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 120Intro Criminal Justice

3

CJ 123Criminal Substantive Law

3

EN 111College Writing

3

FS 100First Year Student Seminar

1

SS 151Intro Psychology

3

SS 161Introductory Sociology

3

Total Credit Hours:16

2nd Semester

CJ 124Criminal Procedure Law

3

EN 112College Literature

3

EN 171Intro to Technical Writing

3

SS 136Criminology

3

Mathematics Elective

3

Physical Education Activity

1

Total Credit Hours:16

Mathematics Elective: Must be MA 124 or MA 127.

2nd Year

3rd Semester

CJ 125Intro to Law Enforcement

3

CJ 141Police Organization & Mgt

3

CJ 242Criminal Investigation

3

SC 150Forensic Science I

4

US History and Civic Engagement Selective

3

Physical Education Activity

1

Total Credit Hours:17

4th Semester

 

CJ 126Issues in Law Enforcement

3

CJ 271Criminal Justice Internship

3

OR

Criminal Justice Elective

3

OR

Social Science Elective

3

EN 228Interpersonal Communication

3

HU 242Forensic 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.

Apply here: www.herkimer.edu/apply