Associate of Science Degree in Forensic Studies

Course Description: 

The Associate of Science in Forensic Studies prepares students for careers as forensic technicians or coroner technicians and supports current law enforcement personnel seeking CSI‑related advancement. The program provides hands‑on instruction in crime scene processing, documentation, investigative strategies, evidence collection and preservation, fingerprint examination, crime scene photography, microscopic analysis, chemistry, and biology. Students learn to identify and process evidence, manage chain of custody, and understand legal considerations related to physical evidence. This foundation supports immediate employment in forensic settings and serves as preparation for advanced study and careers as criminalists, forensic scientists, or crime scene investigators.

    Student Learning Outcomes: 

1. Demonstrate ability to observe objectively and to collect data and facts to make an informed judgment.
2. Apply the rules of evidence, forensic science techniques and technology, and report writing to crime scene situations and scenarios.
3. Assess the techniques of crime scene searches, evidence analysis, and courtroom demeanor related to a variety of criminal investigation situations.

Other Related Information: 

The proposed Forensic Studies degree aligns strongly with Norco College’s mission to provide accessible, high‑quality educational pathways that support both transfer and workforce preparation for the region’s diverse student population. By offering an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in scientific inquiry, analytical reasoning, and justice‑system applications, the program complements existing Administration of Justice offerings while expanding academic options in a high‑demand field identified in statewide and regional master planning. The degree supports California’s higher‑education goals by creating a clear lower‑division pathway into CSU forensic science, criminal justice, and related bachelor’s programs, while also addressing documented labor‑market needs for skilled forensic and investigative personnel. As part of the college’s long‑term planning, the program strengthens career and technical education opportunities that lead to livable‑wage employment, advances equity by opening access to specialized justice‑sector careers, and contributes to the broader statewide effort to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of public safety and forensic services.

The proposed Forensic Studies degree fits naturally within Norco College’s existing Administration of Justice (ADJ) inventory by expanding the academic and career pathways already available to students while filling a clear curricular gap. Norco College currently offers ADJ degrees and certificates focused on law enforcement, corrections, and general justice‑system foundations; however, none provide a dedicated pathway into forensic science, crime scene investigation, or evidence‑based analytical roles. The Forensic Studies degree builds on the strengths of the ADJ discipline such as criminal law, investigative procedures, and justice‑system operations, while adding scientifically oriented coursework that aligns with emerging workforce needs and student interest.

This addition strengthens the School of Human and Public Services by diversifying program options, supporting both transfer and CTE pathways, and creating a coherent academic progression from introductory ADJ courses to specialized forensic study. By complementing rather than duplicating existing offerings, the degree enhances the college’s program inventory and broadens opportunities for students seeking careers in modern investigative and forensic fields.

The region currently offers only one AS degree in Crime and Intelligence and six related certificates, suggesting that Norco College’s new degree would attract both new students and those already pursuing justice‑sector pathways. As the program gains visibility and integrates with existing CTE and transfer pipelines, annual completions may trend upward, reflecting both workforce demand and the college’s mission to expand equitable access to high‑wage public safety careers.

A reasonable projection, based on regional labor‑market demand and enrollment patterns in comparable Administration of Justice and forensic‑related programs, is that the Forensic Studies degree would produce approximately 20–30 graduates annually once fully established. Labor Market Index data for the Inland Empire/Desert Region shows a persistent supply gap for forensic science technicians, crime scene specialists, and related investigative roles, indicating strong and sustained student interest in programs aligned with these careers.

Program Goals
The Forensic Studies program is designed to provide students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation that supports seamless transfer to the California State University (CSU) system and prepares them for careers in forensic laboratories, investigative agencies, and related justice professions. The degree aims to develop students’ analytical reasoning, scientific literacy, and communication skills while introducing them to the principles of criminal investigation and forensic analysis. As part of Norco College’s commitment to serving a diverse and historically underserved region, the program also seeks to expand equitable access to high‑quality educational pathways that lead to livable‑wage careers in the administration of justice field. Labor market data indicates a regional supply gap and strong wage potential, positioning this degree as a meaningful contributor to workforce needs and student economic mobility.

Additional goals of the program would include:

• Degree option that intertwines forensic skills with crime scene investigation techniques
• Provides a living wage
• Provide sworn candidates with a balanced understanding of criminal law concepts, applied techniques in crime scene investigation and forensic skills
• Educate and enable non-sworn support staff to competently assist crime scene investigations without fouling legal restrictions
• Blend the best and most essential of the law enforcement education with hands-on training in basic forensic science skills. 

Program Objectives
Graduates of the Forensic Studies program will be able to:

• Demonstrate foundational knowledge of forensic science, criminal investigation, and the scientific methods used in evidence analysis.
• Apply logical, analytical, and communication skills to evaluate information, interpret evidence, and articulate investigative findings.
• Understand the interdisciplinary connections between forensic studies and related fields such as biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and the social and behavioral sciences.
• Meet lower‑division academic requirements for transfer into CSU bachelor’s programs in forensic science, criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or related disciplines.
• Identify potential career pathways in forensic and investigative fields and select electives that support specialized academic or professional interests.
• Contribute to regional workforce needs by entering career and technical education pathways that offer competitive wages and align with state and county employment requirements.

The Center of Excellence (COE) also recognizes the importance of this new program.  According to the latest data from the COE:

• The number of jobs related to the assessed occupation is projected to increase by 14% through 2028, with 44 annual job openings (new and replacement jobs).
• The hourly entry-level wage for this occupation is above the living wage at the 25th percentile, with the hourly wage at $31.30 per hour in the IE/D.
• There were 46 online job postings from 24 employers over the past 12 months, with the highest postings for crime analysts and criminalists.
• Most job postings for target occupations require a high school diploma or equivalent (44%), followed by a bachelor’s degree (36%), an associate degree (16%), and an advanced degree (4%).

In summary, all labor market index (LMI) criteria are met, including the current supply gap, all (100%) of annual job openings for this occupation have entry-level hourly wages above the regional living wage and while the typical entry-level education for this occupation is a bachelor’s degree, 34% of all workers in the field have completed some college or an associate degree as their highest level of education.  

The Associates of Science Degree in Forensic Studies will be awarded upon completion of the degree requirements, including general education and other graduation requirements as described in the college catalog.  

Required Courses:    20    .units

Required Course:     3   .units (Choose one of the following)

Elective Courses:    6    .units (Choose two of the following)

Required GE Courses:    13    .units

Required GE Courses:     4   .units (Choose one of the following)

Total Program Units:     46    .units