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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Forensic Science
American InterContinental University’s forensic science classes are designed to help candidates develop knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice system, constitutional principles, and crime theory with a special focus on forensic science and crime scene investigation concepts. This online forensic science degree program can help students prepare to apply the theories of crime causation and criminal investigation techniques. It also explores how investigators solve crimes, how investigations are conducted, the accepted theories of crime and justice, and standard criminal procedures.
AIU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science online degree program offers students an opportunity for an education in science, law enforcement practices, and investigation methodologies.
Fill out this brief form and an AIU Admissions Advisor will contact you and help with your degree questions.
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Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Forensic Science offers a curriculum with a strong criminal justice foundation that builds on related general education, such as technology and information literacy, interpersonal communication, and more. Studying for this online forensic science degree can help students prepare to conduct death-scene investigations, interpret forensic analysis, process and preserve evidence, and apply technology, methodology, and data.
The curriculum thoroughly explores crime theory, the U.S. legal system, crime victim studies, and constitutional procedure. A significant component of this curriculum features specialized forensic science classes and a senior capstone project in criminal justice.
Our forensic science classes offer flexibility to earn a degree on an individual’s timeline. Mobile-friendly coursework enables students to study for an online forensic science degree at their convenience, allowing them to maintain a school-life balance. There are no prerequisites to pursue an online forensic science degree program with AIU. A dedicated Graduation Team can help answer questions and guide candidates through the admissions and financial aid processes. The Graduation Team is available to provide support along students’ academic journey, from start to graduation.
English Composition I
ENGL106
In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL106 | 4.5 | ||||
English Composition II
ENGL107
In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL107 | 4.5 | ||||
General College Mathematics
MATH125
An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. |
MATH125 | 4.5 | ||||
Academic and Professional Success
UNIV103
This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. |
UNIV103 | 4.5 | ||||
Technology and Information Literacy
UNIV106
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
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UNIV106 | 4.5 | ||||
Interpersonal Communication
UNIV109
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
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UNIV109 | 4.5 | ||||
General Education Elective (1 Course) | 4.5 | |||||
Humanities (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
Natural Sciences (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses) | 9 | |||||
58.5 Total Credit Hours | 58.5 Total Credit Hours |
Criminal Justice Today
CRJS102
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
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CRJS102 | 4.5 | ||||
Introduction to Criminology
CRJS203
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
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CRJS203 | 4.5 | ||||
Introduction to Criminal Law
CRJS205
This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice. This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice. |
CRJS205 | 4.5 | ||||
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJS210
This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing. This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing. |
CRJS210 | 4.5 | ||||
Introduction to American Court System
CRJS215
This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined. This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined. |
CRJS215 | 4.5 | ||||
Foundations of Corrections
CRJS220
This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole. This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole. |
CRJS220 | 4.5 | ||||
Crime Victim Studies
CRJS310
This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system. This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system. |
CRJS310 | 4.5 | ||||
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory
CRJS315
This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency. This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency. |
CRJS315 | 4.5 | ||||
Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures
CRJS330
This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function. This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function. |
CRJS330 | 4.5 | ||||
Evidence
CRJS355
This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial. This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial. |
CRJS355 | 4.5 | ||||
Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice
CRJS405
This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions. This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions. |
CRJS405 | 4.5 | ||||
Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice
CRJS499
This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork. This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork. |
CRJS499 | 4.5 | ||||
54 Total Credit Hours | 54 Total Credit Hours |
Select 10 undergraduate Elective courses
45 Total Credit Hours | 45 Total Credit Hours |
Criminalistics
CRJS365
Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining ''forensic science''; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists. Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining ''forensic science''; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists. |
CRJS365 | 4.5 | ||||
Criminalistics II
CRJS406
Criminalistics II is part II of a two part series. This course introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, and clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. The course combines classroom lecture/discussion with practical laboratory exercises related to the field of forensics. Topics include the recognition, identification, collection/preservation, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, impression evidence, and serial number restoration. Students will document a crime scene by means of photography, notes, and scene sketching. Criminalistics II is part II of a two part series. This course introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, and clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. The course combines classroom lecture/discussion with practical laboratory exercises related to the field of forensics. Topics include the recognition, identification, collection/preservation, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, impression evidence, and serial number restoration. Students will document a crime scene by means of photography, notes, and scene sketching. |
CRJS406 | 4.5 | ||||
Criminal Investigation
CRJS455
This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes. This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes. |
CRJS455 | 4.5 | ||||
Psychopathology and Criminality
CRJS466
This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of abnormal human behavior. Students will gain knowledge and insight into disorders relating to eating, sleeping, attention deficit, mood, learning, impulse control, sexuality, criminality, and interpersonal conflict. The nature of various disorders will be discussed as well as their impact on criminal behavior. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will be covered in this class. This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of abnormal human behavior. Students will gain knowledge and insight into disorders relating to eating, sleeping, attention deficit, mood, learning, impulse control, sexuality, criminality, and interpersonal conflict. The nature of various disorders will be discussed as well as their impact on criminal behavior. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will be covered in this class. |
CRJS466 | 4.5 | ||||
Medicolegal Death Investigation
CRJS471
This course introduces the student to the field of medicolegal death investigation in the context of forensic science. In this course, students will learn jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death scene investigation and techniques in establishing identity and post mortem interval. Students will obtain skills in notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses, and interpreting crime scene photography. This course introduces the student to the field of medicolegal death investigation in the context of forensic science. In this course, students will learn jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death scene investigation and techniques in establishing identity and post mortem interval. Students will obtain skills in notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses, and interpreting crime scene photography. |
CRJS471 | 4.5 | ||||
22.5 Total Credit Hours | 22.5 Total Credit Hours |
Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining "forensic science"; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.
