Forensic Science

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The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Forensic Science provides the student with a specialization in forensic investigation as it relates to crime. The curriculum presents a specialized scope of knowledge about photography, collection and preservation of evidence, and investigative strategies. The program provides students with an important knowledge base for investigative specialization in a wide range of disciplines and careers. This degree pathway also provides students with the opportunity to complete two Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation, and Fingerprint Identification and Photography.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Forensic Science (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3183
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
  2. Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
  3. Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
  4. Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
  5. Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
  6. Apply the principles and processes of criminal and constitutional law, criminology theory, knowledge of the functions and components of the criminal justice system, and current issues to criminal justice operations.
  7. Use technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
  8. Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  9. Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  10. Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Coroners

$67,680

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$88,140

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$98,610

Forensic Science Technicians

$64,780

Intelligence Analysts

$88,140

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$68,060

Police Identification and Records Officers

$88,140

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Pathway Map Option Details

No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway map options listed above.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Critical course Gateway course SB 3
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence Critical course None or SQ 3–4
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
Math Requirement Math Requirement 3–5
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice HU 3
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or SQ 3–4
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking L 0–3
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
COM225 Public Speaking L 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Elective Elective Course 0–3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice Critical course Gateway course SB 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence Critical course None or SQ 3–4
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking L 0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or SQ 3–4
Math Requirement Math Requirement 3–5

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice HU 3
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I 3
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
COM225 Public Speaking L 3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Specialization Coursework Specialization Coursework 3–4
Elective Elective 0–3
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=187230).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.