Forensic Science

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.

What You'll Learn

Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
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.
Use technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
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 Show expanded career information for Coroners

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$98,610 Show expanded career information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Forensic Science Technicians

$64,780 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians

Intelligence Analysts

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$68,060 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Police Identification and Records Officers

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers

* 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.

Forensic Science
Specialization 1: Crime Scene
Specialization 2: Lab Science

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

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

Term 1Term 1Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 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	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	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
MAT140 or MAT41 or MAT42	College Mathematics or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: An appropriate District placement, or a grade of C or better in (MAT052, MAT053, and MAT055), or (MAT055, MAT056, and MAT057), or MAT085, or MAT09+, or MAT103 or MAT114 or MAT115. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5
MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152	College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5

Term 2Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	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	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).	L	0–3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS109	Substantive Criminal Law			3
BIO181	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	SQ	4

Term 3Term 3Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3Term 3Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	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	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.	L	3
AJS210	Constitutional Law			3
AJS213	Evidence Technology: Fingerprints			3
BIO182	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	SG	4
CHM151	General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL	3
CHM151LL	General Chemistry I Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151.	SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151	1

Term 4Term 4Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 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
AJS214	Evidence Technology/Photography				3
AJS260	Procedural Criminal Law				3
CIS105 or BPC110 or AJS+++++	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications or AJS Administration of Justice Studies		Any AJS Administration of Justice Studies course not listed in the required courses area	CS or CS or None	3
NS or Elective	Natural Sciences area or Elective		An Elective may be selected if FOR105 or FOR106 was selected. Recommend CHM130/LL, CHM151/LL, FOR105 or FOR106		4
CHM152	General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL	3
CHM152LL	General Chemistry II Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152	1
FOR286	Principles of Forensic Science	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO181 or BIO181XT) and [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		Any course or combination of courses that include HU, C, and either G or H General Education designations	HU	3
CIS105 or BPC110	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications			CS or CS	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	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	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	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).		L	0–3

Term 3Term 3Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3Term 3Term 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
MAT140 or MAT41 or MAT42	College Mathematics or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: An appropriate District placement, or a grade of C or better in (MAT052, MAT053, and MAT055), or (MAT055, MAT056, and MAT057), or MAT085, or MAT09+, or MAT103 or MAT114 or MAT115. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5
MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152	College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5

Term 4Term 4Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4Term 4Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS123	Ethics and the Administration of Justice		HU	3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS109	Substantive Criminal Law			3
BIO181	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	SQ	4

Term 5Term 5Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5Term 5Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS275	Criminal Investigation I			3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS210	Constitutional Law			3
CHM151	General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL	3
CHM151LL	General Chemistry I Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151.	SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151	1

Term 6Term 6Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6Term 6Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
COM225	Public Speaking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.	L	3
AJS213	Evidence Technology: Fingerprints			3
BIO182	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	SG	4

Term 7Term 7Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7Term 7Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS290BN	Courtroom Testimony Seminar			1
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS214	Evidence Technology/Photography			3
CHM152	General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL	3
CHM152LL	General Chemistry II Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.	SQ in combo w/ CHM152	1

Term 8Term 8Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8Term 8Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
AJS260	Procedural Criminal Law				3
CIS105 or BPC110 or AJS+++++	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications or AJS Administration of Justice Studies		Any AJS Administration of Justice Studies course not listed in the required courses area	CS or CS or None	3
FOR286	Principles of Forensic Science	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO181 or BIO181XT) and [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		Any course or combination of courses that include HU, C, and either G or H General Education designations	HU	3

Term 9Term 9Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9Term 9Term 9
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
Elective	Elective			0–3
NS or Elective	Natural Sciences area or Elective	An Elective may be selected if FOR105 or FOR106 was selected. Recommend CHM130/LL, CHM151/LL, FOR105 or FOR106		4
CIS105 or BPC110	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications		CS or CS	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).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Forensic Science

Details

Coroners

$67,680 Show expanded career information for Coroners

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$98,610 Show expanded career information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Forensic Science Technicians

$64,780 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians

Intelligence Analysts

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$68,060 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Police Identification and Records Officers

$88,140 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers

Pathway Map Options

Full-time Sequence

Term 1Term 1Term 1

Term 2Term 2Term 2

Term 3Term 3Term 3

Term 4Term 4Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3Term 3Term 3

Term 4Term 4Term 4

Term 5Term 5Term 5

Term 6Term 6Term 6

Term 7Term 7Term 7

Term 8Term 8Term 8

Term 9Term 9Term 9