Field of Interest
Start a unique career in law enforcement.
Embark on a satisfying crime-solving career within the field of law enforcement, where your actions will have a direct impact on public safety. Our program can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to perform complex lab tests and apply science-based techniques and logical analysis to explore unusual situations and probe mysteries.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion and Associate Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates or degrees is the fastest way to realize your dreams.
Certificates
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
A list of available certificates offered in the Forensic Science program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Crime Scene Investigation |
Pathway Map |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Fingerprint Identification and Photography |
Pathway Map |
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
A list of available associate degrees offered in the Forensic Science program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Associate in Applied Science |
AAS |
Forensic Science |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Forensic Science program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$31.48
Annual Median Wage
$65,499
Number of People Employed
8,196
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.0%
Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$43.79
Annual Median Wage
$91,087
Number of People Employed
1,304
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.1%
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$43.63
Annual Median Wage
$90,755
Number of People Employed
1,289
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.6%
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$32.75
Annual Median Wage
$68,140
Number of People Employed
567
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.9%
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$43.63
Annual Median Wage
$90,755
Number of People Employed
1,289
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.6%
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$42.88
Annual Median Wage
$89,203
Number of People Employed
8,087
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.3%
Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$43.79
Annual Median Wage
$91,087
Number of People Employed
1,304
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.1%
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Typical Education Level
an Associate degree
Hourly Median Wage
$43.63
Annual Median Wage
$90,755
Number of People Employed
1,289
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.6%
Patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, and arrest violators.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$36.18
Annual Median Wage
$75,273
Number of People Employed
7,008
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.3%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$55.71
Annual Median Wage
$115,886
Number of People Employed
1,286
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.4%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.
