Contact the Program Director
Faculty Chair - Administration of Justice Studies
480-461-7142
602-430-4702 (mobile)
Office: SC 14 - Room: Dept Chair Office
This program is part of the Administration of Justice Studies Department.
Field of Interest
Are you looking for a fascinating and dynamic career in forensic science where your days are never the same? Our Forensic Science program can prepare you to use your problem-solving skills to probe mysteries, explore unusual situations, and perform complex lab tests.
The Forensic Science program offers an associate degree with two possible areas of emphasis: Crime Scene Investigation and Lab Science. Two certificates of completion are also available.
Crime Scene investigation will develop the skills and knowledge you need to investigate and reconstruct crime scenes using science-based evidence techniques and logical analysis. You’ll learn criminal investigation procedures, evidence collection and preservation methods, death investigation techniques, crime scene reconstruction methodology, and evidence presentation during courtroom testimony.
Lab Science teaches you the skills and techniques used in the crime lab to evaluate, compare, and identify physical and biological evidence recovered from crime scenes. You’ll learn techniques like fingerprint development and comparison, firearms examination and testing, projectile comparison, DNA extraction, controlled substance testing and identification, and blood and body fluid identification and testing. You’ll also learn various instrumental techniques like electrophoresis, microscopy, and spectroscopy. In addition, you’ll learn how to write crime lab reports and how to testify in court.
Join the Forensic Science program to embark on a satisfying career in law enforcement where your actions directly help improve public safety.
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.
| 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.
| 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.
Coroners
$60,188 Show expanded career information for Coroners
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
$91,087 Show expanded career information for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
$97,579 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Forensic Science Technicians
$65,035 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians
Intelligence Analysts
$97,579 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$81,280 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police Detectives
$91,087 Show expanded career information for Police Detectives
Police Identification and Records Officers
$97,579 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers
Police Patrol Officers
$75,273 Show expanded career information for Police Patrol Officers
Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$107,778 Show expanded career information for Supervisors of Police and Detectives
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
Become a Student
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.
Resources For You
Get credit for your industry training. MCC offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for students with existing industry certifications, licenses, and approved corporate training. Access the form below and attach proof of training/certification when you submit your request. Please note, in order to access and complete the PLA form, you must be an active MCC student and have an MEID.
AAS degree students have University transfer options. This program allows students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science to transfer 60 or more credit hours toward a Bachelor of Applied Science to an Arizona public university. Learn more about AAS to BAS Transfer Pathways.