COD board approves new forensic criminal investigations certificate

The College of DuPage Board of Trustees approved a proposal for a new Forensic Criminal Investigations Certificate program, pending final approval from the Illinois Community College Board.

The 22-credit hour certificate program will prepare students for the complexities of forensic criminal investigation. Theo Darden, associate professor of Criminal Justice, said the new certificate reflects a growing field with major technological advances. Classes will be offered in the new Homeland Security Education Center, which opens this fall and features a Forensics Lab.

“I don't think there's any other community college in the state that's building this curriculum and offering it in a state-of-the art facility like we have,” he said. “Students can apply principles in real time while receiving hands-on experience.”

The curriculum includes courses in criminal justice, chemistry and anthropology, immersing students in both field work and the scientific components of forensic investigations.

Darden said the certificate will help professionals already working in the field, people with degrees in other areas who are seeking a criminal justice career, and new students who can start with the certificate and work toward a degree.

“In the past 15 to 20 years, science has come so far that forensic analysis can almost pinpoint the exact time of death or determine when and where something has been moved. Fiber and DNA analysis methods have also greatly improved,” he said. “The Forensic Criminal Investigations Certificate will provide students with many different avenues toward a career in criminal justice.”

For more information on this certificate, call (630) 942-2989 or e-mail darden@cod.edu.