Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you offer online classes?
2. How long does it take to complete the program?
3. How much does the program cost?
4. Do you offer financial aid?
5. Do I need to apply to the University?
6. Is this program for current law enforcement personnel or for any one looking to get into the field?
7. Do I need a college degree to enroll?
8. Do I need a college degree to get a job?
9. What are the prerequisites?
10. Can I transfer course work from another college?
11. What is the format of the classes?
12. Do you provide job placement after I graduate?
13. Is an internship required?
14. What kinds of jobs are there in the field of forensics?
15. How to I enroll?
16. How do I sign up for classes?
17. How far ahead of time do I need to enroll?
18. Is there a specific sequence in which the courses must be taken?
19. How much does it cost to complete the entire certificate?
20. I am only interested in taking one or two courses. Do I have to enroll in the entire certificate program or are courses available for individual enrollment?
21. Do I have to come to Riverside to take the classes?
22. Is this Certificate approved for Veterans Education Benefits?

1. Do you offer online courses?

All of our courses are offered at the UC Riverside Extension Center. Due to the technical and hands-on nature of many of the courses, we do not offer online courses in this program.

2. How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students are able to complete the CSI Certificate program in 8-12 months. There is no time limit or penalty for skipping a quarter or more of classes.

3. How much does it cost to complete the program?

Our best estimate of the cost to complete the program, including tuition, parking & textbooks, is about $3600.

4. Do you offer financial aid?

See our financial aid Web site. Federal and state student aid does not apply toward our programs.

5. Do I need to apply to the University?

No, the University Extension provides professional and continuing education to the community. You do not need to be a student at UC Riverside to attend classes at the Extension.

6. Is this program for current law enforcement personnel or for anyone looking to get into the field?

The Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation prepares students to enter the field as a "Crime Scene Technician" or "Evidence Technician." You do not need to be currently employed in law enforcement to attend the program.

7. Do I need a college degree to enroll?

You do not need to have a college degree to attend this program.

8. Do I need a college degree to get a job?

A college degree may be required by some agencies in order to be hired for a certain position. You are advised to check with your agency of choice to determine minimum eligibility requirements for particular jobs. Our CSI Certificate program provides the specialized technical training used on the job, but does not replace a college degree.

9. What are the prerequisites?

There are no specific prerequisite courses for enrolling in the CSI Certificate program. However, you should be comfortable working in a science lab, outside and on-location. You should be comfortable viewing pictures of victims of violent crime and accidents. Some elective courses will involve students working with blood, insects and deceased farm animals (pigs, calves, goats) with powerful odors. Students must be comfortable with the subject matter and course materials and be in reasonable health to complete course requirements. Students with chronic health (especially heart or breathing) problems and those who are pregnant are especially advised to consider the risks of exposure to these substances in the learning environment.

10. Can I transfer coursework from another college?

Yes, you may transfer up to 4 units from comparable courses offered by other accredited institutions. Official transcript is required. Please have your transcript sent to: UCR Extension, Attn: CSI Program Coordinator, 1200 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92507.

11. What is the format of the classes?

Classes are typically offered outside of normal working hours; in evenings and on weekends. Some required classes run one evening per week for five or six weeks and some are contained completely on weekends. Some elective courses may occur on a Friday or other weekdays.

12. Do you provide job placement after I graduate?

Due to changing job market conditions and individual agency qualification requirements, we cannot guarantee job placement.

13. Is an internship required?

The practicum is an elective in the program and not required in order for you to earn the Certificate. Because of the sensitive nature of evidence and necessary supervision, it is very difficult to find internship positions. We encourage you to contact your local agency for their internship policies and availability.

14. What kinds of jobs are there in the field of forensics?

The field of forensics comprises a wide variety of specialties, all with their own set of requirements. Popular television shows are far from depicting the realities of this field.

• The crime scene investigator, or sometimes called an evidence technician, forensic field specialist, fingerprint technician or other similar title, is the person that responds to a crime scene and collects the evidence. A degree or peace officer status is usually not required. Law enforcement agencies, the crime lab or coroner's office are the usual place for employment, although private investigators and large corporations may also hire in this field.
• The criminalist is the scientist that works in the crime lab who analyzes the evidence collected by the CSI, evidence technician, etc. The criminalist rarely needs to go to the crime scene, except in special circumstances. A four-year degree in chemistry, biochemistry or other physical science is required. Specialization is available such as in DNA testing.
• The coroner, medical examiner or forensic pathologist is a medical doctor. You must complete medical school first and then specialize in this area.
• The investigators who interview suspects, make arrests, etc. are trained and sworn police officers.
• There are few specialists throughout the country that are criminal profilers or experts in forensic odontology, entomology, anthropology and questioned documents (handwriting analysis). All have many years of experience. Forensic nursing is a new specialty for registered nurses.

15. How to I enroll?

You may enroll in the certificate program at any time while you are taking CSI classes. Enroll online or use the certificate enrollment form available in the Extension catalog or downloaded from the Web site.

16. How do I sign up for classes?

See our enrollment information page.

17. How far ahead of time do I need to enroll?

It is recommended you enroll at least four weeks before the class begins. Many classes have limited enrollment and fill up ahead of time.

18. Is there a specific sequence in which the courses must be taken?

No. You can start the program with any of the courses based on their availability and your schedule. It is recommended that you take Crime Scene Management early in your course of study.

19. How much does it cost to complete the entire certificate?

Tuition for all courses is approximately $3200-$3500. This fee does not include textbooks or materials.

20. I am only interested in taking one or two courses. Do I have to enroll in the entire certificate program or are courses available for individual enrollment?

All courses are open for individual enrollment. Students may take the entire program or choose to select individual courses on topics most beneficial to them.

21. Do I have to come to Riverside to take the classes?

Yes. Most of the courses include a lab segment for practical, hands-on learning.

22. Is this Certificate approved for Veterans Education Benefits?

Yes, please call Julie at (951) 827-4105 for more information.