Criminal Justice (Forensics Concentration)

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a Forensics Concentration provides comprehensive preparation in criminal justice principles and forensic science applications. The program explores the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, law enforcement practices, criminal investigations, and forensic evidence analysis. The curriculum covers areas related to forensic psychology, criminology, and the scientific analysis of physical evidence.
 
Students learn to recognize, document, collect, and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes using scientific principles and investigative techniques. The curriculum covers forensic photography, fingerprint analysis, evidence handling protocols, and criminalistics while building strong foundations in criminal law, criminal procedure, and the criminal justice system. Training includes analysis of tire tracks, DNA samples, and other physical evidence types commonly found at crime scenes.
 
Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The forensic science concentration introduces methods used to identify, develop, and preserve forensic evidence for presentation in legal proceedings. Professors and faculty members guide students through the scientific processes forensic scientists and crime scene investigators use in real-world investigations. Graduates leave prepared for careers in crime scene investigation, forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and criminal justice organizations across multiple industries.

Program Mission

The mission of Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a forensic concentration is to develop knowledgeable and ethical professionals equipped with critical thinking abilities and essential soft skills, empowering them to excel in the diverse landscape of criminal justice. By integrating advanced forensic principles and practical skills in evidence recognition, processing, documentation, collection, and preservation, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in forensic investigation and criminal justice, ensuring they contribute positively to the integrity of legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice.

Program Goals

1. To gain essential skills in research, data organization, problem-solving, and collaboration, while providing a comprehensive understanding of the American Judicial System and the roles of key law enforcement personnel.
2. To develop the essential skills in field investigative procedures and forensic techniques, while fostering practical knowledge and communication abilities necessary for successful careers and advancement in the criminal justice field.
3. To develop the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to effectively and safely process and document evidence in forensic investigations, while also fostering ethical leadership abilities that prepare them to excel as competent professionals in the criminal justice field.
4. Students will gain foundational knowledge of legal evidence procedures, witness demeanor, and courtroom protocols to effectively contribute to legal proceedings, while also fostering an environment of tolerance and respect that encourages constructive dialogue and diverse perspectives, enhancing their critical thinking and collaboration skills in criminal justice.

Program Highlights

The Forensics Concentration provides specialized training in forensic science and crime scene investigation. Students complete coursework in Forensic Photography, Introduction to Forensic Science Technology, Fingerprint Identification and Development, and two semesters of Criminalistics. This concentration exposes students to scientific methods used in forensic laboratories and crime scene investigations, creating unique career pathways in both criminal justice and forensic science fields. The curriculum helps students discover their interests across various forensic specialties including trace evidence analysis, fingerprint comparison, and crime scene documentation. The program also serves as excellent preparation for graduate studies in criminal justice, forensic psychology, forensic toxicology, and related disciplines.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Forensic Science Career

• Scientific analysis of physical evidence
• Crime scene documentation and photography
• Fingerprint identification and development
• Evidence collection and preservation
• Criminal investigation methods
• Forensic chemistry principles
• Geography and crime scene mapping
• Report writing and case documentation
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Ethical decision-making in forensic contexts
• Forensic toxicology screening procedures

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels. Our programs prepare students for successful careers in high-demand fields where job growth continues over the next decade.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.)

Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate.

Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 41 months and 123 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Criminal Justice program with a Forensics Concentration gain preparation for roles across law enforcement, forensic laboratories, and criminal investigation units. This science degree supports both entry-level positions and advancement opportunities in forensic science and criminal justice fields. The job market for forensic science technicians shows consistent demand as law enforcement agencies and crime laboratories seek trained professionals.

Career Opportunities in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice

• Crime scene investigator
• Evidence technician
• Fingerprint analyst
• Criminal investigator
• Police detective
• Forensic laboratory assistant
• Crime scene technician

• Law enforcement officer
• Private investigator
• Forensic specialist
• Forensic photographer
• Forensic toxicology assistant
• Trace evidence analyst

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for BA Criminal Justice.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s Criminal Justice program with a Forensics Concentration prepares you for meaningful work in law enforcement and forensic science. With flexible online and on-campus options, our program aligns with your career goals while providing hands-on training in crime scene investigation and forensic analysis. Whether you plan to work in crime scene investigation units, forensic laboratories, or law enforcement agencies, Keiser provides the education and practical skills needed to launch a successful career in forensic science and criminal justice. Demand for trained forensic science technicians continues to grow as law enforcement agencies modernize their investigative capabilities.