Criminal Investigations ,Certificate
Biology, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensics, Public Safety, Social Impact, analysis, crime scene
Discover how investigators solve cases by analyzing evidence, applying proven investigative methods, and understanding the laws that shape criminal justice. You'll learn how professionals uncover the truth and contribute to a safer, more just society.
Students in the certificate program in criminal investigations learn about a variety of aspects of criminal investigations and criminalistics. The program is designed to provide students in the social sciences, natural sciences, humanities and public services with an understanding of the nature of criminal evidence; the language of forensic science; the scope, probative value and limitations of a variety of investigative specializations and their techniques; and an appreciation of how forensic investigative methods are used in the quest for justice.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, West Valley
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate requires 18 credits hours, of which 12 is upper division. At least 12 credit hours must be taken in residence at ASU. |
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CRJ 210 Introduction to Criminal Investigations
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 211 Documenting the Crime Scene
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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CRJ 410 Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Investigations
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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Special Topics courses (FOR 394 and CRJ 494) must be approved by a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice advisor in order to select appropriate special topics courses that are approved for credit in the criminal investigations certificate program.
9 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Upper-division coursework may not be used to satisfy the requirements of both a major and the certificate. Thus, if any elective courses in the certificate program are being used to satisfy the requirements of a major, different elective courses must be taken to satisfy the requirements of the certificate program. For example, students majoring in criminology and criminal justice may not use CRJ 321, CRJ 410, CRJ 433, CRJ 434, CRJ 435, CRJ 450, CRJ 484 or CRJ 494 to satisfy the requirements of the major and the certificate in criminal investigations. Similarly, students majoring in forensic science may not use FOR 350, FOR 410 or FOR 484 to satisfy the requirements of the major and the certificate in criminal investigations.
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| Prerequisite Information | ||
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CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice is a prerequisite requirement to enroll in CRJ 210, CRJ 211, CRJ 433, CRJ 434, CRJ 435, and CRJ 494.
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ACO 100 is a prerequisite requirement to enroll in FOR 350.
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FOR 370 is a prerequisite requirement to enroll in FOR 410. Completion of ENG 102 or 105 or 108 is also the prerequisite for FOR 410.
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The completion of at least 45 credit hours is a prerequisite requirement to enroll in FOR 484 Internship.
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Students must complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" of higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") to be admitted to the certificate program. These courses may be taken in residence at ASU or transferred from other institutions, including community colleges.
For students majoring in the social sciences, humanities or arts:
FOR 105 Physical Evidence and the Crime Scene, SCIT or SQ (4) and
FOR 106 Biology Behind the Crime Scene, SCIT or SQ (4)
For students majoring in the natural sciences:
FOR 286 Principles of Forensic Science (4)
The FOR 105, FOR 106 sequence does not have prerequisites. These courses are designed for students majoring in the social sciences, humanities or arts to meet the natural science (GS Maroon) or Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences (GS Gold) requirement of ASU's general studies program. Thus, students not majoring in the natural sciences who wish to declare the certificate program in criminal investigations must complete the FOR 105, FOR 106 two-course sequence.
In contrast, students majoring in the natural sciences, including forensic science, should not take FOR 105 and FOR 106; they need only complete FOR 286: Principles of Forensic Science, which has as prerequisites BIO 181, BIO 182, CHM 113 and CHM 116.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply investigative techniques to patterns of modus operandi, interviewing and interrogation strategies, and surveillance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the processes involved in collecting evidence from a crime scene as well as the steps involved to present it in court.
Graduates find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Examples of roles include combating bank fraud and domestic terrorism. Opportunities include positions in:
- courts
- federal agencies
- forensic agencies
- homeland security
- law enforcement
- legal offices
Graduates also may pursue advanced degrees in law, criminology and criminal justice, and other social science disciplines. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
This program is not designed to prepare students for work in a crime laboratory.
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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UCENT 600
SCCJAdvising@asu.edu
602-496-1658
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
