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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 • 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 631: Applied Criminalistics Summer Course Offerings GCRIM 622: Medicolegal Investigation 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
