Online Crime Scene Technician Certificate
Additional academy training and education not provided by Purdue Global may be required for law enforcement positions.
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Program at a Glance
- Explore the analytical procedures used by crime scene technicians, as well as the documentation, collection, and preservation processes employed to handle evidence.
- Credits earned in this certificate program can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
- Current certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for credit toward the certificate.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
11 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
41
(27 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Crime Scene Technician Certificate Overview
Police and law enforcement agencies depend on crime scene investigators to uncover evidence that will stand up in a court of law. Purdue Global’s online Crime Scene Technician Certificate is designed to prepare you for this fascinating and challenging field. Throughout your course of study in the online Crime Scene Technician Certificate program, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how to:
- Apply ethical investigative methods used in forensic science.
- Observe minute details at the scene and relate them to the crime; identify and describe persons, vehicles, and locations; and give expert testimony about evidence in criminal court cases.
- Oversee investigations of homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, home invasions, and burglaries.
- Secure crime scenes through gathering, processing, photographing, and preserving evidence in support of law enforcement.
- Prepare written reports detailing the crime scene.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Take a Career Assessment
Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.
Purdue University Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Your Prior Knowledge and Experience Can Help You Save Time and Money on Your Degree
Use Your Law Enforcement Certification to Earn Credit
If you are a certified sworn law enforcement officer who has completed National Peace Officer Standard Training, your accomplishments may qualify you to receive credit toward your certificate.*
Get a Head Start on Your Next Degree
By completing the online certificate program, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree.†
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
Purdue Global’s Crime Scene Technician Certificate is designed to offer a strong foundation in criminal investigation and the analytical procedures used in this dynamic field.
See All Crime Scene Technician CoursesSample Courses
- Criminal Investigation
- Forensic Fingerprint Analysis
- Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
- Managing Criminal Justice Organizations
Program Requirements
- Major Credits41
- Total Credits41
Choosing a Crime Scene Technician Certificate
Discover tools and additional resources on the value of a crime scene technician certificate and potential career pathways to pursue.
Propel your career in a growing, in-demand field. Learn the skills and education you need to collect and analyze evidence at crime scenes.
Expand your career opportunities in the criminal justice field. Learn how continued education could set you up for success down the line.
Career Opportunities
Qualified crime scene technicians can seek employment opportunities in a variety of work environments including insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, laboratories, large law firms, and medical examiners' offices.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
50%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
237
Faculty publications in 2020–2021
More Than 36,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Download the School Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our criminal justice programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Prepare yourself for success in the criminal justice field.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.
†Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.