Undergraduate Certificate in Investigative Forensic Science
This 15 credit hour certificate program builds upon the current undergraduate offerings, comprising five required classes tailored for students aspiring to pursue careers in investigative forensic sciences (crime scene investigator, medical death investigator, criminal investigators, evidence technician, law enforcement, etc.). The undergraduate certificate is a freestanding credential that can be earned as a stand-alone certificate or awarded on the way toward a bachelor's degree.
A student may only enroll in and be awarded either the Undergraduate Certificate in Investigative Forensic Science or the Minor in Forensic Science but not both.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Certificate in Investigative Forensic Science | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| FORS 3366 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| FORS 4310 | Physical Evidence Techniques | 3 |
| FORS 4330 | Fingerprint Examination | 3 |
| FORS 4364 | Crime Scene Investigation Techniques | 3 |
| FORS 4380 | Ethics and Professional Practice | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
This Undergraduate Certificate is not eligible to receive Title IV funding -- Direct Loans, Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, SEOG Grant, or Federal Work Study. Students enrolled in this program should explore alternative funding options and are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for assistance.
Notes
A student may only enroll in and be awarded either the Undergraduate Certificate in Investigative Forensic Science or the Minor in Forensic Science but not both.
There are no program-specific admission requirements. Students must meet SHSU's general admission standards:
- Completed SHSU Admission Application with non-refundable $50.00 application fee.
- Official ACT Composite or SAT score report. (Optional)
- Official high school transcript showing GPA and degree plan. Upon graduation from high school, applicant must provide a final official high school transcript with final GPA, date of graduation, and graduation plan.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Investigative Forensic Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Scientific literacy and technical knowledge in investigative forensic science.
- Crime scene assessment and evidence recognition.
- Physical evidence identification and chain of custody management.
- Fingerprint examination.
- Legal and ethical awareness in forensic investigations.
