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GCIS 690-695 Special Topics in CIS 3 credits Prerequisite: Specific prerequisites are topic-related The course offers presentation of topics that are emerging as the field of computer and information science changes. The objectives and content reflect the interests of the faculty and the students relative to the topic. GCIS 697 Directed Project 1 credit GCIS 698 Directed Research 3 credits Prerequisite: GCIS 605 The course tracks the completion of an independent/team project. Passing a final oral examination covering the student’s project area and related subject areas and documenting the research project are part of its requirements for satisfactorily completing the course. The content of the independent/team project can be either an indepth scholarship culminating in a publishable-quality manuscript (hereafter referred to as a ‘research project’) or the study and development of a prototype-level application culminating in a publishable-quality technical report (hereafter referred to as a ‘technical project’). The project content represents a researched and creative expression of the student’s advanced capability as a result of the graduate program. The directed research project must be proposed and approved prior to the commencement of the independent project work. GCIS 699 Directed Research 3 credits Co-requisite: GCIS 698 The course complements GCIS 698 for larger research projects satisfying Plan B of the Project Requirement. GCIS 799 Thesis 3-6 credits Prerequisite: GCIS 605 The course tracks the completion of an independent research project and the final oral examination covering the student’s project area and related subject areas. The content of the independent, in-depth scholarship culminates in a publishable-quality manuscript (here after referred to as a ‘research project’). The thesis work represents a researched and creative expression of the student’s advanced capability as a result of the graduate program. The thesis must be proposed and approved prior to the commencement of the independent project work. The credits may be taken as a six-credit block, or as two 3-credit blocks.
Criminalistics Program Director: Ted Yeshion, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION The primary goal of the Master of Science in Criminalistics is to provide students with a theoretical foundation, while focusing on criminal investigative techniques and practical application. With hands-on experience, students will be able to apply terms, skills and techniques utilized in the field of Criminal Justice. There are currently 1.5 million full-time law enforcement officers in the United States. With the increased professionalization of the Criminal Justice field, many state and local police departments are beginning to require bachelor degrees, with graduate degrees being crucial to promotion. Furthermore, to be competitive, federal agents are increasingly in need of a graduate degree. Popular career paths include local and state police departments in addition to federal agencies such as FBI, DEA, and ATF.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES At the completion of this 36-credit program students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles of crime scene investigation and reconstruction, including evidence collection and preservation. 2. Demonstrate the capabilities, use, potential and limitations of forensic laboratory theory and techniques with respect to the analysis of evidence. 3. Utilize ethical principles and an understanding of legal precedents to make decisions related to investigative techniques, analysis of evidence, and courtroom testimony. 4. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and synthesize forensic, evidential, and investigatory information from multiple sources to generate theories about crime. 5. Conduct interviews and interrogations, develop and execute investigative plans, follow up investigative leads, document their findings, and testify to the interpretation of evidentiary findings in a courtroom setting. 6. Integrate knowledge and skills through an applied capstone experience.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Applicants interested in the Master of Science in Criminalistics must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in criminal justice, but applicants are required to demonstrate a basic understanding and awareness of the criminal justice system. • Submit graduate application • Submit final, official, transcripts from all colleges/universities attended • Submit three letters of recommendation • Submit an updated resume
