Certificate Program

After completing the program, the student will receive a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigations. The student may then choose to use the credits earned in obtaining the Certificate toward the Masters in Applied Science in Forensic Investigations if the student wants to do so. The focus of the Certificate is to provide broad-based exposure to the discipline of forensic studies and provide some special courses to enhance the student’s professional expertise. The Graduate Certificate program will consist of 18 credit hours. At least ½ of the credit hours must be at the 600 level. The requirements for the Graduate Certificate are as follows:

The Certificate Program will consist of 18 graduate credit hours, with the following core requirements:

• Law 500 Basic Forensic Pathology and Death Investigation 3-credit hours
• Law 600 Criminal Law, Evidence and Legal Procedures 3-credit hours

Additional requirements:

1. The specified number of graduate level hours with a grade of B or better in each course
2. Successful completion of all required courses
3. An oral examination*
4. A written examination*
5. All others specified within the guidelines of Missouri Western State University

*The Executive Director of the Southern Institute of Forensic Science and a committee appointed by Missouri Western State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies will determine successful completion of these exams.

Program of Study Graduate Certificate