Forensic Science (Crime Scene), Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Criminal Justice
Degrees/Certifications available:
A.A.S Forensic Science, Forensic Science Level 1 Certificate
A.A.S. Law Enforcement, Fundamentals of Law Enforcement Level 1 Certificate
A.A./A.S. Transfer Education – Criminal Justice (State recognized Field of Study)
Correctional Science Level 1 Certificate
Program Description and Details:
Forensic Science: Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation, Analysis, and Reconstruction
This workforce course of study is designed to provide the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to investigate, document, and collect physical evidence at diverse types of crime scenes. The student will study the science-based disciplines found within the specialized Field of Forensic Science and Criminalistics and will prepare the student for employment as a Crime Scene Technician. Course emphasis will include a combination of criminal justice, natural sciences, and psychology/sociology, as well as specialized courses concerned with crime scene analysis, documentation, collection techniques and reconstruction.
Criminalist careers are in high demand. Granted, the popularity of shows like CSI, Law & Order, and Bones brought forensic science into the mainstream. Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) has also noted an uptick in demand. From 2022 to 2032, forensic science technicians, who share a similar occupational title to criminalists, are projected to grow by 13 percent, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.
Specialized courses within the Forensic program include industry-based certifications awarded upon successful completion for:
- 3D Capture and Computer Reconstruction of Crime Scenes
- Basic Property Evidence Technician as recognized by the Texas Association of Property Evidence (T.A.P.E.I.T)
- Foundations of Forensic Photography
- Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Law Enforcement
The two-year curriculum prepares students for employment in public or private agencies charged with the responsibility of public safety, crime prevention, crime investigation, criminal apprehension, offender rehabilitation, and confinement. Graduates of the program will be competent in firearms, patrol techniques, crash investigation, investigation, defensive tactics, report writing, legal aspects, and vehicle operation. The program prepares the student to enter the field of law enforcement as an officer, deputy, state trooper, or agent at the federal, state, or local levels. Additionally, this program also prepares the student for entry and intermediate levels in careers in private security.
The student will receive instructional curriculum within the CBC Law Enforcement Program that emulates the Texas Peace Officer Basic Training Course as promulgated by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and train in those areas of study required by TCOLE.
Specialized courses within the Law Enforcement program include industry-based certifications awarded upon successful completion for:
- Public Safety Supervisor (upon completion of the following)
- Effective Communication and Interviewing
- Report Writing and Documentation
- First Line Supervisor
- Field Training Officer
Corrections
The one-year curriculum is offered to current and recently employed correctional personnel to further their career with a combination of experiential credit based on documented training and criminal justice-based courses for career advancement. Information related to the Correctional Science Certificate can be found in the catalog as to the degree plan award and experiential credit table.
Criminal Justice
The Associate of Arts/Associate of Science Field of Study: Criminal Justice degree program is a two-year course of study that covers the core materials needed to complete the first two years of a Texas four-year college or university’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) /Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. The AA-CJ/AS-CJ program is designed to parallel the student’s choice in a bachelor’s program at any Texas four-year college or university. Upon successfully completing the program at Coastal Bend College, the credits students earn can be then transferred as an Associate of Arts Field of Study: Criminal Justice/ Associate of Science Field of Study: Criminal Justice credential upon graduation to the Texas four-year college or university.
For additional course information, view the course catalog.
Prospective Careers:
Forensic science: Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Scene Analyst (CSA), Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech), Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Specialist, Latent Print Examiner, Property Evidence Supervision
Law Enforcement: Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper.