Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Forensic Investigation

Courses in the Forensic Investigations Specialization Curriculum

CRJU 2300: Investigations - This is a survey course on the range of investigation techniques, with a particular focus on  criminal investigation. Collection of physical evidence through crime scene searches; of testimonial evidence through interviews of eyewitnesses and interrogation of suspects; and of supplemental and predictive evidence through open-source data collection and surveillance are explored in the context of legal requirements and ethical issues.

CRJU 3100: Introduction to Forensic Science - A survey course into the range of techniques of scientific analysis conducted on physical evidence: physical properties, comparison matches, class and individual characteristics, toxicology, challenged document examination, explosives and arson investigation, and other topics are considered in light of scientific standards and processes, as well as evolving legal standards. The course presents “forensic science” in terms of the duties that field investigators must perform to ensure the validity of the evidence for courtroom presentation.

CRJU 3600: Digital Crime and Criminal Justice - An introduction to the rapidly-expanding role of digital media in crime. This course introduces a variety of topics, including cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking, scamming, spyware and malware, corporate espionage, hacking, and system security, financial crimes and money-laundering, among others.

CRJU 4400: Law, Evidence, and Legal Issues in Forensic Science - This class provides an overview and examination of the legal aspects of physical evidence including rules of evidence, procedural rules, and the role of expert witnesses. The course also includes direct and cross-examination of students in a moot court setting.                                              

In addition to the four core courses above, students will take two additional Specialization Elective courses from a number of offerings in the department and across the university curriculum. Forensic Accounting (taught in the Schmidthorst College of Business), Forensic Psychology (taught in the College of Arts & Sciences), and others are available. Six additional electives and a 12-hour Internship complete the requirements for the Forensic Investigations Specialization.

We also offer a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Forensic Investigation.