Forensic Identification

What will this program do for me?
This program will provide the participant with a certificate that will make him/her more marketable within the Forensic Science community. The program will also introduce the student to personnel currently employed in the field of forensics to begin the networking process so crucial to employment.

What kind of job can I get once I complete the program?
Upon completion of the program, the graduate may be eligible for employment at all levels of government (Municipal, State, and Federal) as well as private forensic labs. The jobs include laboratory or field investigative assignments. The titles for the jobs vary: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Forensic Identification Specialist, Forensic Science Investigator, Forensic Investigator, Field Evidence Technician, Latent Print Investigator, Latent Print Examiner and Physical Evidence Specialist/Technician.

How much can I earn in this career?
Salaries range from $20,000 to $60,000 annually. Overall, the salaries are as varied as the employment opportunities. Salaries depend on whether the position is in the private or public sector, as well as the level of government in which one is employed. Starting salaries in this field begin at the low end of the spectrum. Hourly wages range from $10.00 to $20.00 per hour for smaller Municipal agencies, to about $40,000 annually for larger agencies, plus benefits. Some salaries increase to over $50,000 a year, in addition to any overtime. For current information on job prospects and salaries, please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

How long will it take?
The program is designed to be completed in two semesters. All of the five classes required for the certificate are not offered each semester. The program is designed not to overburden the student with investigation and forensic information which, at times, can be extremely technical and challenging. Refer to the Program Curriculum for more details.

Where will classes be held?
At this time, all classes are offered at the Ocean Campus. As more students enroll in the program, expansion onto other campuses may be necessary. Please refer to the Schedules for Credit Classes for a current listing of class times and locations. You may also visit the department Web site: School of Applied Science and Technology.

Where do I get more information?
Please refer to the Program Curriculum for specific requirements or the Class Schedule for class times and locations. Or please call the Administration of Justice Department at (415) 239-3202.

What time of day are classes offered?
At this time, classes are only offered during the day. Many of the classes are completed before noon. Each class is fifty minutes. Please check the Schedules for Credit Classes for class times and locations.

When do classes start?
Classes for the program are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters and Summer sessions. Please refer to the Schedules for Credit Classes for important dates and class schedules.

How do I enroll?
Enrollment may be done by contacting Admissions and Records Office at (415) 239-3285. For new students, please fill out an application. Continuing students may conveniently register by telephone on STARS (415) 452-0600. For the most current schedule on class times and locations, please refer to the Schedules for Credit Classes.

What are the requirements for the Certificate?
The student must take five courses and pass with a "C" or higher grade to be eligible to apply for the certificate. The five courses are:

ADMJ 52 Criminal Law
ADMJ 53 Legal Concepts of Evidence
ADMJ 62Criminal Investigation
ADMJ 63 Criminal Identification
ADMJ 66 Physical Evidence

Please note: The student may complete two of these classes at institutions other than City College. However, the last 9 units, or three classes, must be completed at CCSF. Upon completion of the course work, the student may then apply for the certificate through the Administration of Justice Department. You may also refer to the Program Curriculum for additional information regarding this program.

How much money will the training cost?
Costs include tuition, books, and miscellaneous supplies. Nonresidents of California and international students will incur higher tuition costs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. You may contact the Financial Aid office at (415) 239-3567. For California residents, the total cost of each class will be approximately less than $100. All other materials used in the courses will be provided by the instructors. Please refer to Tuition Information for more details regarding costs.