Online Crime Scene Technician Certificate
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Crime Scene Technician Certificate Overview
Employment of forensic science technicians is growing fast. It’s time — earn your certificate online and be ready to meet the demand.
- You can use the credits earned in this program toward a future Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
- Get the credit you deserve. Current certified law enforcement officers may be eligible for credit toward the certificate.
- Learn to:
- Apply ethical investigative methods used in forensic science and prepare written reports detailing the crime scene.
- 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.
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Purdue 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.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
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.
Sample Courses
- Criminal Investigation
- Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
- Homeland Security
- Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
Program Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
3-Week Trial
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.
Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
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.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
Prior Work Experience Reduction
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.
Grants and Loans
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Can you describe a time when you had to mediate a conflict between two individuals? What specific steps did you take to resolve the situation, and what was the outcome?
- Describe a time when your attention to detail helped prevent a major error, or when you caught a mistake in a report or investigation. How did you handle the situation, and what was the result?
- Tell me about a time you successfully collaborated with individuals from different agencies, departments, or even different levels of government on a security-related project or incident. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- Describe a time you had to analyze a large amount of complex or ambiguous information to identify a potential threat or security vulnerability. What was your process, and what did you conclude?
- Tell me about a time you took initiative to improve a process, system, or capability related to security or preparedness without being asked. What was the result?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Law Enforcement
- Auditing
- Chain of Custody
- Data Analysis
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Evidence Collection
- Communication
- Operations
- Investigation
- Research
- Problem Solving
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
- Microsoft Office
- Detail Oriented
- Time Management
Download the Program Brochure
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.
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.
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.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty members who have terminal degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.