Forensic Science
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.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
| Forensic Science |
SCC Program Description
Our instructors are criminal justice professionals who work or have worked in the field. Our expertise comes from local and federal law enforcement, crime labs, forensics, victim advocacy, investigations, and probation. We are engaged with our students because we enjoy what we do and want to help them succeed.
The Forensic Science (FOR) program prepares students for a career in the criminal justice industry, enhances the skills of those already employed within it, offers non-criminal justice students interesting courses to incorporate into their degree programs, and provides others with courses to take for personal enrichment.
The Crime Scene Investigation certificate is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to investigate and reconstruct crime scenes using scientific evidence and logical analysis. The program provides instruction in criminal investigation procedures, collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence, death investigation techniques, crime scene reconstruction methodology, and presentation of testimony in court.
The Fingerprint Identification and Photography certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of fingerprint classification and identification. It is one pathway to the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Forensic Science.