Criminal Justice Technology - Forensic Science REVISED
Curriculum Description
Forensic Science is a concentration under the curriculum of Criminal Justice Technology, which focuses on the application of the physical, biomedical, and social sciences to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence, human testimony and criminal suspects. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, evidence processing and procedures.
Students will learn both theory and hands-on analysis of latent evidence. They will learn fingerprint classification, identification, and chemical development. Students will record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire-tracks; and process crime scenes. Issues and concepts of communications and the use of computers and computer assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed.
Graduates should qualify for employment in a variety of criminal justice organizations especially in local, state, and federal law enforcement, and correctional agencies.
The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.
Associate in Applied Science
A5518C
NC CIP: 43.0406
Day, Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2025
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC 111 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 131 | Criminal Law | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 221 | Investigative Principles | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| CJC 245 | Friction Ridge Analysis | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total: | 14 | 5 | 0 | 16 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC 112 | Criminology | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 115 | Crime Scene Photography | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 145 | Crime Scene CAD | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 246 | Adv Friction Ridge Analys | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disc (Global) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total: | 12 | 9 | 0 | 15 |
Summer Term
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC 212 | Ethics & Comm Relations | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I (Global) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Interpersonal Psychology | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| OR | |||||
| General Psychology (Global) | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| Total: | 9 | 2 | 0 | 10 | |
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC 121 | Law Enforcement Operations | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 144 | Crime Scene Processing | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 146 | Trace Evidence | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 251 | Forensic Chemistry I | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Total: | 10 | 8 | 0 | 13 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Title | Class Hours | Lab/Shop Hours | Clinical/WBL Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC 113 | Juvenile Justice | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 231 | Constitutional Law | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| CJC 252 | Forensic Chemistry II | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| ___ ___ | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | * | * | * | 3 |
| Select one: | |||||
| Criminalistics | (3) | (0) | (0) | (3) | |
| OR | |||||
| Forensic Psychology | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total: | 12 | 2 | 0 | 16 | |
Total Credit Hours: 70
Additional Information
Students successfully completing Basic Law Enforcement Training accredited by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission may receive credit for the following criminal justice courses: CJC 131, CJC 221 and CJC 231 for a total of 10 semester hours that may be counted toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology – Forensic Science. To qualify, students must have successfully passed the Criminal Justice Commission’s comprehensive certification exam and must have completed BLET since 1985.
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective – Select one: HUM 115, HUM 220, PHI 215, PHI 240, REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.
A5518C