Forensic Science Degrees in Arizona



arizona schools forensic science

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law and it requires very intense training and formal education.If you made it this far, though, congratulations! You’re taking the first steps in joining a very rewarding profession and itsGOV is here to guide you through what you need to know and what you need to do to join a forensic science program in Arizona.

Depending on the type of forensic science practiced, different degrees and educational backgrounds may help a candidate get a job and excel in this field. Regarding formal education, requirements vary across jobs, but you should definitely have a solid background in mathematics, biology and chemistry.



The National Institute of Justice, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers guidelines for model undergraduate and graduate forensic science degree programs. According to the American Academy of Forensic Science, strong programs should offer a curriculum that concentrates on scientific writing, laboratory skills, public speaking, and computer software application training.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Scientific Analysis Bureau is a state agency responsible for providing scientific analysis of trace evidence, technical crime scene assistance, and expert testimony to all criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. Four regional crime labs carry out these services:



  • Central Regional Crime Lab: Phoenix
  • Northern Regional Crime Lab: Flagstaff
  • Southern Regional Crime Lab: Tucson
  • Western Regional Crime Lab: Lake Havasu City

According to a May 2012 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Arizona ranks fourth in the nation for its employment level in forensic science and second in the nation for its overall concentration of jobs and location quotients, with the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale metropolitan area ranking first in the nation. The annual mean salary for forensic scientists in this metropolitan area, as of May 2012, was $56,380.

Forensic Science Requirements in Arizona

Forensic scientists and science technicians collect, analyze and classify physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Certificate programs may consist of up to six or more courses that highlight criminal law and justice as well as forensic science fundamentals. They are available through 4-year colleges as post-baccalaureate certificate of completion programs that can be completed in 1-2 years, or as undergraduate certificate programs that take about a year to complete either alone or in conjunction with bachelor’s degree studies. Internships or field experiences may be necessary. Students who successfully pass a proctored examination may qualify for a professional certification.



A professional certificate in forensic science is meant for those who are interested in working in criminal investigation or who are currently employed in law enforcement and wish to expand their base knowledge in forensic evidence collection. This 6-course certificate program provides students with a basic knowledge of criminal systems, investigation techniques and collecting and preserving evidence for criminal court. Undergraduate students can earn forensic science certificates at several schools while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a similar field, similar to a minor. These certificates, administered by the department of sociology or criminal justice, consist of 12-29 hours of coursework.

Criteria for admission to an undergraduate certificate program include GPA, transcripts and a personal statement of career plans. The statement must explain how the student plans on using the undergraduate forensic science certificate toward their career goals. Letters of recommendation and other prerequisites may be required. Forensics certificate programs take place in the classroom or online. Full degree programs include lab and outside work. Students study DNA and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), crime scene analysis, death investigation, human identification, courts, ethical issues, toxicology, anthropology, microanalysis and chemical analysis. Most forensic certificate programs are meant to complement graduate programs in forensic science or a related degree.



Forensic Science Training in Arizona

Arizona is a popular state for those who want to receive a degree in forensic science. Currently, according to 2014 information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 940 people are working as forensic science technicians in the state. Those who are interested in learning more about the offerings that the state has when it comes to forensics should look into some of the other programs and organizations there including the Southwestern Association of Forensic Sciences. Of course, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) offers information as well.

The demand seems to be growing for those who are in the field. In 2008, there were only 450 specialists in the state, in 2010, there were 680, and the number is up to the aforementioned 940 today. In Arizona, career opportunities for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 17 percent from 21010 to 2020, according to data provided by Career One Stop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationwide, job opportunities for forensic science technicians is projected to grow by 19 percent during the same time period.



