UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Investigative Forensics

Students may seek an academic major in investigative forensics. A related minor is available in forensics.

Major in Investigative Forensics

The investigative forensics major prepares students with the knowledge, skills and ethical principles necessary to process and report on physical evidence at a crime scene or in connection with a civil investigation. Students will understand both the theory and practice of the forensic disciplines and of police work. The curriculum, based on national guidelines, provides students with a basic foundation in investigative, scientific and laboratory-based forensics, and introduces them to the various disciplines that make up the forensic collaborative workgroup. It prepares students for further education or employment in the field.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in investigative forensics will be able to

  • Identify the various types of evidence obtained during a crime scene investigation and identify the typical forensic testing performed in a laboratory.
  • Explain the role and the impact of investigative forensics within the criminal justice system.
  • Explain the various laws pertaining to crime scene searches.
  • Use effective written and oral communication skills to clearly report and articulate analyses and findings.
  • Explain the integration of physical and testimonial evidence within the investigative process.
  • Demonstrate the ability to access, interpret and apply investigative forensic and criminal justice research findings.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in investigative forensics requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Investigative Forensics Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in investigative forensics, includes the following:

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in investigative forensics. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course
  • ‡ CCJS 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
  • Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1) or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • ‡ CCJS 234 Criminal Procedures and Evidence (3)
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or a foreign language course or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance or literature course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • ‡ CCJS 320 Introduction to Criminalistics (3)
  • HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) or other course to fulfill the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement
  • ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 393/393X Advanced Technical Writing (3) (related requirement for the major; also fulfills the communications/upper-level advanced writing requirement)
  • ‡ CCJS 461 Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3) or PSYC 370 Foundations of Forensic Psychology
  • ‡ CCJS 420 Medical and Legal Investigations of Death (3)
  • ‡ CCJS 421 Computer Forensics (3)
  • ‡ FSCN 306 Fire Investigation and Analysis (3)
  • ‡ CCJS 486A Internship in Criminal Justice Through Co-op (3) (or other forensic laboratory science course)
  • ‡ CCJS 425 Forensics Lab (3) (or other forensic laboratory science course)
  • ‡ BIOL 320 Forensic Biology (3) or FSCN 414 Fire Dynamics (3) or other supplemental major course

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (40)

Total credits for BS in investigative forensics: 120