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.