Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
Program facts 
Get specialized training in forensic science with this 17-credit-hour certificate program, which is designed specifically for individuals in the public safety field interested in advanced forensic science instruction. Forensic science technicians are responsible for processing evidence at crime scenes, along with identifying, collecting and preserving physical evidence to support law enforcement activities.
In this program, you’ll learn the proper techniques of identifying, collecting and packaging physical evidence associated with crime scenes and come to understand the importance of proper evidence handling.
Credit earned through this program can be applied to the Forensic Science AAS Degree.
This 17 credit-hour certificate program will provide advanced instruction to the person with select degrees or experience in public safety who wants specialized training. The program focuses on the proper techniques of identifying, collecting, and packaging physical evidence associated with crime scenes and understanding the importance of proper evidence handling. A forensic science technician is responsible for processing evidence at crime scenes, and identifying, collecting, and preserving physical evidence to support law enforcement activities.
A grade of C or better in all LEJ courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LEJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
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Description: Studies the history, role, development, and constitutional aspects of law enforcement and public safety. Review of agencies and functions involved in processes of administration of criminal justice. IAI CRJ 901 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 116 | Forensics I | 3 |
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Description: Introduces student to the use of scientific disciplines in crime investigation. Identifies the variety of sources of evidence and the means by which comparative analysis can be made. Introduces student to probability theory. Develops skills in crime scene technology, fingerprinting, photography and recording. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 217 | Forensics II | 4 |
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Description: Provides an expanded understanding of the procedures for collection and analysis of physical evidence, concentrating on the evidentiary significance of items commonly found at crime scenes. Includes detailed methods of processing a crime scene; documentation, location and proper collection of evidence; proper handling of evidence; and analytical techniques of interpreting evidence. Prerequisite: LEJ 116 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 218 | Forensics III | 4 |
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Description: Focuses on specialized evidence and reconstruction of crime scenes with the use of hands-on training in advanced techniques of identifying, collecting and preserving physical evidence with the use of luminal, biological presumptive tests, trace evidence, arson and explosive evidence. Prerequisite: LEJ 217 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 295 | Forensics IV | 3 |
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Description: Provides a unique course in crime scene investigation incorporating a combination of lecture and hands-on training utilizing advanced techniques of crime scene analysis and reconstruction. Students will process a crime scene from its initial discovery to the testimony in court. Prerequisite: LEJ 218 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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For more information about forensic science training at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.