Forensic Science Salary in Arizona

The average salary of a Forensic Science Technician is $56,150. Salaries start from $34,930 and go up to $86,700. Please note that the average salary for a Forensic Science Technician may vary depending on several factors, like level of education, amount of experience, industry, company size and location. In particular, the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale area had the greatest employment level of any metropolitan area in the country.  Five hundred and ninety of the 830 forensic scientists employed in Arizona in 2012 were located there. Forensic jobs continue to be available in Arizona, but they are generally due to the replacement of people leaving the workforce rather than to the creation of new jobs.  Workforce Arizona has projected the growth in forensic science technicians to be as follows for 2012 through 2014: Phoenix – growth 3,8, which equals 73 jobs and Tucson a 2,8% growth which equals 16 jobs.

 

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Arizona

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

University Northern Arizona University, Criminal Justice B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $13,120 in-state, $26,760 out-of-state per year
Program link

All students are required to take a junior-level writing intensive course and a senior-level capstone course in their major. To find out what criminal justice courses will meet these criteria, contact the criminal justice department for details.

Refer to the General Academic Requirements chapter of this catalog for information about the 35 hours of liberal studies credit that are required for this degree. To obtain a BS in Criminal Justice, the students must complete a minor of 18-24 hours in another discipline. Through consultation with your criminal justice adviser, the students should select a minor appropriate for your career aspirations and educational interests. The students may use these courses to pursue a specific area of emphasis or to meet career goals through courses outside your major or minor; consult with your adviser to select courses that will be most advantageous to you. You may also use transfer credits as electives if they were not used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements. The core modules are:



  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Courts and Justice
  • Law Enforcement Systems
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure and Constitutional Rights
  • Corrections
  • Critical Perspectives on Justice Policy
  • Environmental Crime
  • Comparative Systems
  • Drug Issues and the Law
  • Discretion and Decision-making
  • White-collar and Corporate Crime
  • Violent Crime
  • Law in America
  • Security in a Globalized World

To ensure the students’ future success, the staff are committed to placing the needs of the learner, at the center of everything we do. The distinguished professors are committed not only to teaching the students, but serving as mentors and working with you as well. Here, hands-on learning and the opportunities for research and creative pursuits are available to the student, even as an undergraduate. Celebrating and promoting diversity is a cornerstone of the university. To help broaden your university experience, we sponsor a variety of international opportunities and multicultural events. The university welcomes nearly 1,000 international students to their campus each year, representing more than 60 countries worldwide.

They promote inclusion throughout your entire university curriculum. Additionally, the staff create opportunities for all diverse groups to share their perspectives and knowledge – so all students receive a rich learning experience. Together, they build a civil, engaging, and respectful campus climate where all backgrounds are respected. All students are encouraged to participate in their wide array of student clubs and organizations that foster diverse interests.

University University of Arizona, Forensic and Clinical Psychology B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $ 20,406 per year
Program link

The Department of Psychology offers undergraduate degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree and graduate programs leading to a Ph.D. Teaching and research are integrated throughout, and undergraduate students as well as graduate students have the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in a laboratory.

The undergraduate program in Psychology at the University of Arizona is one of the largest majors on campus.  It covers a broad range of topics consistent with its CIP code 42.0101, identifying it as General Psychology. Our program seeks to provide students with an understanding of a) the mental structures and processes that underlie individual human experience and behavior, b) the scientific methodologies by which such a knowledge base is acquired, c) the critical thinking skills and skeptical inquiry necessary to evaluate scientific and popular claims concerning behavior, and d) the application of scientific psychological principles to personal and social issues. Across all levels of our undergraduate curriculum, we seek to help students learn that human thought and behavior is lawful, and that its governing principles can be understood in the same way that we come to know the physical world outside our minds. Because human behavior and experience are multiply determined, the study of psychology necessarily draws on many disciplines and on many levels of explanation to achieve an understanding of its content. The undergraduate curriculum reflects this multidisciplinary focus at all levels. All undergraduate majors begin their study of psychology by taking an introductory overview course (PSY 101, INDV101 or PSY 150A1), which introduces the major content areas of psychology and relates them to numerous other disciplines including other social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences and health- related professions. Students then take three courses in scientific methodology (PSY 230, 290A and 297A), in which they learn the basic principles of statistics and experimental design that are appropriate for research in the social and behavioral sciences. One of the courses (PSY 297A) provides laboratory experience as well. These four courses comprise the lower division requirements for students majoring in psychology. The core modules for the clinical and forensic concentration are:



