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Forensic Technology
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Certificate
Green River is proud to be one of the first colleges in the state of
Washington to offer a forensic course of study.
Learn from expert criminalists in areas of study such as crime scene
investigation, DNA, toxicology, serial killer investigation and autopsy
procedures. The demand for crime scene investigators continues to grow.
Green River Community College is proud to offer one of the first Forensic
(Criminalistic) degrees and certificates in the State of Washington.
Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil
laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system.
Graduates of this program will be advised to continue their education at
the university level or to seek immediate limited employment in the crime
scene investigation area.
Crime Scene Investigators or other forensic specialists, with education
beyond the AAS degree, may work for:
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Local Police Crime Scene Units/Labs
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County Sheriffs' Crime Scene Units/Labs
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City Police Department Crime Scene Units/Labs
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State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratories
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Federal Law Enforcement Crime Laboratories
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Private Crime Laboratories
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Private Investigators
When can new students enroll?
You may enroll in the Forensic Technology program prior to the beginning
of any quarter.
Prerequisites
Complete an application to Green River Community College, complete the
COMPASS assessment, and attend a quarterly Criminal Justice/Forensic
Technology advising session.
How long does the program take?
It depends on you. If you attend Green River full time, the degree
requirements can be completed in about 6 quarters. The certificate may be
completed in two quarters depending on when classes are scheduled. If you
attend part-time, it will depend on how many credits you complete each
quarter.
The program can be completed in the evening. However, it will take
substantially longer. Evening classes with low enrollment have a greater
chance of being canceled, delaying the completion of your degree or
certificate.
Special fees
Each Forensic Technology class requires a fee to help defray costs of
equipment and supplies.
Personal requirements for success
A person working in the forensic science field must be dedicated and,
possess sound judgment, integrity and a genuine interest in the quality
application of science to criminal and civil laws. Forensic Technology
students should have above average grades and do well in the hard science
classes such as biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology and physics.
Does the program transfer to four-year schools?
The Associate in Applied Science degree may be transferred to four-year
institutions. However, all transferability is at the discretion of the
receiving institution. Careful planning with an advisor and coordination
of courses with the college or university of your choice is advised.
The Associate in Applied Science degree parallels our transferable
Associate in Arts degree; students may apply to be awarded both degrees.
Employment outlook
This is a brand new degree and certificate; therefore specific employment
data are not available for the forensic technology field. We believe
career prospects in criminal justice have never been stronger. However, if
you have a prior felony or domestic violence conviction, job opportunities
are very limited. Some positions require drug testing and polygraph
examinations. As competition for jobs is fierce, education is important.
Advanced opportunities
Advancement in the criminal justice field is a real possibility. We
recommend that you optimize your chances for advancement by obtaining a
four-year degree. Positions are limited for those with the two-year
degree.
Salary range
Depending on the job type, salary expectations can range from $25,000 to
over $50,000 per year for full time employment.
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