Forensic Investigations (Graduate Certificate)
Dr. Monty Smith, Program Director
msmith84@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4434
missouriwestern.edu/criminal-justice-legal-studies/forensic-investigation/
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigations is ideal for the student who has already earned a graduate degree in another discipline and seeks to increase or formalize their knowledge of forensic fields. The Certificate will also be of interest to persons already employed in a related field, but not requiring a degree.
Admission Requirements
- Submission of application for admission to the MWSU Graduate School.
- Completion of a B.A. or B.S. degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.75.
- Completion of a 300 or 400 level undergraduate research course with a grade of C or higher as approved by the Program Director.
- Personal Statement describing how the Forensic Investigations degree will further their career goals.
- Two letters of reference; one from an academic source and another from an employer. References and Personal Statement should be submitted to the Forensic Investigation Program Director.
- Application reviewed and approved by the MAS Forensic Investigations Admissions Committee.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirements | ||
| CRJ 500 | Death Investigation | 3 |
| CRJ 570 | Criminal Investigative Methods | 3 |
| CRJ 600 | Criminal Law, Evidence and Legal Procedures | 3 |
| CRJ 640 | Computer Forensics | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select six credit hours from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Forensic Accounting | ||
| Auditing for Fraud | ||
| Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in Violent Crimes | ||
| Forensic Anthropology for Law Enforcement | ||
| Human Remains: Search, Recovery, and Identification | ||
| Forensic Entomology | ||
| Forensic Interviewing | ||
| Profiling and Behavioral Analysis | ||
| Administration, Planning, and Ethics | ||
| Courtroom Testimony and Procedure | ||
| Forensic Photography and Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Analysis of Biological Evidence | ||
| Analysis of Physical Evidence | ||
| Internet Commerce Fraud and Investigation | ||
| Advanced Research Methods | ||
| Graduate Internship | ||
| Research and Publication | ||
CRJ 696-699: Special Topics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Program Graduation Requirements
- Filing of an approved Application for Graduation.
- Satisfactory completion of all required coursework as listed on the approved Program of Study.
- Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.
- At least half of the 18 credit hours must be 600-level.