This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Criminal Justice Degree — Crime Scene Technician Area of Concentration prepares students for entry or advancement in the field of crime scene investigation. The program was developed and is maintained in accordance with the Maryland State Police crime scene investigation standards and protocols. Qualified students may transfer to the University of Maryland University College Criminal Justice/Forensic Investigation bachelor’s degree program.
Program Description: The Crime Scene Technician program provides a broad foundation which will help prepare the student for entry-level employment or advancement in the field of crime scene investigation. The curriculum includes discussion of the criminal motives associated with particular crimes, courtroom presentation, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of the crime scene technician. In addition to criminal justice courses, students will also take courses in related areas and in general education. Note: Completion of this program is not a prerequisite for entry into a police academy nor does it provide complete entry level training for work as a county or state police officer. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program.
Program Goals: The Crime Scene Technician program will:
- Facilitate proficiency in content knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
- Prepare students for the detection, collection, preservation and transportation of evidence.
- Prepare students in areas such as law enforcement and criminal justice, law enforcement administration, police operations, criminology, criminal investigation, criminal evidence and procedures, and criminalistics.
- Prepare students for successful careers in crime scene investigation or for further study in the field.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand terminology used in the criminal justice system.
- Use an ethical framework and an understanding of legal constraints to make decisions as a criminal justice professional.
- Understand the role of a crime scene technician and the role of various individuals within the criminal justice system and how an individual moves through the criminal justice system.
- Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve a variety of complex problems in the criminal justice environment.
- Identify and apply legally accepted scientific and field based techniques for identifying, collecting and processing crime scene data and understand how it is presented in court.
Contact Person: Ms. Bridget Lowrie
For additional educational opportunities related to this field, see the Bachelor’s degree programs offered through the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center. For more information, contact the Executive Director for the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at: 410-827-5761.
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