Crime Scene Technician - Certificate Program
If you're interested in the exciting field of crime scene technology, Eastern Florida offers a 28-credit-hour Crime Scene Technician College Credit Certificate (CCC) program that could be the perfect fit for you.
This program prepares you for entry-level positions as a forensic science technician, crime scene investigator, or laboratory technician. You'll learn essential skills, such as collecting, identifying, and preserving physical evidence, as well as performing tests on various materials.
The credits earned in this certificate program can also be applied toward EFSC's Crime Scene Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, opening up further career opportunities.
Whether you aspire to work in a law enforcement agency, medical examiner's office, or law firm, this in-demand program can fast-track your employment and help you achieve your career goals.
Crime Scene Technician - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Location
- Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 28
- Academic Community
- Public Safety
- Contact Information
- Melissa Walker, Advisor
Melbourne Campus
Building 8, Room 201-B
walkerme@easternflorida.edu
321-433-5637
Crime Scene Technician Certificate - Course Curriculum
If you're interested in pursuing this certificate, it's important for you to have strong written and oral communication skills, along with effective reading comprehension and critical thinking abilities. These skills will help you excel in the program and in your future career.
Additionally, having basic computer keyboarding skills will be advantageous as you navigate through digital tools and technologies. So, make sure to sharpen these skills to enhance your success in the program.
Crime Scene Technician Certificate - Admissions Information
The Crime Scene Technician CCC program at EFSC has an open admission policy. This means you can apply and start the program during any term using the college's general admissions process. The program is designed to be accessible and efficient, as it doesn't have any general education or placement test requirements. This streamlined enrollment process allows you to focus on pursuing your passion for crime scene technology without unnecessary barriers.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
At EFSC, you'll find that tuition is very affordable, with some of the lowest rates in Florida. As a Florida resident, you can expect to pay approximately $2,900 in tuition for the 28-credit-hour Crime Scene Technician Certificate. The program is eligible for Federal financial aid. We highly recommended that you apply for financial aid and scholarships, as they can significantly reduce your overall costs and make your educational journey more accessible.
College Courses You Would Take
During the Crime Scene Technician Certificate program, you'll take a series of nine courses that cover topics like crime scene documentation, forensic science principles, evidence collection and preservation techniques, and crime scene investigation methodologies.
If you've recently completed Criminal Justice Operations courses through Brevard Public Schools, you may be eligible to receive free college credit for these classes through advanced standing credit. If this applies to you, reach out to the program advisor.
Here are some of the courses required for the certificate:
Covers investigation techniques, with an emphasis on recording crime scenes, collecting, preserving, and examining evidence.
Explores the capabilities and functions of a full-service crime laboratory, also covering evidence selection, crime lab submission, and standards and legal requirements.
Emphasizes techniques involved in the detection, enhancement, and recovery of latent fingerprints, including both chemical and mechanical methods.
Covers basic crime scene documentation skills including camera operation, exposure control, relational photos, flash control, and videography.
Why Train at EFSC to Become a Crime Scene Technician?
Top-Notch Facilities and Instructors
EFSC's Public Safety Institute's crime scene lab provides a realistic learning environment where you can practice testing, collecting, and processing evidence just as it's done in the field.
Additionally, the program is equipped with up-to-date technology, including a Live Scan fingerprint capturing system, UV lights for enhanced fingerprint visualization, microscopes, drying chambers for evidence treatment, and access to chemicals used in real crime scene labs.
Faculty members have hands-on experience working at crime scenes for local police agencies. Their firsthand knowledge and insights will greatly enhance your understanding of the field and provide valuable guidance throughout your studies.
Prepare for a Career or Additional Education Goals
As a crime scene technician, you'll have various entry-level job opportunities in different branches of the criminal justice field, such as forensic science, medical examiner investigation, working for an insurance company, and working as a lab technician, among others. If you decide to move on from the certificate to EFSC's Crime Scene Technology A.S. program, you can further expand your career prospects and pursue a role as an airport security officer or evidence room inventory clerk.
If you aim to advance to a supervisory position, we offer a Public Safety Management specialization in our Organizational Management Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, which can be completed entirely online, making it a convenient choice for those already working in the field.
Related Public Safety Programs
As you explore the Crime Scene Technician Certificate program, it's worth considering other options that may also capture your interest. To learn more about these alternatives, we recommend speaking with the program advisor who has extensive knowledge of all EFSC's Public Safety programs and can provide valuable guidance.