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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Major: 3183
Effective Term: 2024 Fall   

Award: AAS
Total Credits: 60-64
CIP Code: 43.0406

Instructional Council: Administration of Justice Studies
GPA: 2.0
SOC Code: Upon completion of this degree, students may pursue a career as:
19-4092.00 Forensic Science Technicians
13-1041.06 Coroners
33-1012.00 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
33-3021.01 Police Detectives
33-3021.02 Police Identification and Records Officers
33-3051.00 Police and Sheriff`s Patrol Officers
33-3051.01 Police Patrol Officers
33-3021.00 Detectives and Criminal Investigators
33-3021.06 Intelligence Analysts
33-3021.03 Criminal Investigators and Special Agents


Description: 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.

Learning Outcomes
1. Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments. (AJS101, AJS123, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, BPC110, FOR286, [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
2. Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS123, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, BPC110, CIS105, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
3. Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences. (AJS101, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, BPC110, CIS105, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
4. Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS210, AJS215, AJS219, AJS213, AJS214, AJS216, AJS260, AJS290BN, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
5. Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals. (AJS101, AJS123, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [SQ])
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. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS123, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, FOR286, [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
7. Use technology to collect, analyze and communicate data. (AJS101, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, BPC110, CIS105, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
8. Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS123, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, FOR286, [COM], [FYC], [SQ])
9. Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS210, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS260, AJS290BN, FOR286, [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
10. Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. (AJS101, AJS213, AJS214, AJS215, AJS216, AJS219, AJS290BN, FOR286, [FYC], [MA], [SQ])
Program Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.




Required Courses
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice 3
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1

AJS215 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence (3) OR
AJS219 Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence (3) OR
FOR105 Forensic Science: Physical Evidence (4) 3-4

AJS216 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence (3) OR
FOR106 Forensic Science: Biological Evidence (4) 3-4

FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3

Students should select courses from one of the following specializations based on career goals.

Specialization 1: Crime Scene (15 credits)
AJS109 Substantive Criminal Law 3
AJS210 Constitutional Law 3
AJS213 Evidence Technology: Fingerprints 3
AJS214 Evidence Technology/Photography 3
AJS260 Procedural Criminal Law 3

Specialization 2: Lab Science (23 credits)
+ BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I 4
+ BIO182 General Biology (Majors) II 4
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I 3
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory 1
+ CHM152 General Chemistry II 3
+ CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory 1
+ FOR286 Principles of Forensic Science 4

Any course or combination of courses that include HU, C, and either G or H General Education designations. 3
Credits: 32-44

+ indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 12, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.