This course examines the aspects of human behavior directly related to the legal process and the professional practice of psychology in the context of forensic science. The course explores many aspects of the practice of forensic psychology including assessment, treatment, and consultation within the legal system that encompasses both criminal and civil law. The student will study the many ways psychology can assist and influence the legal system. Finally, students will be introduced to various career opportunities in forensic psychology and will be exposed to a variety of professionals who work in the area of forensic science.
Criminalistics II is part II of a two part series. This course is designed to introduce the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, and clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. The course combines classroom lecture/discussion with practical laboratory exercises related to the field of forensics. Topics include the recognition, identification, collection/preservation, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, impression evidence, and serial number restoration. Students will document a crime scene by means of photography, notes, and scene sketching.
This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of abnormal human behavior. Students will work to develop knowledge and insight into disorders relating to eating, sleeping, attention deficit, mood, learning, impulse control, sexuality, criminality, and interpersonal conflict. The nature of various disorders will be discussed as well as their impact on criminal behavior. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will be covered in this class.
This course designed to introduce the student to the field of medicolegal death investigation in the context of forensic science. In this course, students will have the opportunity to study jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death scene investigation and techniques in establishing identity and post mortem interval. Students will work to develop skills in notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses, and interpreting crime scene photography.
This hands-on introductory course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a computer-based investigation. The course begins with an overview of computer forensics and then proceeds to introduce forensics tools, concepts, and documentation of evidence/procedures. The course uses common and accepted incident Response Policies and Procedures for previewing and securing digital evidence. Topics include: the basics of computer evidence and basic forensic methodology.
This introductory course is designed to expose students to the areas of cellular biology, forensic serology, genetics, and human physiology as well as their applications within forensic science. Through lectures, readings, discussions and general exercises emphasizing the fundamentals of basic science within Forensic Biology, students will study the principles of biological and biochemical processing in relationship to forensics. The course will afford students the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills within the field of forensic science. This course includes a discussion of the various areas of forensic science where a biologist can specialize.
This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.
Course content subject to change.
An online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Forensic Science is an undergraduate degree program designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of how scientific principles are applied to the investigation of crime through a fully online format. Coursework typically explores crime-scene investigation, forensic biology and chemistry, trace-evidence analysis, toxicology, legal procedures, and the proper collection and preservation of physical evidence. Pursuing an online BSCJ in Forensic Science offers candidates the opportunity to develop laboratory, analytical, and critical-thinking skills that could be applied to roles in crime laboratories, law-enforcement agencies, and private forensics firms—all with the flexibility to study from anywhere. In addition to the online program, AIU also offers this Forensic Science degree program on campus at its Houston and Atlanta locations.
Yes, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Science entirely online. AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our online forensic science degree program is designed to offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. In addition to the fully online option, AIU also offers this degree program on campus at its Houston and Atlanta locations.
To start on your path to pursuing a bachelor’s degree in forensic science at AIU, follow these steps:
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Forensic Science is structured as a 48-month program, but the time to completion can vary. Your actual timeline may be shorter or longer depending on factors such as accepted transfer credits, the number of courses you take each term, and any breaks you choose to schedule.
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My student advisor kept me going. AIU was so accommodating. They understood that people do have challenges in life.Paris S., Former Student 2024 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
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