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.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

Students must successfully complete the English Composition course prior to entering the Integrated Criminal Justice Capstone Project.

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.

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 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.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for graduate programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness. The Criminal Justice program with Forensics concentration provides rigorous academic training and aligns with standards for forensic science education and hands-on training.

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.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

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, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

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.

The curriculum blends foundational criminal justice coursework, general education, and a dedicated forensics concentration in crime scene investigation and criminalistics. The full course sequence is listed below.

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.

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application
2. Speak with an admissions advisor
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
4. Enroll and choose your start date

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.