Crime scene investigators determine what happened through leftovers bullets, fibers, body fluids and more.
Forensic science is a broad term to describe any method of establishing the facts of a criminal or civil case. Those that receive degrees or certifications in a forensic science program can choose to work in crime scene investigation. CSI team members establish what happened at a crime through physical clues in the environment or on victims of violent crimes.
Ogeechee Technical College
Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro offers an associate degree and diploma program in forensic science. The associate degree program requires 98 credit hours and students can choose between three concentrations: Wildlife Law Enforcement, Law Enforcement or Crime Scene Investigation. The forensic science diploma requires 68 credit hours but students take the same core forensic courses as those in the degree program. If students begin with the diploma and decide to instead pursue an associate degree, all hours are transferable. Both programs focus on preparing students for jobs in public safety and other related professions. Ogeechee gives students real-life re-enactments of crime scene processing and reconstruction, courtroom testimony and interrogation to better prepare them for immediate job placement.
Griffin Technical College
Griffin Technical College in Griffin provides an associate degree in forensic technology. This program builds a foundation in natural sciences to help students develop the analytical, oral and written skills necessary to succeed. Students begin with core courses that range from chemistry to psychology before deciding on a specialization of either Crime Scene Investigation or Forensic Computer Science. The CSI specialization involves two courses on physical evidence at a crime scene as well as a course on criminal procedure and a course on case preparation and courtroom testimony. Occupational courses provide students the scientific background for medical issues in forensic science as well as properly document a crime scene.
Clayton State University
Clayton State University in Morrow offers a focus in forensic science while allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in biology. Students build an educational foundation through core classes in mathematics, social sciences, humanities and critical thinking. The biology program requires 45 credit hours for graduation and they can be focused on forensic science. The forensic science focus is multidisciplinary with courses in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and criminal justice. In addition to classroom time, students can have an on- or off-campus internship in any discipline. Students can apply for internships in public service gaining on-site experience in crime scene investigation.
Tags: forensic science, associate degree, crime scene, Technical College, credit hours
