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Crime Scene Investigation
Course Outline

Program Overview

Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Crime Scene Investigation program is an incredibly unique educational experience. Our program is hands-on with technical courses comprising a majority of the coursework, which means you’ll learn by doing every day.

Utilizing modern methods used in the field and laboratory for forensic identification, Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Crime Scene Investigation program will prepare you with competencies focusing on the fundamentals of proper evidence handling, law enforcement techniques, and interrogation. The program will provide you with learning opportunities to develop academic, occupational and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition. Within your coursework, a combination of criminal investigation and forensic lab theories and practical applications will develop skills necessary for employment. 

As a graduate of the Crime Scene Investigation Tech program, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Degree and Certificate Options

Associate of Applied Science (or Technical Certificate)

Learning Outcomes

  • Display knowledge of the basic concepts of criminal and forensic investigation and the functions of a crime scene investigator.
  • Identify crime scene considerations and determine different crime scenes.
  • Properly collect, preserve, document and transport all evidence identified at the crime scene.
  • Conduct the proper method of crime scene investigation.
  • Develop a crime scene matrix.
  • Display use of a digital camera, flash and close up photography.
  • Identify drugs and their effects.
  • Exhibit the proper method of presentation of evidence, photographs and charts in the courtroom.

Career Outcomes in
Crime Scene Investigation

Projected Salary
$25,000– $35,000 per year

Job Placement

In 2020, Crime Scene Investigation placed 100% of its graduates.

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Estimated Costs

Download the Estimated Program Costs Worksheet

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Schedule Tour

Find out more information about touring Fort Hays Tech | Northwest

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Faculty

View the program faculty

Faculty & Advisors

Leah Innocci

Leah Innocci
Crime Scene Investigation Instructor

leah.innocci@fhnw.edu

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Admissions Checklist

Below is a list of items Fort Hays Tech | Northwest’s Admissions Team will need prior to your acceptance into the Crime Scene Investigation program.

  • A Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Application Completed and Submitted

  • High School or GED Transcript Submitted

  • (If Applicable) College Transcript Submitted

  • ACT or AccuPlacer Scores Submitted (AccuPlacer Testing can be scheduled on-site at the Northwest Tech campus)

  • Background Check Completed**

Required items can be submitted in person at the Fort Hays Tech | Northwest campus, via postal mail addressed to: Fort Hays Tech | Northwest Admissions, 1209 Harrison, Goodland, KS, or through email communications with admissions@fhnw.edu.

**Crime Scene Investigation students are required to complete a background check once on campus in the fall. The instructor will conduct the background check process during class time and the fee for the background check will be paid for through program lab fees included in your cost estimate for the program.

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Advisory Committee

Mike Hopper
Cody Beeson
Mark Kendrick
Jake Kling
Burton Pianalto
Crissy Livengood
Todd Hedglin
Misty Rice
Josh Smith