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Submitter's Information
Nichol Roe
Dean, Career Technical & Extended Education
San Diego/Imperial
Palomar College
CTE Dean
Nichol Roe
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Program Details
Forensic Technology
New Program
Forensics, Evidence, and Investigation (210540)
08/01/26
The Forensic Technology program at Palomar College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of forensic science and criminal investigations. This program provides students with practical, hands-on training in evidence collection, crime scene documentation, forensic photography, fingerprint analysis, and laboratory procedures aligned with current industry standards. Students will develop foundational knowledge in criminal justice, forensic science, and the legal considerations related to the handling and presentation of physical evidence in court. Emphasis is placed on ethical practices, attention to detail, and the use of technology in modern forensic investigations.
The projected completions annually will be approximately 50-100 students when the program is fully implemented. The program is set up so students can complete the program in no more than 4 semesters (2 school years) if classes are taken consecutively.
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
- A.S. Degree (S)
The Forensic Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment in forensic science and criminal investigations by providing hands-on training in evidence collection, crime scene documentation, forensic photography, fingerprint analysis, and basic laboratory procedures aligned with industry practice.
Program goals and Objectives:
- Prepare students for entry-level roles (such as evidence technician, property room/evidence clerk, CSI trainee) by developing job-ready technical and professional skills.
- Build competency in crime scene processing, documentation, forensic photography, fingerprint development/comparison, and foundational lab practices.
- Develop clear written/oral communication for reports and mock testimony consistent with evidentiary standards.
- Promote scene/lab safety, biohazard awareness, and teamwork consistent with agency protocols.
- Ensure students can apply constitutional/legal requirements (search/seizure, chain of custody) and professional ethics in all evidence activities.
Course Units and Hours
41
41
60
Course Report
The courses below are required for the program.
| Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AJ 100 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | Y1 Fall |
| AJ 104 | Criminal Law | 3 | Y1 Fall |
| AJ 220 | Beginning Fingerprint Analysis | 3 | Y1 Fall |
| PHOT 221 | Beginning Forensic Photography | 3 | Y1 Fall |
| AJ 101 | Criminal Evidence | 3 | Y1 Spring |
| AJ 102 OR AJ 110 | Criminal Procedures OR Basic Criminal Investigation | 3 OR 3 | Y1 Spring |
| PHOT 222 | Advanced Forensic Photography | 3 | Y1 Spring |
| AJ 221 | Advanced Fingerprint Analysis | 3 | Y1 Spring |
| AJ 210 | Intro to CSI | 3 | Y2 Fall |
| AJ 106 OR AJ 103 | Ethics in Administration of Justice OR Community and the Justice System | 3 OR 3 | Y2 Fall |
| BIOL 100 | Introductory Biology: General Biology | 4 | Y2 Fall |
| AJ 215 | Intro to Forensic Analysis | 3 | Y2 Spring |
| CHEM 100 | Fundamentals of Chemistry | 4 | Y2 Spring |
Supporting Documents
San Diego/Imperial Regional Questions
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Submission Details
08/26/25 - 12:41 PM
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Return to Drafts
Please list the reason(s) for returning "Forensic Technology". to Nichol Roe's drafts. This message will be sent to nroe@palomar.edu
Comments, Documents, Voting
Comments
All Comments
Claudia Estrada-Howell · 09/11/25
Miramar supports this new program.
Monica Romero · 09/11/25
Mesa supports this new program.
George Dowden · 09/11/25
Cuyamaca supports this new program.
John Edwards · 09/02/25
Palomar College submitted the appropriate LMI from the COE. The COE recommends proceeding with developing a new program because 1) there is a supply gap; 2) there is a high number of annual job openings; and 3) entry-level wages are above the living wage for these occupations.