  • Clinical Neorpsychology
  • Couple and Family Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Psychophysiology
  • Criminal Behavior
  • Juvenile Delinquency
  • Psychological Testing
  • Psychology and the Law
 The Psychology Department participates in the Honors Program. Our honors curriculum is designed for those Psychology majors who want or need an especially rigorous and intensive program of study. This includes students who intend to pursue psychology as a career; the honors program helps ensure their competitiveness for entrance into graduate school or professional fields. Currently, we offer special honors sections of statistics, a pro-seminar at the 300 level, rotating-topics seminars at the 300 level and the 400 level, which can be repeated for credit, and a two-semester Honors thesis class, where seniors conduct their own projects. Our Honors program has expanded to offer an additional Honors seminar each semester at the 300 and 400 levels in a focused content area. In addition, students may enter into an “honors contract” in any course and receive honors credit by pursuing a pre-arranged more demanding course of study. Preceptorships, internships, and independent research studies are also available for Honors credit.

 

University College America, Forensic Accounting B.S., Tucson
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $ 13,406 per year
Program link

Forensic accounting is the application of accounting principles, theories and discipline to facts or hypotheses at issue in a legal dispute and encompasses every branch of accounting knowledge.The purpose of the Forensic Accounting program is to prepare undergraduate students for careers in the professions of forensic accounting and fraud examination and to serve the profession and the community. If you are interested in forensic accounting degrees or are looking for a forensic accounting program, consider enrolling in CollegeAmerica’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program with a Forensic Accounting emphasis. The core modules are:

  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Databases
  • Economic Principles
  • Principles of Accounting I, II, III and IV
  • Fraud Examination
  • Principles of Finance
  • The Application of Accounting in Forensic Science

In June of 2001, a Branch campus was opened in Fort Collins, Colorado. The programs offered are identical to the programs at the main campus. In October of 2002, a Branch campus was opened and accredited in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Branch campus in Cheyenne, Wyoming opened in February 2005.

Today, CollegeAmerica is known for its high educational standards. Academic majors are designed specifically to meet the changing trends and requirements of the business and medical employment markets. Business, technical, and medical leaders have come to recognize CollegeAmerica graduates for their superior training and their outstanding professionalism.



 

University College America, Forensic Accounting B.S., Phoenix
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $ 13,406 per year
Program link

Forensic accounting is the application of accounting principles, theories and discipline to facts or hypotheses at issue in a legal dispute and encompasses every branch of accounting knowledge.The purpose of the Forensic Accounting program is to prepare undergraduate students for careers in the professions of forensic accounting and fraud examination and to serve the profession and the community. If you are interested in forensic accounting degrees or are looking for a forensic accounting program, consider enrolling in CollegeAmerica’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program with a Forensic Accounting emphasis. The core modules are:

  • Computer Fundamentals
  • Databases
  • Economic Principles
  • Principles of Accounting I, II, III and IV
  • Fraud Examination
  • Principles of Finance
  • The Application of Accounting in Forensic Science

In June of 2001, a Branch campus was opened in Fort Collins, Colorado. The programs offered are identical to the programs at the main campus. In October of 2002, a Branch campus was opened and accredited in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Branch campus in Cheyenne, Wyoming opened in February 2005.

Today, CollegeAmerica is known for its high educational standards. Academic majors are designed specifically to meet the changing trends and requirements of the business and medical employment markets. Business, technical, and medical leaders have come to recognize CollegeAmerica graduates for their superior training and their outstanding professionalism.

University Brown Mackie College B.S., Tucson
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $ 16,744 per year
Program link

Integrity, compassion, and honesty are just a few of the qualities you have. Combined with your interest in serving your community, you have the traits necessary for a career in criminal justice. Pursue that career with the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Brown Mackie College — Tucson. This program combines general education and technical skills to prepare you to become a valuable asset to an organization dealing in the many layers of the criminal justice system, and will help you to prepare for a career where you can make a difference in the lives of others.

The core modules are:

  • Criminal Justice and the Media
  • Organized Crime
  • Concepts in Crime Mapping and Prevention
  • Illegal Immigration and the Criminal Justice System
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Cyber Crime
  • Terrorism and Homeland Security
  • Restorative Justice
  • Forensic Issues
  • Internship in the Criminal Justice System I
  • Internship in the Criminal Justice System II
  • Internship in the Criminal Justice System III
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice System
  • Introduction to Law Enforcement
  • Introduction to Criminal Courts
  • Introduction to Corrections
  • Criminal Law and Procedures
  • Juvenile Delinquency & Criminal Justice Systems
  • Race, Class, & Gender in Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice Management & Administration
  • Criminology

Brown Mackie College — Tucson, AZ is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and diplomas. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. ACICS can be contacted at 750 First Street NE, Suite 980, Washington, D.C. 20002. Telephone: 1-202-336-6780. Brown Mackie College — Tucson is a branch of The Art Institute of Phoenix located in Phoenix, AZ.

The Brown Mackie College – Tucson’s Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

University University of Phoenix, Criminal Justice Administration, B.S.
Duration 4 years
Type Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees $ 12,300 per year
Program link

Increasing crime1. A rising population. Cybercrime. A higher demand for personal security. In response to modern-day criminal activity, the field of criminal justice has had to evolve. If you plan to enter the criminal justice field or want to advance your career, you’ll need an education that keeps up.

By learning about police, criminal courts and corrections — the foundation of the criminal justice system — as a Bachelor of Criminal Justice Administration degree-seeking student, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from five different concentrations to help you hone in on your specialized area of criminal justice: Cybercrimes, Security, Management, Human Services or Institutional Health Care.

During your undergraduate studies, you’ll develop the skills you need to become an effective leader or administrator in your selected field. With a curriculum that is designed to provide you with principles and theories, as well as modern-day techniques, you’ll focus on current trends that are affecting the criminal justice field. You’ll also study policing, procedure, communications, law, ethics, diversity, finance, policy and administration and the juvenile justice system.

With an up-to-date curriculum designed by experts in the criminal justice field who have backgrounds in management and administration, our Faculty Advisory Council also reviews each degree programs’ curriculum every 18 months to ensure it stays relevant and engaging. The core modules are:

  • Foundation for General Education and Professional Success
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Introduction to Police Theory and Practices
  • Introduction to Criminal Court Systems
  • Introduction to Corrections
  • Criminology
  • Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • Research Methods in Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Juvenile Justice Systems and Processes
  • Criminal Organizations
  • Contemporary Issues and Futures in Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice and Administration Capstone

At the College of Criminal Justice and Security, you’ll be part of a large and vital community of peers, alumni and faculty members — all driven by a genuine desire to give back to the community or secure their organizations. Both online and campus-based classroom sizes average only 14 students, giving you the engagement and interaction you need to succeed academically.

You’ll also learn from faculty members not only backed by impressive academic credentials, but also with extensive experience in the field, many having held roles such as chief of police, sheriff, judge, warden and more. This way, you’ll gain up-to-date insight into the field of criminal justice.

Many more resources are available that are unique to the student experience at University of Phoenix. Additionally, you’ll have an expansive network of students and faculty members to reach out to during the pursuit of your degree and beyond.

Master’s Programs

There are currently no Master’s programs of Forensic Science in Arizona.

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