar: Criminal Justice Ethics and Practice 3 credits

Electives within the major (18 credits required)
CRJ 0330 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
CRJ 0270 Cybercrime 3 credits
CRJ 0360 Crime Scene Investigation 3 credits
CRJ 0220 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice 3 credits
CRJ 0230 Drugs, Crime, and Society 3 credits
CRJ 0240 Gangs: From the Mafia to the Crips 3 credits
CRJ 0340 Forensic Anthropology 3 credits
CRJ 0250 Sexual Offenses, Offenders, and Victims 3 credits
CRJ 0350 Social Disintegration: Internal and External Factors 3 credits
CRJ 0280 Understanding Terrorism 3 credits
CRJ 0275 White Collar Crime 3 credits

Law and order. Crime scene investigation. They aren’t just stories on television. Issues related to society, the laws it creates and how these laws are interpreted and enforced are important ones. If you’re considering a career in law enforcement or if you’re interested in controversial topics like the death penalty, the “war on drugs,” or gun control , consider the criminal justice major
A major in Sociology or Criminal Justice will prepare you for graduate school and for a career in social work, teaching, law, business, criminal justice or governmental services.

Internships are an integral part the program and are an excellent opportunity to get first hand experience in this field.
Undergraduate Program (Day Program)MAJORS DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
Criminal Justice B.A.
Sociology B.A. Criminal Justice
Social Work & Social Welfare
Urban Studies
MINOR
Sociology - (18 credits)
PRE-LAW
Special advising provided by Professor Michael T. Geary, Esq.

Accelerated Degree Program (Evening Program)MAJORS DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS
Criminal Justice B.A.
Sociology B.A. Criminal Justice
Social Work & Social Welfare
Social Gerontology
Urban Studies

Law and order. Crime scene investigation. They aren’t just stories on television. Issues related to society, the laws it creates and how these laws are interpreted and enforced are important ones. If you’re considering a career in law enforcement or if you’re interested in controversial topics like the death penalty, the “war on drugs,” or gun control , consider the criminal justice major
A major in Sociology or Criminal Justice will prepare you for graduate school and for a career in social work, teaching, law, business, criminal justice or governmental services.

Internships are an integral part the program and are an excellent opportunity to get first hand experience in this field.

Students enrolled in this program would obtain fifteen degree hours by completing
basic law enforcement training at an ACLEST accredited academy and
attending advanced courses presented by ASU-Newport. Each grouping of
allowable courses meets or exceeds the requirement of a minimum of 45 classroom
hours to receive 3 hours of credit. During the semester the student
completes their degree requirements, students MUST be enrolled in at
least one credit hour at ASU-Newport.
College/University Credit Hours
Freshman English (3 hours)
Criminal Justice Institute Credit Hours (15)
Crime Scene Technical Certificate Program (9 hours)
Certificate of Completion (6 hours)
Minimum Required Hours (18)

Students completing this program of study will obtain twenty-seven to
thirty degree hours by completing basic law enforcement training at an ACLEST
accredited academy and attending advanced courses presented by ASUNewport.
Each grouping of allowable courses meets or exceeds the requirement
of a minimum of 45 classroom hours to receive 3 hours of credit.
Criminal Justice Institute College/University
27-30 Credit Hours 6-9 Credit Hours
Credit Hours Credit Hours
Crime Scene Investigation College English………………………..3
Technical Communication or higher College Mathematics………………..3
Certificate of Proficiency 15 Computer Applications*…………….3
(446 contact hours)
Special Topics……………….12
Criminal Justice Institute
(Number of contact hours noted in parentheses)
Recovery of Human Remains (35) ……………………………………………………………..2
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 40)…………………………………………………………………..3
Management of Evidence and Recovered Property (14)………………………………..1
Computer Crime (21)…………………………………………………………………………………1
Crime Scene Digital Photography And Imaging (28) ……………………………………. 2
Fingerprint Comparison and Identification (21) …………………………………………1
Using Forensic Light Sources (21) ……………………………………………………………..1
Crime Scene Courtroom Testimony (21)………………………………………………………1
Computer Applications…….3
Criminal Justice Institute
(Number of contact hours noted in parentheses)
Introduction to Computers (14) Using Microsoft Word (14)
Introduction to the Internet (7) Using Microsoft Excel (14)
* May be substituted with a Computer Applications course offered by
Educational Institution.
Students completing this program of study will obtain the general education
degree hours from a participating college or university of their choosing.
Minimum Required Hours (36)

Program Name: Criminal Justice

Program Designation: B.A.

