Notice
The base certificate for this pathway map is no longer offered for new students. It is presented only for archival purposes.
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Forensic Investigation provides the student with a specialization in forensic investigation as it relates to crime. The curriculum presents a specialized scope of knowledge about photography, collection and preservation of evidence, and investigative strategies. The program provides students with an important knowledge base for investigative specialization in a wide range of disciplines and careers
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying to MCC:
- Academic Career
- Credit
- Degree/Certificate Type
- Career and Technical Certificate
- Academic Plan
- Forensic Investigation (CCL)
- Academic Plan Code
- 5488
- Total Credits Required
- 18
- Catalog Year
- 2020-2021
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Identify and use appropriate scientific methods to investigate, recognize, collect and preserve various types of physical evidence.
- Identify and use appropriate scientific methods to investigate, recognize, collect and preserve various types of biological evidence.
- Photograph basic accident and crime scenes and specific items of evidence using appropriate photographic techniques.
- Describe the role of a forensic anthropologist in crime scenes where there is an undetermined manner of death.
- Demonstrate the appropriate steps to be undertaken during the investigation of specific crimes.
- Describe child abuse history, causes and treatment, and explain the role of law enforcement in confronting the problem.
- Describe proper investigative procedures and obstacles faced in the enforcement of sex crimes.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of this certificate 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* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Forensic Science Technicians
$58,572 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include AAA/CPD150, AAA/CPD150AC, CPD104, and AAA115/CPD115. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS215 | Criminalistics: Physical Evidence | RC | 3 | ||
| AJS216 | Criminalistics: Biological Evidence | RC | 3 | ||
| AJS241 | Police Photography | RC | 3 | ||
| AJS275 | Criminal Investigation I | RC | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS290AU | Child Abuse Investigation | RC | 1 | ||
| AJS290BH | Sex Crimes Investigation | RC | 1 | ||
| ASM/FOR275 | Forensic Anthropology | RC | 4 |
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Become a Student
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
General Help
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
- RC = Required Course
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all courses within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Certificate of Completion in Forensic Investigation (http://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm?id=103536).
Other Versions
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. Other versions of this pathway map from different catalog years are available below: