Police and other law enforcement agencies depend on the expertise of professional crime scene technicians to uncover evidence that will stand up in a court of law. This meticulous process requires a keen eye, an analytical mind, and dedication to cracking the case. According to federal government sources, career opportunities for crime scene technicians are expected to increase at a rate much faster than average. Technicians who work for state public safety departments can look forward to a favorable employment market.*

 Program Highlights 

When you enroll in the Crime Scene Technician Certificate online program at Kaplan University, you can attend classes on your own schedule, any time of the day or night. Study to acquire the practical skills required to pursue a career in crime scene investigation, such as:

  • Applying ethical investigative methods used in forensic science
  • Observing minute details at the scene and relating them to the crime; visually identifying and describing persons, vehicles, and locations; and giving expert testimony about evidence in criminal court cases
  • Overseeing investigations of homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, home invasions, and burglaries
  • Securing crime scenes; gathering, processing, photographing, and preserving evidence in support of law enforcement; and preparing written reports detailing the crime scene

 Curriculum for the Crime Scene Technician Certificate   

    Courses Credits
    Introduction to Criminal Justice
    Criminology I
    College Algebra
    Composition Course
    Physical or Biological Science Course
    Courses Credits
    Criminal Investigation 5
    Legal Foundations of Criminal Evidence 6
    Crime Scene Photography 6
    Forensic Fingerprint Analysis 6
    Crime Scene Investigation II 6
    Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis 6
    Forensic Biology and Impression Evidence 6
    Independent Study in Criminal Justice 3
    Total Program Requirements 44

 Crime Lab Internship Program  

As a student in the Crime Scene Technician Certificate program, you may qualify to participate in a hands-on internship program at a crime laboratory in your area. Participate in real-world crime scene investigations under the supervision of experienced professionals and study to develop your skills in one of eight areas of field investigation:

  • Serology/DNA
  • Toxicology
  • Evidence
  • Chemistry/controlled substances
  • Photography
  • Firearms
  • Crime scene investigations
  • Identification/latent prints

Real Crimes,
Real Evidence.
>Tour the lab
Intern at a top crime lab.

An example of a crime lab internship opportunity available through Kaplan University is at the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (PBSO) in South Florida. The PBSO is the fourth largest county law enforcement agency in the United States, serving a population in excess of 1.4 million citizens. The PBSO crime lab is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). This modern forensic facility is headed by the renowned former director of laboratory services for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and run by a distinguished field staff of criminal experts.


What Are the Career Opportunities?


Along with those just starting out, career-changers often choose to become crime scene technicians, transitioning from fields such as allied health, law, and science. Qualified crime scene technicians can seek employment opportunities in insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, laboratories, large law firms, and medical examiners' offices.

 Prepare for Future Studies 

The credits you earn in fulfillment of this certificate are transferable to other Kaplan University degree programs. When the time is right, come back and earn your associate's or bachelor's degree online at Kaplan University.

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements44
Total cost of tuition$15,532.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, Science Technicians, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm (accessed April 2008).