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. 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, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Albany, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY 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 | 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 | College Literature | 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 242 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| SC 150 | Forensic Science I | 4 |
| | US History and Civic Engagement Selective | 3 |
| | Physical Education Activity | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
4th Semester
| CJ 126 | Issues in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CJ 271 | Criminal Justice Internship | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | Criminal Justice Elective | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| EN 228 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| HU 242 | Forensic Photography | 3 |
| | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Recommended SS Electives include SS 141, SS 151, SS 152, SS 162, SS 167, SS 225, SS 241, SS 255
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's CJ GPA in above courses must be 2.3 or above.
3. Student's overall GPA must be 2.0 or above.
4. Student must obtain permission of instructor.
Social Science Elective
Recommended Social Science Electives include: SS 164, SS 225, SS 227
Students should consult with their academic advisor for appropriate course selections.
Total Credit Hours: 64-65
Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of this program. For more information, visit www.herkimer.edu/felony.
For more information, contact the Academic Division at (315) 866-0300, ext. 8240 or toll free 1-844-GO-4-HERK, ext. 8240.