Program Contact: Dr. Sam Fohr

Academic Division: Behavioral and Social Sciences

Program Description:

Do you want to help and protect people? Would you like to use some of the same investigative equipment that you see in those CSI TV shows? Then our criminal justice major is just what you’re looking for.

In our program, you’ll use forensic techniques to investigate “crime scenes” in our Crime Scene Investigation House. You’ll examine evidence in our crime lab. And, you’ll work with high-tech equipment that some professional law officers don’t have.
You’ll get real-world experience in our program and on an internship. Work alongside a police officer. Spend time at the local federal prison. You could even get an internship with the FBI, just like student Nathan Rhoades did this summer.

With your criminal justice degree, you’ll be prepared for many kinds of careers: Work as a crime scene investigator. Be a police, probation or correctional officer. Join federal or state law enforcement. Be a child welfare case worker. Or, you can go on to law schools, as some of our graduates have.

Learn more about our new CSI House. Read what students have to say about the new facility.

Students in our Criminal Justice Club are working with federal inmates to prepare them for their release. Read more.

Course Requirements in the Major
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINOLOGY - ADMJ
POLICE AND SOCIETY
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS
RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CAPSTONE: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FIELD PLACEMENT IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE OR DIRECTED STUDY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Other Required Courses
Select Three Courses
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
AMERICAN POLITICAL PROCESS
LAW AND THE COURTS
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Total Credits for the Major: 46-48

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Law Enforcement
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
CRIMINAL EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATIONS
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Corrections
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
PROBATION AND PAROLE
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY(prerequisite: PSY 0101 Introduction to Psychology)
JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CORRECTIONS
PSYCHOLOGY AND CRIME
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Courts, Policy, and Justice
GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS
PUBLIC POLICY
PHILOSOPHY AND PUBLIC ISSUES
POVERTY AND SOCIETY (prerequisite: ANTH 0101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology)
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL IN SOCIETY
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN COURTS, POLICY, AND JUSTICE
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

On-campus learning: At the Crime Scene Investigation House, evidence may be “discovered” in any of six rooms plus the basement and outside yard. And don’t forget to check out the crime scene automobile for evidence, too. We study entomology and decay at our pseudo-body farm. There are many opportunities to learn the craft - from grave digs to mock-ups of homicide scenes.
On-campus student organization: Our Forensics Investigation Association (FIA) student group conducts fundraisers to enable students to attend forensic-related conferences. The FIA also sponsors a Haunted House each year that scares the daylights out of most folks!
Close-knit group: Forensics students seem to bond quickly with one another. Maybe it’s because they’re studying subject matter that makes most people squeamish, or the small size of our classes, or the dark blue jackets they wear (with Forensics spelled out on the back). Whatever it is, if you see one person in a forensics jacket on campus, there are bound to be several others nearby.
Cold cases study: After passing a background exam and drug screening, senior level students have the opportunity to work with local law enforcement on “cold” cases that are 5-30 years old.
Actual field experience: Our senior students are sometimes called in by regional law enforcement agencies to work a crime scene in a support role. You might diagram, photograph, and otherwise assist in a real-life situation.

What are my career options?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminalistics and forensics are predicted to grow as fast as the average industry. Some of our students go on to graduate school, while others move into the work force. There are opportunities on both the state and federal level for a wide-range of forensics jobs, including:
Crime Scene Investigator
Fingerprint Technician
Photographer
Evidence Technicians
Homicide Investigator
Food and Drug Inspector