Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation and Analysis 

This workforce course of study is designed to provide the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate, document, and collect physical evidence at various types of crime scenes.  The student will study the science based disciplines found within the specialized Field of Forensic Science and Criminalistics and will prepare the student for employment as a Crime Scene Technician.  Course emphasis will include a combination of criminal justice, natural sciences, psychology, and mathematics, as well as specialized courses concerned with crime scene analysis, documentation, collection techniques and reconstruction. 

Criminalist careers are in high demand. Granted, the popularity of shows like CSI, Law & Order, and Bones brought forensic science into the mainstream. Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021) has also noted an uptick in demand. From 2019 to 2029, forensic science technicians, who share a similar occupational title to criminalists, are projected to grow by 14 percent, a rate that is faster than the average for all occupations at 4 percent. 

Law Enforcement 

The two-year curriculum prepares students for employment in public or private agencies charged with the responsibility of public safety, crime prevention, crime investigation, criminal apprehension, offender rehabilitation, and confinement.  Tech-Prep credit will be awarded using the CJLE or CJSA course prefix.  For a listing of advisory committee members and additional information on Level One High School Dual Credit Certificates, please go to the Additional Information section of the Coastal Bend Catalog.  Law Enforcement is an articulated high school credit program. Students who have successfully completed appropriate Law Enforcement courses in high school may be able to receive college credit for those courses.