Forensic Technology

About our program

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.

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.

The Associate in Applied Science degree is designed to prepare students to be eligible for employment in the field of Forensic Technology; however this degree may be transferred to four-year institutions. All transferability is at the discretion of the receiving institutions. You should plan carefully with your advisor to coordinate courses with the institution of your choice.

Characteristics

To Succeed in this Field

To work in the forensic science you 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 and physiology and physics.

Each Forensic Technology class requires a fee to help defray costs of equipment and supplies.


Career Opportunities

Crime scene investigators or other forensic specialists, with education beyond the AAS Degree, may work for local police crime scene units and labs, county sheriffs' crime scene units and labs, city police department crime scene units and labs, state highway patrol crime laboratories, federal law enforcement crime laboratories, private crime laboratories or private investigators.

The Associate in Applied Science degree parallels our transferable Associate in Arts degree; students may apply to be awarded both degrees.

Degrees & Certificates

Associates

Certificates

Gainful Employment Information

Contact Us

Michelle Williams
Criminal Justice Faculty
253-833-9111, ext. 5760
mwilliams@greenriver.edu

Faculty Listing    Courses

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

  • Occupations: Forensic Scientist, