Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Criminalistics

Study and evaluate physical evidence from crime scene to courtroom, following the strictest legal and scientific evidence processing rules. If in-depth, intense study of physical evidence is your calling, then the criminalistics program at TU is for you. We provide a solid foundation for your future in local, state and federal police departments, as well as private investigative services.

WHAT IS CRIMINALISTICS?

Criminalists are concerned with the reconstruction of crimes and the analysis of physical evidence. They must use a blend of investigative skills and practical experience. One of the primary functions of a criminalist is to properly identify and collect evidence in a wide variety of crime scenes. Combining scientific and legal methods taught in the classroom with actual experience, you will develop skills in identifying, sorting, comparing, interpreting and cataloging evidence for use in subsequent criminal proceedings.

Our criminalistics courses are uniquely designed as stepping stones throughout the major. You will collect evidence in classes and continue to analyze this evidence in subsequent classes. You begin to learn these processes in Introduction to Forensic Science, which opens you up to an overview of forensic science. Additional courses in the progression are Advanced Criminalistics, Evidence Processing and Trial Evidence. Throughout this progression, you will advance your experience from crime scene to the courtroom.

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)

To be a sworn police officer in Ohio, you must successfully complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). Tiffin University partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of the academy in tuition and can be earned in just one semester.

This unique training academy is state mandated for all police officers and covers firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, driving, subject control, investigations, civil disorder, physical conditioning and other aspects of law enforcement. Students apply direct, hands-on practice in the crime lab, firing range and police cruisers. With experienced, certified instructors and hands-on application, our students consistently achieve passing rates on the state-certified exam.

Once graduates of the program earn the certification, they are immediately eligible for full-time employment.

Testimonial

“Tiffin University gave me my best friend and pushed me to my highest potential. The OPOTA program put me ahead in the hiring process and my bachelor’s degree set me apart from other candidates.”

Cassidy Ralph
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
Graduation: Spring, 2019
Major: Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement
Position: Police Officer with the City of Marysville Division of Police

Core Curriculum of the School of Criminal Justice 18 hours

Criminalistics Major 49 hours

CDS334 Technology and Crime
ENF239 Applied Criminal Investigation & Criminalistics
ENF293 Criminology
ENF355 Forensic Investigation of Sex Crimes
ENF420 Investigative Interviewing
ENF432 Death Investigations
ENF460 Evidence Processing
FSC115 Introduction to Forensic Science
FSC115L Introduction to Forensic Science Lab
JUS461 Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice
JUS465 Trial Evidence (Capstone)
NAT114 Survey of Science
NAT150 Human Anatomy and Physiology
NAT150L Human Anatomy and Physiology lab
NAT291 Drugs and the Body
PSY362 Abnormal Behavior
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology

Total Bachelor of Criminal Justice hours 121

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

On Campus - Offered in a 15-week semester format with a start date of January and August

Online - Offered in two terms per semester starting in January, March, May, July, August and October

There are no related concentrations available.

Information Security (CDS344) - This course will introduce information security as an essential component in our war against terrorism. All information must be secure or the probability of winning the war will be diminished. With advances in technology and software, cyber-terrorism has become very real. Computer hackers and terrorists can shut down our nation’s most critical infrastructures. There can be no doubt that cyber-terror can pose a very real threat to this nation’s security. Students will become familiar with the entire arena of information security.

Survey of Computer Forensics (CDS351) - This course will provide the student with an overview of current terms and concepts that form the basis for all computer investigations. A comparative analysis of computer forensics and other criminal forensic sciences will be conducted to provide the student understanding of the forensics field. The student will become familiar with computer hardware, operating systems, programming and networking (including a comprehensive review of internet protocols and routing). The course will conclude with a review of typical computer crimes and common computer intruder methods.

Applied Criminal Investigation and Criminalistics (ENF239) - Emphasis on the investigation of specific crimes including, but not limited to, homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. Students will be required to investigate a “mock” crime scene, collect and analyze evidence obtained and present their investigation in a “moot” court.

Advanced Criminalistics (ENF320) - This course focuses on crime scene investigative processes, methods, and procedures. It expands on the topics covered in FSC115 and ENF239. It offers the student the opportunity to apply scientific theory in a practical setting. Topics include the role of the first responder to the crime scene, methodologies to approaching the crime scene, crime scene analysis, a thorough overview of the gamut of physical evidence including blood and biological, impression, fingerprint, firearm, drug, digital, tool mark and trace evidence. Additionally, this course offers familiarization with specialized investigations including death, arson, mass fatalities and sex crimes investigations. It is designed with the duties of the field criminalist in mind.

Forensic Investigation of Sex Crimes (ENF355) - This course presents a detailed overview of the responsibilities of a sex crimes investigator including information regarding victim’s issues, legal issues, search and seizure issues as well as mechanics of a sexual assault investigation and secondary traumatic stress syndrome. This course will also examine different types of offenders and specific issues unique to sex crimes investigations.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire Arms and Explosives
Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Coroner’s Office/ Medical Examiner’s Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Forensic Laboratories in Police
Intelligence Agencies
Law Enforcement Officer
Private Forensic Agencies in Drug Enforcement
Secret Service
Sheriff’s Offices
U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Secret Service

While it is extremely competitive to obtain such appointments, TU alumni have gone on to careers in these agencies:

Federal Police Departments
Local Police Departments
Private Investigator
State Police Departments

If you want to learn more about our online or on-campus programs for working adults, click here.

Testimonials

“I was faced with the pressure of being the very first to graduate from college in my immediate family. Not coming from a wealthy or 'well off' background, college was just a very faint thought, even approaching my senior year in high school. I dealt with self-esteem issues throughout my high school career and I found it hard to see myself anywhere than where I was. My perceived challenges were rooted from me and my surrounding circumstances. Here at TU, I was able to overcome my fears and put myself in a position that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Becoming a Dragon was the best decision I have ever made.”
Nellene Arnett
Class of 2017
Toledo, Ohio
“I began my collegiate journey at Purdue University, where I was recruited out of high school. After a few years there I decided it was best if I left and went somewhere else. I didn't really explore many options outside if Tiffin. I knew the coaches here and knew that at the end of the day, even without athletics, I could see myself attending the university. I didn’t look at the size of TU as a deciding factor, I looked more at the people that were there and the quality of education and the product that was offered - and it was the best fit for me.”
Coy Blair
Class of 2017, MBA Graduation 2019
Logan, Ohio
“There is always gonna be a little doubt in any person's mind when it comes to new things. But for me, I think proving people, who said I couldn't do it, wrong is my biggest motivation. There's really nothing that seems impossible to me anymore, the world is constantly changing and I feel like I am much more capable of adapting to those changes now compared to when I was walking on to TU's campus for the first time.”
Alexandra Tozzie
Class of 2018
Louisville, Colorado
"I chose Tiffin University because of the curriculum, the online opportunities, and the fact that it is a brick-and-mortar school close to my home. I made many invaluable contacts through my TU experience."
– John Carpenter
“The main challenge I overcame in order to become a Dragon was the language barrier and the financial situation. However, Tiffin University gave the opportunity to join my passion for soccer with my dream of having an education in the U.S. As part of the soccer team, I was able to overcome my language barrier and have the best experience of my life. For that, I will always be thankful.”
Talita Russo
Class of 2013
Sao Paulo, Brazil

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