Graduate
Certificates
Earn a Graduate Certificate in Crime Scene Investigations for Violent Crimes – Fully online
The University of South Florida's Crime Scene Investigations for Violent Crimes Graduate Certificate provides students with an in-depth exposure to specific incident reconstruction, event reconstruction, and physical evidence reconstruction. The courses in this program were developed to combine investigative tools and strategies with the newest methods and tools from forensics, crime scene, and related sciences. Learn how reason and logic, physical evidence, witness testimony, scientific methods and their relationships to one another is paramount for investigating violent crimes.
Whether you want to pursue or advance a career in law enforcement, forensic science or crime scene analysis, this graduate certificate offers advanced training in the ways evidence is discovered, tested, analyzed, preserved, presented in court, and utilized in violent crimes against persons.
Complete the entire certificate or take individual courses. All course can be completed in 1 year.
With USF's CSI Graduate Certificate you will:
- Learn from professors with hands-on field experience Stay on top of new sciences and industry trends on how evidence is discovered, tested, analyzed, and preserved.
- Understand how to present evidence in court. Stay on top of new sciences and industry trends on how evidence is discovered, tested, analyzed, and preserved.
- Develop analytical skills for applying various forensic methods to different case scenarios. Learn how to effectively present evidence and testimony in criminal trials
- Understand crime scene reconstructions, investigations, and applied science methods and tools for violent crimes
- Develop analytical skills for applying various forensic methods to different case scenarios
This 18-credit hour graduate certificate is designed for professionals in the criminal justice sector who are seeking advanced training and students preparing for a variety of careers including:
- Anthropologists and Criminologists
- Forensic Scientists
- Crime Scene Technicians
- Law enforcement including major crime detectives, supervisors, and crime scene investigators
- Prosecutors, defense attorneys or public defenders
- This certificate is offered fully online
- Students may complete the certificate or take individual classes
- Certificate can be completed in as little as one year but must be completed within five years
- Up to 12 hours of certificate course credits may be applied to a graduate degree with departmental approval
Required Courses:
Each course is three credit hours for a program total of 18 hours. Courses can be completed in any order. Courses can be applied to continuing education for professional development.
ANG 6741 Introduction to Forensic Sciences
This course will introduce students to the range of applied forensic sciences relevant
to violent crimes. Students will gain a familiarity with crime scene investigation
methods and techniques and an understanding of the role of law enforcement crime labs
in forensic investigations.
ANG 6770 Crime Scene Reconstruction
In this course, students will learn how to identify the principles and procedures
on how to reconstruct and analyze a crime scene event. Topics will include the collection
and preservation of evidence, the impact of proper crime scene reconstruction on the
criminal justice process and engaging with various agencies, associations, and specialists
when participating in a crime scene event.
ANG 6771 The Science of Missing and Unidentified Persons
This course will provide students an applied perspective of the work conducted by
forensic science professionals. Students will explore the problem of unidentified
and missing persons, methods utilized by forensic scientists, new advancements in
the field, as well as multiple examples of human identification work conducted throughout
the world.
ANG 6519 Evidence in Court & Expert Testimony
In this course, students will acquire an understanding of the Constitutional and practical
grounds for criminal procedure. Through study of the legal process and applicable
case law, students will learn how to prepare for presenting evidence and testimony
in criminal trials.
ANG 6772 Homicide Investigations
This course will examine the methodologies and techniques utilized by homicide personnel
and crime scene investigators during a criminal investigation. Students will gain
a practical understanding of the preliminary steps in homicide investigation, such
as processing the crime scene, investigative photography and notes, interviews and
interrogations, case preparation, and presentation of evidence at a criminal trial.
ANG 6746 Investigation of Violent Crimes Against Children
In this course, students will learn about current law enforcement investigative techniques,
interview techniques, legal strategies and forensic methods for investigations into
violent crimes against children. Major topics will include the exploitation of children
on the Internet, domestic violence, and juvenile sex crimes including prostitution
and human trafficking.
Applicants must have an earned Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited academic institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
International students must submit a TOEFL score when English is not the native language. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 79 on the web-based testis required.
To apply to the program please contact us.
Florida Resident: $481.43 per credit hour
Non-Florida Resident: $927.17 per credit hour
Current degree-seeking students taking the certificate as part of their graduate program may use their existing financial aid to apply toward the cost of the program. Students enrolled for the graduate certificate program only are not eligible for financial aid however private loans, V.A. Benefits, State Employee Tuition Waivers and USF Employee Tuition Waivers may be used to cover the costs of the program.