Crime Scene Technology

The program follows Keiser University's one-class-at-a-time model, with students focusing on a single course during each four-week term and new classes starting every month. The degree comprises 60 credit hours across 16 courses and can typically be completed in about 17 months. Up to 12 credits of qualifying transfer credit may be accepted.

Classes are offered on-campus and in a hybrid format at select campuses, so students can balance study with work and life commitments. Small classes (roughly a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio) provide individualized attention, and much of the coursework involves hands-on training with forensic equipment and crime scene technology tools.

Students must complete all lower-division general education courses with a grade of "C" or better before advancing into the major forensic courses, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to graduate.

The curriculum pairs a general education core with a sequence of major forensic courses covering forensic photography, forensic imaging and processing, introduction to forensic science technology, field investigative procedures and presentation of evidence, forensic communications, forensic legal concepts, fingerprint identification and development, and introduction to biological evidence.

Required Courses

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester based on the credit hours a student is scheduled to take. For full-time enrollment (12-17.99 credits per semester), undergraduate tuition is approximately $12,408 per semester (per Keiser's Undergraduate Tuition & Fee Disclosure; subject to annual review). At a typical full-time pace, the 60-credit degree spans roughly four semesters, for an estimated total tuition of about $49,632. Enrollment also involves a one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee.

Beyond tuition, the university lists required and optional program fees in its catalog and supplement; certain courses may carry resource or lab fees, and optional fees are the student's responsibility and are not covered by GI Bill benefits. For a personalized estimate, use Keiser's Net Price Calculator at https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/NPC-index.html.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Options include the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study; Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and EASE; institutional scholarships; and veterans and military benefits. Students should complete the FAFSA annually using Keiser's School Code 015159.

Estimated total program tuition of about $49,632 (full-time semesters at ~$12,408/semester); actual cost varies with pace and transfer credit.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in crime scene investigation units, law enforcement agencies, and forensic support roles. Common job titles include:

• Crime Scene Technician
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Identification Specialist
• Evidence Technician
• Forensic Photography Specialist
• Crime Scene Processor
• Evidence Collection Specialist
• Laboratory Assistant

The associate degree also provides a foundation for continuing education. Graduates may advance to Keiser University's bachelor's programs in Forensic Investigations or Criminal Justice. Note that many forensic and law enforcement roles require passing a background check, and some crime scene investigator positions are filled by sworn officers; specific certification and hiring standards vary by agency and jurisdiction.

Expect a hands-on, career-focused program taught one course at a time in four-week terms. You will spend significant time applying techniques rather than only reading about them: photographing and documenting scenes, developing and comparing fingerprints, handling and packaging biological and physical evidence, and practicing the field procedures used to preserve a chain of custody that meets legal standards.

Because this is a criminal justice field, you will complete a Level 2 criminal background check and a personal interview with the AS-CST Program Director before entering the program, and you must earn a "C" or better in the general education courses before moving into the major coursework. Instruction comes from faculty with real law enforcement and forensic lab experience, and small classes mean regular individual feedback. Whether you study on campus or in a hybrid format, plan to keep pace with the monthly term structure and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to graduate.