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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.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 41
COST PER CREDIT $371
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

July 29
August 26
September 16
October 14

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.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the Crime Scene Technician Certificate, you must possess an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within the criminal justice field from an accredited institution OR provide proof of work experience in law enforcement, the military, or an associated area of criminal justice within the last 18 months and meet additional criteria determined by the Dean.


Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

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:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Reading Comprehension
  4. Speaking
  5. 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.

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.†

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Learn More

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 Fingerprint Analysis
  • Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
  • Managing Criminal Justice Organizations
See All Crime Scene Technician Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Major Credits41
  • Total Credits41

Ways to Save

Program Cost Estimator

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

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
grad hat icon 97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 231 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
student at desk icon More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

School Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our criminal justice programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Students must currently be a certified law enforcement officer or a federal agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.), or must have been certified in either of these roles within 24 months of their enrollment date. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.

†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.

‡Purdue University acquired Kaplan University in March 2018 and created Purdue University Global, which is following the same curriculum format and instructional delivery methods as developed and used by Kaplan University. These disclosures are based on Kaplan University data reported prior to the acquisition.