Forensic Investigations (Master of Applied Science, M.A.S.)
Dr. Monty Smith, Program Director
msmith84@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-4434
missouriwestern.edu/criminal-justice-legal-studies/forensic-investigation/
The Master of Applied Science Forensic Investigations degree is designed to expose the student to broad based forensic investigations, to provide advanced training in crime scene investigation, evidence evaluation, collection and documentation, case management, data analysis, critical thinking, and professional writing. Students are challenged in an academic setting as well as practical application of skills required to process crime scenes, collect evidence, and analyze various types of evidence to understand the sequence of events at a crime scene.
The Master of Applied Science Forensic Investigations program will prepare the student for careers as crime scene investigators, crime laboratory personnel, police detectives, evidence technicians, and other fields related to forensic investigations. The Master of Applied Science Forensic Investigations program will also benefit those currently employed in law enforcement or forensic fields by improving their knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties and prepare them for professional advancement.
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.
- Application reviewed and approved by the MAS Forensic Investigations Admissions Committee.
Students who are accepted to this degree program will have no more than 6 years from admission or subsequent declaration to meet the requirements listed below. If certification, accreditation or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during this time, the new requirements take precedence.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| CRJ 500 | Death Investigation | 3 |
| CRJ 560 | Administration, Planning, and Ethics | 3 |
| CRJ 570 | Criminal Investigative Methods | 3 |
| CRJ 600 | Criminal Law, Evidence and Legal Procedures | 3 |
| CRJ 610 | Courtroom Testimony and Procedure | 3 |
| CRJ 695 | Forensic Capstone | 2 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Select fifteen credit hours from the following courses (at least nine credit hours must be 600 level) | 15 | |
| Forensic Accounting | ||
| Auditing for Fraud | ||
| Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Bloodstain Pattern Analysis in Violent Crimes | ||
| Forensic Anthropology for Law Enforcement | ||
| Human Remains: Search, Recovery, and Identification | ||
| Forensic Entomology | ||
| Profiling and Behavioral Analysis | ||
CRJ 596-599: Special Topics | ||
| Forensic Photography and Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Analysis of Biological Evidence | ||
| Analysis of Physical Evidence | ||
| Internet Commerce Fraud and Investigation | ||
| Computer Forensics | ||
| Forensic Interviewing | ||
| Advanced Research Methods | ||
| Graduate Internship | ||
| Research and Publication | ||
CRJ 696-699: Special Topics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 32 | |
Program Graduation Requirement
- Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.
University Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactorily complete all required coursework in the program;
- Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours;
- Satisfactorily complete the required capstone experience.