
California is home to a multitude of universities offering degrees in forensic science, criminal justice, and CSI. Many of these programs offer hands-on learning approaches to topics such as crime scene diagramming, evidence collection, and blood spatter analysis. Some universities in California that offer degrees for CSI students include California State University, Fresno, San Diego State University, University of California, Irvine, California State University, Long Beach, and Fullerton College.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Universities offering degrees for CSI students in California | California State University, Fresno (Fresno State); San Diego State University (SDSU); University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine); California State University, Long Beach (CSULB); Fullerton College; University of California at Riverside (UCR); National University; East Los Angeles College; California State University in Los Angeles; University of California at Davis; San Jose State University; California State University at Stanislaus; Columbia College in Missouri |
| Degree type | Bachelor's, Master's, Associate, Certificate |
| Coursework | Crime scene investigation, forensic psychology, forensic anthropology, forensic chemistry, criminalistics, criminal justice, crime scene photography, fingerprint analysis, digital evidence, forensic pathology, advanced criminalistics, forensic entomology, etc. |
| Course duration | 8-12 months, 60 credits, 52 credits, 54 credits, 120 credits, 80 hours |
| Other details | Some courses are online, some are campus-based, some offer internships, some offer electives, some require prior qualifications |
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What You'll Learn
- California State University, Fresno offers a degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioural Sciences
- San Diego State University offers a major in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Crime Analysis
- University of California, Irvine offers a Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation
- California State University, Long Beach offers several tracks in Forensics
- Fullerton College offers an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice

California State University, Fresno offers a degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioural Sciences
California State University, Fresno offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioural Sciences. This program is designed for students interested in applying behavioural sciences such as psychology, anthropology, and linguistics to the criminal justice system. It also prepares students for traditional criminal justice careers.
The degree integrates aspects of crime scene investigation with psychology and behavioural sciences, providing a broad understanding of criminal patterns. The dynamic and informative courses offered by the university aim to provide a hands-on learning experience for students to utilise and transition into their prospective career fields.
The Department of Criminology at Fresno State offers several programs and opportunities for students. These include internships, a mock trial, and a service-learning program that allows students to mentor at-risk youth in the Fresno Unified School District. The department also offers a Criminology Honours Program, which is a two-year program for select students who meet certain requirements.
The Forensic Behavioral Sciences option within the Criminology degree has specific course requirements. These include lower-division CRIM requirements (CRIM 2 and 20) and upper-division FBS requirements (FBS 153). Additionally, students must complete 12 units of upper-division FBS courses, choosing from FBS 114, 154, 155, 156, 157, and/or 159T.
While the Forensic Behavioral Sciences degree does not specifically prepare students for work in a crime lab or as a crime scene investigator, it provides a strong foundation in the behavioural sciences and their application to criminal justice. Students interested in crime scene investigation may consider additional programs and certificates offered by other California universities, such as San Diego State University, the University of California at Riverside, and California State University, Long Beach.
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San Diego State University offers a major in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Crime Analysis
San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a major in Criminal Justice, as well as a Certificate in Crime Analysis. The Criminal Justice program is designed to encourage students to explore the ways in which criminal justice systems provide justice, or fail to do so. It takes a social justice policy perspective, examining the impact of the criminal justice system on individuals, groups, and organisations in society. The course covers a range of topics, including the exploration of policy issues such as genocide, institutionalised racism, organised crime, and environmental destruction.
SDSU's Criminal Justice major also includes the study of traditional criminal justice issues and prepares students for careers in law, law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, or other social service agencies. The degree is a good foundation for further study in law school or graduate school in criminal justice or related fields.
The Crime Analysis Certificate is a great complement to the Criminal Justice major, providing students with specific skills and knowledge in crime scene investigation. SDSU also regularly hosts workshops on relevant topics, allowing students to further develop their skills and network with professionals in the field.
The university also offers an online degree completion program for students who want more flexibility in earning their degree. This option allows students to complete their studies remotely and on their own schedule, while still benefiting from the same high-quality curriculum and instruction as the on-campus program.
In addition to San Diego State University, there are several other institutions in California that offer programs relevant to Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). These include California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), which offers a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioral Sciences. This program integrates crime scene investigation with psychology and behavioural sciences, providing a comprehensive understanding of criminal patterns.
Other notable programs include the University of California, Irvine's (UC Irvine) Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation, and California State University, Long Beach's (CSULB) Forensics tracks under their Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Each of these programs offers unique strengths and specialisations, providing students with a range of options to pursue their educational and career goals in the field of CSI.
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University of California, Irvine offers a Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation
The University of California, Irvine (UCI or UC Irvine) offers a Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation. This is a professional programme, providing specialised knowledge and skills in crime scene investigation. The course is designed for those seeking a career as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) and is offered through the Division of Continuing Education.
