Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigations, A.A.S.

Location(s): Main Campus

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HEGIS: 5505

SUNY CODE: 1329

Forensic Investigations is designed to develop occupational competence for entry into public law enforcement and/or private investigative fields.

The goals of this program are to:

introduce students to the skills and knowledge needed to work within the CJ field and /or forensic investigations;
prepare students to understand the fundamentals of processing a crime scene; and
introduce students to the complex skills required of a crime scene investigator/photographer.

Successful graduates from this program will be able to:

express knowledge of fundamental concepts of criminal justice and forensic investigations;
express knowledge of a fundamental understanding of processing a crime scene; and
express knowledge of the complex skills required of a crime scene investigator/photographer.

Career Opportunities/Transfer Information

Graduates find employment in entry level positions in public and private investigative agencies and companies. While not designed as a transfer program, graduates may go on to colleges and universities such as SUNY College of Technology at Canton College, John Jay College, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Albany, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Brockport and Utica College.

Program of Study

1st Year

1st Semester

CJ 120 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credit Hour(s): 3
CJ 123 - Criminal Substantive Law Credit Hour(s): 3
EN 111 - College Writing Credit Hour(s): 3
FS 100 - First Year Student Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1
SS 151 - Introductory Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 161 - Introductory Sociology Credit Hour(s): 3

Subtotal: 16

2nd Semester

CJ 124 - Criminal Procedure Law Credit Hour(s): 3
EN 112 - College Literature Credit Hour(s): 3
EN 171 - Introduction to Technical Writing Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 136 - Criminology Credit Hour(s): 3
Mathematics Elective Credit Hour(s): 3
Physical Education Activity Credit Hour(s): 1

Subtotal: 16

Mathematics Elective: Must be MA 124 or MA 127 .

2nd Year

3rd Semester

CJ 125 - Introduction to Law Enforcement Credit Hour(s): 3
CJ 141 - Police Organization & Management Credit Hour(s): 3
CJ 242 - Criminal Investigation Credit Hour(s): 3
SC 150 - Forensic Science I Credit Hour(s): 4
US History and Civic Engagement Selective Credit Hour(s): 3
Physical Education Activity Credit Hour(s): 1

Subtotal: 17

4th Semester

CJ 126 - Issues in Law Enforcement Credit Hour(s): 3
CJ 271 - Criminal Justice Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
OR
Criminal Justice Elective Credit Hour(s): 3
OR
Social Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 3
EN 228 - Interpersonal Communication Credit Hour(s): 3
HU 242 - Forensic Photography Credit Hour(s): 3
Social Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 3

Subtotal: 15

Prerequisites for CJ 271 - Criminal Justice Internship :

Student must have completed basic core CJ courses: CJ 120 , CJ 123 , CJ 124
Student’s CJ GPA in above courses must be 2.3 or above.
Student’s overall GPA must be 2.0 or above.
Student must obtain permission of instructor.

Students should consult with their academic advisor for appropriate course selections.

Recommended SS Electives include

SS 141 - American Government Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 151 - Introductory Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 152 - Developmental Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 162 - Social Problems Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 164 - Understanding Addictions Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 167 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 225 - Terrorism and Homeland Security Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 227 - Gangs: Theory, Pract and Suppresion Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 241 - American Minorities Credit Hour(s): 3
SS 255 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 64-65

Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of this program. For more information, visit www.herkimer.edu/felony.

For more information, contact the Academic Division at (315) 866-0300, ext. 8240 or toll free 1-844-GO-4-HERK, ext. 8240.