Program details are provided lower on the page.
Classes start June 13, 2023 *
*Start dates may vary by program and location.
Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation at CTU Denver South
Forensic investigation is the collection and examination of all crime-related physical evidence in order to form a conclusion about a crime suspect. It involves analyzing blood, fluid, fingerprints, and more to determine how a crime took place. Forensic investigation professionals may choose to specialize in a specific discipline within the field of forensic science, such as firearms, fibers, tissue or body fluids, glass, hair, forensic engineering and crash reconstruction, blood and blood splatter and DNA.1 Overall, forensic investigation may be a field worthy pursuit for students who are scientifically inclined and enjoy working with technology.
At CTU Denver South, students who pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Investigation study both science as well as criminal justice. The program is designed to teach students how to reconstruct crime scenes and utilize evidence techniques for examining body tissue, DNA and fingerprints. In addition, students can explore how to use laboratory tools in our simulated Criminal Justice Lab, which includes mock crime scenes, interrogation rooms, and the latest in forensic technology, microscopes and equipment.
Our faculty is dedicated to providing students with the necessary knowledge and technical skills to help them prepare to pursue a potential career path in the field. CTU has developed an engaging curriculum designed to promote a stimulating academic environment as well as hands-on experiences, and our faculty is available to mentor and advise students along their educational journey.
Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation
CTU Denver South’s Criminal Justice - Forensic Investigation degree program combines a general criminal justice education with science-focused forensics, and students have the opportunity to learn how to apply scientific methods to properly collect, examine and report on the physical evidence in a crime scene.
Our program includes a variety of physical science and laboratory courses and explores topics such as photography and documentation, toxicology, fingerprint studies, etymology, environmental science and computer science to help students prepare to pursue a career in forensic science. For example, students can study how to examine a crime scene, and they can practice their written and verbal communication skills to help them prepare to write reports and interview witnesses. Examples of courses in our Criminal Justice – Forensic Investigation degree program include Advanced Crime Scene Forensics, Medico-Legal Death Investigations and Bones, Bugs & Teeth – The Recovery of Human Remains.
About Forensic Investigation
Forensic scientists or technicians can be found in a variety of organizations. Examples include law enforcement organizations, laboratories, medical examiners’ offices and hospitals.2 Forensic Investigation is expected to see much faster than average growth in the job market. Local and state governments are expected to hire forensic science professionals to process high caseloads. Also, the rate of technological advancements in the field is expected to increase the availability, reliability and usefulness of forensic information in trials. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow at a rate of 14% from 2018 to 2028.3
Your Degree, Your Way
While coursework in the Forensic Investigation concentration must be completed on campus, CTU Denver South students can still complete some of their Criminal Justice classes online. This option is designed to help our students to continue working in their full or part-time jobs and fulfill other daytime obligations while continuing to work toward a degree. By combining on campus and online learning, students can apply themselves to their education on a schedule that works for them.
CTU Fast Track™
Some students may already possess the knowledge needed towards a bachelor’s degree, and CTU makes it possible for these students to earn college credit for that knowledge. CTU Fast Track™ allows students to take a series of exams that test their prior knowledge of course objectives, and if a passing grade is earned, college credit is awarded. Fast Track exams are available at no extra cost to all CTU students, and with Fast Track, students can save up to 30% in time and money*.
If you are interested in CTU’s Criminal Justice - Forensic Science program offered at our Denver South campus, request more information today.
1 Roufa, Timothy. "Crime Scene Investigator Job Information." The Balance. Retrieved from: https://www.thebalance.com/crime-scene-investigator-job-information-974470 (Visited 10/12/22).
2 Career Opportunities" American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Retrieved from: https://www.aafs.org/careers-forensic-science/career-opportunities (Visited 10/12/22)
3 "Forensic Science Technicians." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm (Visited 10/12/22). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
*The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition towards the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of CTU Fast Track™ exams successfully passed. Fast Track program credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for possible 30% reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential Fast Track savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.