The UCI programme is ideal for students seeking a more applied and specialised course, as opposed to a traditional degree. The curriculum covers a range of topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of crime scene investigation. While the specific modules are not outlined, the programme is designed to prepare students for the responsibilities of a CSI.
The University of California, Irvine, also offers an online master's programme in criminology, law and society. This 52-credit course provides an alternative pathway for students interested in crime scene investigation, with a focus on the broader legal and societal context.
Other universities in California also offer CSI-related programmes. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) provides an 80-hour CSI certificate programme. This course includes modules on fingerprints, impression evidence, chemical processing of evidence, and death investigations. CSULB also offers several tracks in forensics under its Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, which could provide a useful foundation for a CSI career.
Additionally, California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) offers a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioral Sciences. This programme integrates crime scene investigation with psychology and behavioural sciences, providing a unique perspective on criminal patterns. San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a major in Criminal Justice, along with a Certificate in Crime Analysis. SDSU also hosts workshops on topics like crime mapping and forensic psychology.
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California State University, Long Beach offers several tracks in Forensics
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers several tracks in Forensics under its Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. While the program is not specifically in CSI, the skills acquired can be useful in a CSI career. CSULB also offers an 80-hour certificate in CSI, ideal for those looking to become crime scene investigators. This ten-module model includes units on fingerprints at the crime scene, impression evidence, chemical processing of evidence, and death investigations. Students are prepared to take on entry-level CSI responsibilities through hands-on, mock crime scenes and rigorous didactic instruction.
CSULB is not the only university in California offering programs relevant to Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) offers a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioral Sciences. This program integrates crime scene investigation with psychology and behavioral sciences, providing a broad understanding of criminal patterns. San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a major in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Crime Analysis. The University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers a Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation, which is a professional program that could be suitable for those looking for a specialized course. Fullerton College offers an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice, which prepares students to work in several fields of law enforcement, including CSI.
The University of California at Davis offers a renowned master of science (MS) program in forensic science. This 54-credit program includes courses such as forensic science fundamentals, homicide crime scene investigation, and forensic case reports. The program offers two academic emphasis areas: forensic criminalistics and forensic DNA. The DNA track focuses on DNA and molecular biology courses, while the criminalistics track emphasizes instrumental analysis and chemistry. California State University at Stanislaus offers a bachelor of arts (BA) program in criminal justice with a multidisciplinary approach. The program includes a concentration in forensic science and core courses such as causes of crime, criminal procedures, juvenile justice, hate crimes, and sex crimes.
Online programs in CSI are also available. Purdue Global offers a crime scene technician (CST) certificate, as well as an associate of applied science (AAS), a bachelor of science (BS), and a master of science (MS) in criminal justice. The BS program includes a CSI track with classes such as forensic fingerprint analysis, forensic chemistry, and trace evidence analysis. The University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers a 52-credit online master’s program (MA) in criminology, law, and society. National University offers an online and on-campus graduate certificate in crime scene investigation with courses such as forensic pathology, advanced criminalistics, and digital evidence.
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Fullerton College offers an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice
The program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels. It covers a range of topics, including criminal law, the judicial process, and forensics, to meet the requirements for entry-level positions in the criminal justice system.
Fullerton College's Criminal Justice program has several unique strengths. Firstly, the college has modern facilities, and students benefit from the guidance of seasoned instructors. The college also offers a robust selection of programs, with over 140 Career and Technical Education options. This includes the Cybersecurity program, designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency.
Additionally, Fullerton College provides students with support in finding employment. For example, the college's machine technology student, Richard Tallase, was able to secure a job with the support of Network Kinection, one of the college's extra support services. Fullerton College also has partnerships with local industries, such as the Orange County Farm Bureau, which provides scholarships and internships for Horticulture students, helping them transition from the classroom to the workforce.
Overall, Fullerton College's Associate in Science in Criminal Justice degree is a great choice for students seeking a well-rounded education and preparation for a career in CSI or other law enforcement fields.
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Frequently asked questions
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Certificate program. This consists of 80 hours of crime scene investigation training modules, including mock crime scenes, and prepares students for entry-level CSI roles.
California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) offers a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with an option in Forensic Behavioral Sciences. San Diego State University (SDSU) offers a major in Criminal Justice, and a Certificate in Crime Analysis. The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) offers a Certificate Program in Crime Scene Investigation.
National University offers an online graduate certificate in crime scene investigation. The University of California at Riverside (UCR) Extension offers an online CSI certificate.
Yes, there are several similar degree programs that could be useful for a career in CSI, including Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. Some universities that offer these degrees include San Jose State University, the University of California at Davis, and Grossmont College.
































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