Forensic Studies Minor
The Forensic Studies minor brings the insights of several disciplines to bear on the criminal investigation process. This minor provides a multi-disciplinary course of study (criminal justice, psychology, and chemistry) and is an appropriate minor for students seeking a basic foundation in the essentials of crime scene investigation and analysis. It is a complimentary minor for students majoring in criminal justice, psychology, chemistry, or legal studies, and provides a foundation for criminal justice practitioners seeking a basic understanding of forensic techniques. This minor is also an appropriate course of study for students majoring in other disciplines who have an interest in law enforcement and continued study in forensic science. This minor may be combined with any other major or minor. A minimum of 9 credits must be exclusive to the minor and cannot be counted toward any other majors/minors/certificate programs.
Forensic Studies Minor Requirements
(19 credits)
CHEM 1200 - Survey of Forensic Science/Lab (4 credits)
This course is structured to introduce the basic disciplines of forensic science such as fingerprints, drug analysis, arson investigations and DNA analysis. This course is appropriate for non-science major students and students who are looking to pursue the field of forensic science.
CRJU 3220 - Policing (3 credits)
This course covers the historical development of policing, current trends, education, training, models of policing and ethical implications. Students will explore the role that police play in society as well as their relationship with the communities that they serve. Additionally, state and federal levels of law enforcement will be reviewed. Prerequisite: CRJU 1100.
CRJU 3400 - Criminal Investigation (3 credits)
This course will cover the fundamentals of investigation, crime scene search and recording, the collection, documenting and submission of evidence, scientific aids to criminal investigation, interviews and interrogation, follow-up investigation and case preparation. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of specific crimes, identification of information sources and procedures required for the handling of evidence. Also discussed are the legal elements of the crimes and field techniques for the gathering of data and presentation of cases to the courts. Prerequisite: CRJU 1100.
CRJU 3700 - The CSI Effect: Media and Criminal Justice (3 credits)
This course illustrates how media coverage and television programs influence the public's perception of criminal justice. Fiction is often mistaken for reality, and this phenomenon, known as the "CSI Effect," adds to the assumption that all criminal cases can be easily solved by the employment of high-tech forensic science, as depicted on television crime shows. This course explores the common misperceptions and their consequences, through real-world examples, providing students with the ability to critically analyze and assess information promoted by the media and entertainment television. Prerequisite: CRJU 1100.
PSYC 2450 - Forensic Psychology (3 credits)
This course describes various interactions between psychology and the legal system. It discusses how psychologists assist law enforcement agencies in the selection, training, and evaluation of law enforcement officers and in conducting criminal investigations. It also describes the various forensic psychology roles in civil and criminal proceedings. Lastly, this course will highlight ways in which forensic psychologists can work to influence public policy. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or PSYC 1020H.
PSYC 3270 - The Psychology of Criminal Behavior (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of the psychology related to criminal actions. The course will focus on some of the developmental, biological, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and social forces shown to influence criminal thinking and behavior. The class will also cover characteristics of several specific criminal subpopulations including psychopaths, sexual predators, female offenders, substance abusers, serial killers, and mentally disordered criminal offenders. Prerequisite: PSYC 1020 or PSYC 1020H.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the the NSU Undergraduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university, unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.