Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations (A.A.S.)
HEGIS: 5505
SUNY CODE: 1329
Forensic Investigations is designed to develop occupational competence for entry into public law enforcement and/or private investigative fields.
The goals of this program are to:
- introduce students to the skills and knowledge needed to work within the CJ field and /or forensic investigations;
- prepare students to understand the fundamentals of processing a crime scene; and
- introduce students to the complex skills required of a crime scene investigator/photographer.
Successful graduates from this program will be able to:
- express knowledge of fundamental concepts of criminal justice and forensic investigations;
- express knowledge of a fundamental understanding of processing a crime scene; and
- express knowledge of the complex skills required of a crime scene investigator/photographer.
Career Opportunities/Transfer Information
Graduates find employment in entry level positions in public and private investigative agencies and companies. Projected annual statewide job openings through 2008 are 300 new jobs and 1,120 replacement jobs. While not designed as a transfer program, graduates may go on to colleges and universities such as SUNY College of Technology at Canton College, John Jay College, SUC at Buffalo, SUNY Albany, SUC at Oneonta, SUC at Plattsburgh, SUC at Brockport and Utica College.
Program of Study
1st Year
1st Semester
| CJ 120 | Intro Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJ 123 | Criminal Substantive Law | 3 |
| EN 111 | English I - College Writing | 3 |
| FS 100 | First Year Student Seminar | 1 |
| SS 151 | Intro Psychology | 3 |
| SS 161 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
2nd Semester
| CJ 124 | Criminal Procedure Law | 3 |
| EN 112 | English II - Intro to Lit | 3 |
| EN 171 | Intro to Technical Writing | 3 |
| SS 136 | Criminology | 3 |
| | Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| | Physical Education Activity | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
2nd Year
3rd Semester
| CJ 125 | Intro to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CJ 141 | Police Organization & Mgt | 3 |
| CJ 142 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CJ 143 | Criminal Invest for Police Off | 3 |
| SC 150 | Forensic Science I | 4 |
| | American History Selective | 3 |
| | Physical Education Activity | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17-18 |
CJ 143: The four-credit course is for certified police only.
4th Semester
| CJ 126 | Issues in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CJ 271 | Criminal Justice Practicum | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | Criminal Justice Elective | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| HU 150 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 1 |
| HU 242 | Forensic Photography | 3 |
| IS 115 | Computer Applications I | 3 |
| | Social Science Selective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Recommended SS Electives include SS 141, SS 152, SS 155, SS 162, SS 210, SS 225
Prerequisites for CJ 271, Criminal Justice Practicum:
1. Student must have completed basic core CJ courses: CJ 120, CJ 123, CJ 124, CJ 210
2. Student must have completed or be enrolled in HU 150.
3. Student's CJ GPA in above courses must be 2.3 or above.
4. Student's overall GPA must be 2.0 or above.
5. Student must obtain permission of instructor.
Social Science Elective
Recommended Social Science electives include:
| SS 141 | American Government | 3 |
| SS 152 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SS 155 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SS 162 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SS 164 | Understanding Addictions | 3 |
| SS 167 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| SS 225 | Terrorism & Homeland Security | 3 |
| SS 227 | Gangs: Theory, Pract & Suppres | 3 |
| SS 241 | American Minorities | 3 |
Students should consult with their academic advisor for appropriate course selections.
Total Credit Hours: 66-67
For more information, contact the Humanities and Social Science Division at (315) 866-0300 or toll free 1-844-GO-4-HERK, ext. 8430.