BS in Criminal Justice: Crime Scene Investigation

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation emphasis area at Kaplan University offers coursework that examines the investigative process, crime scene preservation, how to handle evidence, scene reconstruction, and the function of expert witness testimony. Students have the opportunity to study crime scene photography, forensic fingerprint analysis, the use of forensic sciences in criminal investigations, forensic biology, computer forensics, and impression evidence. Students can also learn about criminal law, due process from the time of arrest through to sentencing, and ethics in the application of criminal justice. Students can choose from courses in crime prevention, computer crime, organized crime, investigating terrorism, and forensic psychology. The program includes a capstone project.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are interested in applying to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation emphasis area you should have an interest in law enforcement and the fundamentals of processing crime scenes. Applicants to Kaplan University's programs should have a high school diploma or GED and be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. Since the program is offered online, applicants should have access to a computer.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation emphasis area consists of 180 credit requirements. In addition to the 88 major credits, you would also need to fulfill 33 core credits and 59 open elective credits.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation Emphasis Area Requirements

• Eight Skills of the Effective Criminal Justice Student
• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Criminology I
• Criminal Investigation
• Computers, Technology, and Criminal Justice Information Systems
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Law for Criminal Justice
• Applied Criminal Justice Ethics
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• 300/400 Major Electives
• Bachelor's Capstone in Criminal Justice
• Choose one of the following:
  • Crime Prevention
  • Exploration of Computer Crime
  • Introduction to Forensic Psychology
  • White-Collar Crime
  • Deviance and Violence
  • Investigating Terrorism
• Choose one of the following:
  • Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
  • Organized Crime
  • Managing Criminal Justice Organizations

Crime Scene Investigation Course Requirements

• Legal Foundations of Criminal Evidence
• Choose one of the following:
  • Crime Scene Photography
  • Forensic Fingerprint Analysis
• Crime Scene Investigation II
• Choose one of the following:
  • Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
  • Forensic Biology and Impression Evidence

What Are My Post-Graduation Opportunities?

Career Opportunities

After successfully completing Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation emphasis area, you could seek a variety of positions with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Below are some of the positions you could pursue:

• Forensic science technician
• Evidence technician
• Police detective

Advanced Degrees

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Crime Scene Investigation emphasis area at Kaplan University is designed to assist you in preparing for graduate studies. Earning a graduate degree can broaden and refine your knowledge and skill set which may provide you with additional career opportunities and responsibilities. Some graduate degrees related to criminal justice and crime scene investigation include:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management