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The Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (FCSI) is designed to prepare you to enter the field of forensic and crime scene investigation, and for those currently in the field as law enforcement personnel, criminal investigators, evidence technicians, forensic nurses, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, and other members of the multidisciplinary team involved in criminal investigation who would like to further develop their skills and expertise. If you want to attend crime scene investigator school to pursue a master’s degree, you may be able to apply some or all the academic credits awarded in the certificate program toward the MFS degree.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Program Requirements
Forensic terminology, anatomy, and physiology of the human body with emphasis on the understanding of the underlying pathology of sudden, unexpected deaths encountered in forensics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), methods personal identification and different types of injuries with their characteristic features and mechanisms of death.
Prerequisite: FSC 630
The scientific techniques used in Medicolegal investigations of regional injuries and death, firearm injuries transportation injuries, physical injuries, trauma and disease, child abuse, sexual assaults, diagnosis of rape, pregnancy, abortion and delivery. Infanticide, asphyxial and drug deaths. Forensic medical evidence and records for the court.
A comprehensive study of the techniques and procedures used for approaching and protecting the crime scene, survey and documentation, detailed search of the scene, initial evidence collection and packaging, processing the scene for latent prints and maintaining the chain-of-custody. The legal and scientific principles of crime scene searches and seizures.
This class surveys physical evidence with an introduction to the operation of a forensic science laboratory and an overview of many of the analytical tools used in the criminalistics laboratory. Principles of chain of custody; and role of forensic scientist as expert witness.
This course will provide broad perspective on theory, technique and practice of digital evidence investigation. Different types of digital related crime, including fraud, stalking, identity theft, and internet related crimes. Chain of custody and current legal issues on digital evidence.
This course is an examination of the foundation for understanding Constitutional laws. The course will cover various sections of the Constitution and how law enforcement officials may obtain evidence and conduct a search and seizure.
Introduction to basic principles and techniques of fingerprints as applied to crime scenes, forensic evidence, identification, and court presentation. Methods of recognition, proper collection of known and latent fingerprints, processing, classification and comparison. Courtroom presentations will be discussed
Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree can apply some or all the academic credits awarded in the certificate program toward the MFS degree, assuming they meet the GPA and other requirements of that degree program.
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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University System affiliates (City University of Seattle and Northcentral University) to contact me about educational opportunities, and to send phone calls, and/or SMS/Text Messages – using automated technology, including automatic dialing system and pre-recorded and artificial voice messages – to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply.
I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected] I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy. Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected].
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