Undergraduate Certificate in Forensics

Overview

The Forensics Certificate program enables students to gain a foundation in the principles of criminal liability and the attendant circumstances. The Undergraduate Certificate in Forensics is offered by the American Public University.

Students will analyze the science and art of profiling crime scenes, and subsequently offenders, using both physical and psychological evidence.

• Determine the usefulness of trace elements for the forensic comparison of various types of physical evidence and relate the advantages of evidence collection from the forensic scientist's point of view.
• Explain how the science and art of profiling crime scenes, and subsequently offenders, from physical and psychological evidence is key to the investigation of crimes for which there is no known perpetrator.
• Analyze contemporary practices associated with investigating the manner and cause of sudden, unexpected, and violent death.
• Assess environmental influences and motivating factors that result in criminal behavior.
• Describe how approaches to profiling can be applied to assist in solving crimes.
• Discuss principles of criminal liability and the acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are central ingredients in crimes against society, persons, or property.
• Describe why a basic knowledge of chemistry and human anatomy is critical in the world of forensics.

Accreditation

American Public University is part of the American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC accredits degree-granting institutions located in a 19-state region, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).