Criminalistics
• Undergraduate degree (or expected completion of the undergraduate degree prior to enrollment) preferably in criminal justice, natural science, computer science or related field. • Successful completion of undergraduate-level coursework in the following courses, achieving a minimum grade of “C” in each: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Investigative Concepts, Natural Science course • Minimum 2.75 overall GPA, 3.00 in prerequisite courses • Act 33/34 and FBI background check clearance is needed for full acceptance • A personal interview may be required. The student will be contacted to schedule an interview. • All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office no later than August 1 (for Fall admission), November 1 (for Spring admission), or May 1 (for Summer Admission). • The graduate assistantship deadline is March 15.
CURRICULUM Students can begin the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Flexible scheduling options are available. Fall Course Offerings GCRIM 501: Crime Scene Techniques GCRIM 601: Criminalistics GCRIM 509: Crime Mapping and Analysis GCRIM 507: Criminal Law of Evidence Spring Course Offerings GCRIM 621: Physical and Pattern Evidence GCRIM 508: Courtroom Procedures GCRIM 611: Digital Evidence GCRIM 622: Medicolegal Investigation Summer Course Offerings GCRIM 631: Applied Criminalistics GCRIM 612: Interviewing and Dispute Resolution GCRIM 602: Psychology and the Law GCRIM 641: Forensic Investigation Practicum
ASSISTANTSHIPS Graduate Assistantships are available for full-time and part-time students. Potential responsibilities of Graduate Assistants include: • Assisting experienced faculty members with research • Assisting faculty members with teaching responsibilities • Helping to manage the Forensic Investigation Center • Assisting with various programmatic duties
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS GCRIM 501 Crime Scene Techniques 3 credits This is a course in the study of crime scene investigation. This course offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role that criminal evidence plays in the process. This course focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. This course includes a multitude of case examples to illustrate key points and as a basis for discussion about the proper conduct of criminal investigations and goes beyond a simple how-to in investigative procedures, drawing from fascinating modern research and its importance in the real world of criminal justice. GCRIM 507 Criminal Law of Evidence 3 credits Criminal Law provides students with an integrated framework for understanding the U.S. criminal justice system with a diverse and inclusive interdisciplinary approach and thematic focus. This course looks at the law and decisions in court cases and considers and integrates issues of race, gender, and socio-economic status with their discussion of criminal law. Material from the social sciences is incorporated to highlight the intersection between criminal law and key social issues. Case excerpts and detailed case summaries used to highlight important principles of criminal law are featured throughout the course. The coverage is conceptual and practical, showing students how the criminal law applies in a “real world” environment. GCRIM 508 Courtroom Procedures 3 credits In this course, you will review ways in which the law, particularly the law of evidence, affects the work of law enforcement professionals. This course outlines the various roles of courtroom participants, paying particular attention to preparing individuals to become expert witnesses in the courtroom. This course works through the legal process up through trial, including appeals and motions for a new trial. Important legal doctrines such as chain of custody, work product privileges, laying the proper foundation, exhibits, and the standards necessary to obtain a new trial are also studied. This course will cover the various roles in the courtroom, trial preparation, preparing witnesses, and pointing out the differences between grand juries and trials. GCRIM 509 Crime Mapping and Analysis 3 credits This course will provide students with the knowledge and use of GIS (Geographic Information System) in crime prevention and crime analysis. Students will learn through crime mapping exercises the various uses of GIS in a criminal investigation, prosecution and correctional management. Students will develop crime-mapping projects using online data and will learn skills to make and analyze maps.
