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Forensics

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Forensics

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
$0 Textbooks & eBooks
72%Have Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt1

About This Program

The forensics certificate for undergraduates at American Military University (AMU) teaches the art and science of managing and profiling crime scenes.

You will use actual case scenarios to learn about investigation techniques, managing and profiling crime scenes, and how to scientifically determine the cause of violent death. The program teaches you how to use physical and psychological evidence gathering and analysis to determine perpetrators of crime.

AMU’s online forensics certificate program helps build your knowledge of:

  • Criminal behavior
  • Profiling
  • Evidence collection and processing
  • Criminal liability
  • Criminal law

NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.

What You Will Do

  1. Study various types of physical evidence and relate the advantages of evidence collection from the forensic scientist's point of view
  2. Explain how the science and art of profiling crime scenes is key to the investigation of crimes for which there is no known perpetrator
  3. Analyze contemporary practices associated with investigating the manner and cause of sudden, unexpected, and violent death
  4. Assess environmental influences and motivating factors that result in criminal behavior

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
23
Cost Per Credit
$285 | $250*
Courses Start Monthly
Online

Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles associated with the structure and function of the human body. It is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences and healthcare systems (medical assisting, medical technology, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, health information management, medical coding, etc.). Lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization, microscopic and gross anatomy, and the functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems of the human body. The basics of chemistry and cell biology are introduced in order to provide the foundation for discussion of the individual organ systems. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. This is a time and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that this course meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology.

Course ID: 4803

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This course introduces students to the fundamental principles associated with the structure and function of the human body. It is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences and healthcare systems (medical assisting, medical technology, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, health information management, medical coding, etc.). Lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization, microscopic and gross anatomy, and the functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems of the human body. The basics of chemistry and cell biology are introduced in order to provide the foundation for discussion of the individual organ systems. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. This is a time and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that this course meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 06/26/22 Winter 2022 Session C 16 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 07/24/22 Spring 2022 Session A 16 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 08/21/22 Spring 2022 Session K 16 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 09/25/22 Spring 2022 Session C 16 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 10/23/22 Summer 2022 Session A 16 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 11/20/22 Summer 2022 Session K 16 Week session

Course ID: 2553

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This course explores criminal behavior, its motivation, and the environmental influences and patterns of offending. Other topics examined are the approaches to profiling and how these investigative techniques are applied to helping solve crimes. This course will address aspects of behavior, taking into consideration the definition of criminal profiling as the inference of offender traits from physical and/or behavioral evidence. Evaluations will be made of the history, theories, and investigative techniques regarding profiling crime offenders, using a unique blend of both social science, as well as psychological and legal research. It includes legal case excerpts to demonstrate the role of the profiler (investigator). This provides the student a solid knowledge foundation of the integral relationship between the profiling techniques and theories of criminal behavior and the court system. It is recommended students take either CMRJ101 or CMRJ306 prior to enrolling in this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 Summer 2022 Session B 8 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 Summer 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2556

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This course will examine contemporary practices for analysis and measurement of crime including the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to map various aspects of crime. Modern crime analysis focuses on reducing crime and improving police efficiency by illustrating the impact of crime on the community and community impact on crime through the use of the SARA (scanning, analysis, response, & assessment) problem-solving model. Crime analysis facilitates informed decision making on criminal activity and prevention, thereby being instrumental in helping society learn the linkages between crime and other factors such as poverty or drug abuse. Additionally, there is a review of the crime analysis function within the law enforcement organization and a demonstration of how to develop, implement, and operate a crime analysis unit.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 Summer 2022 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2557

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The purpose of this course is to educate students regarding the everyday operations of state and federal crime laboratories and the forensic services provided by these organizations. The course is scientifically oriented and will concentrate on the significance of forensic evidence and various testing procedures and instrumentation used to analyze biological, chemical, pattern, and trace items of evidence. Another focus will be the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence obtained from systematic searches of crime scenes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 Summer 2022 Session B 8 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 Summer 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2536

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This course will examine contemporary practices for investigating sudden, unexpected and violent death. Two major topics will be explored: the first focusing on the manner of death (the social circumstances under which the death occurs), the second focusing on the cause of death (the particular material actions which result in death).The following types of deaths will be considered: asphyxial, blunt and sharp force, firearms, natural causes, mass disaster, child abuse, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suicide. Estimating the postmortem interval and identification of human remains will also be considered. It is recommended that students take CMRJ306 before enrolling in this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 Summer 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2555

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This course familiarizes the student with the basic law, procedures and rules that govern the criminal justice system in America. It is designed to produce students who can understand, appreciate and discuss the benefits and problems with the criminal justice system in America today. The students will become conversant with the Bill of Rights, basic criminal law terminology and procedures. The course emphasizes the principles of criminal liability and the acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are necessary ingredients in crimes against persons or property or in offenses involving theft, fraud, drugs, morality and decency, public peace, or public justice.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 Summer 2022 Session B 8 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 Summer 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3818

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This course introduces students to the principles of basic chemistry, the terminology, methodology and worldview of chemistry, and the practical application to everyday living. Topics are both descriptive and mathematical and include acids and bases, atomic structure, chemical equations and reactions, chemical language and nomenclature, gases, molecular structure, solution chemistry, chemical mathematics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. The chemistry lab is designed for students to learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations about physical and chemical phenomena, to make calculations, and to test their own reasoning. Students will acquire skills in laboratory techniques and thought processes through interactive virtual laboratories designed to help reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in the lecture portion of the class.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/28/21 - 03/04/22 03/07/22 - 05/01/22 Winter 2022 Session D 8 Week session
10/26/21 - 04/01/22 04/04/22 - 05/29/22 Spring 2022 Session B 8 Week session
11/30/21 - 04/29/22 05/02/22 - 06/26/22 Spring 2022 Session I 8 Week session
12/28/21 - 06/03/22 06/06/22 - 07/31/22 Spring 2022 Session D 8 Week session
01/25/22 - 07/01/22 07/04/22 - 08/28/22 Summer 2022 Session B 8 Week session
02/22/22 - 07/29/22 08/01/22 - 09/25/22 Summer 2022 Session I 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Apr 4
Register by Apr 1

Admission Requirements

  • All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).
  • Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $65 per course | $0 for active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Department of Education and State Disclosures

For information on costs, median debt, state licensure requirements and more, view the gainful employment disclosures and the program disclosures for Maryland residents.

1Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2020

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

To minimize out-of-pocket costs, U.S. active-duty servicemembers, their spouse/dependents, National Guard members, and Reservists receive a tuition grant that caps undergraduate, master's degree, and graduate certificate tuition at $250/credit hour. In addition, a university book grant provides no-cost textbooks and ebooks for all undergraduates and military-tuition-grant-eligible master’s-level students.
See all military student benefits.