Crime Scene Investigation

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation is designed to develop knowledge and skills required to investigate and reconstruct crime scenes using scientific evidence and logical analysis. The program provides instruction in criminal investigation procedures, collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence, death investigation techniques, crime scene reconstruction methodology and presentation of testimony in court.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Academic Plan Code
5964
Total credits required
16 - 18
Catalog Year
2026 - 2027
What You'll Learn
  1. Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
  2. Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
  3. Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
  4. Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
  5. Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
  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.
  7. Utilize technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
  8. Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  9. Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
  10. Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.
Career Statistics

Successful completion of this certificate 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 certificate. 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
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
$88,140
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$98,610
Forensic Science Technicians
$64,780
Intelligence Analysts
$88,140
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$68,060
Police Identification and Records Officers
$88,140

* 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.

Full-time Sequence

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

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS213 or
AJS243		 Evidence Technology: Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction 3
AJS214 Evidence Technology/Photography 3
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence None or NSI, SQ 3–4
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or NSI, SQ 3–4
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I Critical course Gateway course 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1

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
AJS215 or
AJS219 or
FOR105		 Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence None or NSI, SQ 3–4
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I Critical course Gateway course 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS213 or
AJS243		 Evidence Technology: Fingerprints or Crime Scene Reconstruction 3
AJS216 or
FOR106		 Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence None or NSI, SQ 3–4

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AJS214 Evidence Technology/Photography 3
AJS290BN Courtroom Testimony Seminar 1

Courses Not Currently Offered

Chandler-Gilbert Community College does not currently offer these courses. These courses may be offered by other Maricopa Community Colleges as indicated below. Select the link to view current availability and whether courses are offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. Tuition rates are the same across Maricopa Community Colleges, but course fees may vary.

Courses listed in this pathway map that are not currently offered at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Course Number Course Name Offering Colleges
AJS219 Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence Glendale
AJS243 Crime Scene Reconstruction Phoenix
FOR105 Forensic Science: Physical Evidence Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, South Mountain
FOR106 Forensic Science: Biological Evidence Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale, South Mountain
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.

  • NSI = Natural Sciences
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Official Curriculum Documentation
View catalog page
Catalog page: https://cgc.catalog.maricopa.edu/programs/5964-CGC08
Disclaimer

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.

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 Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation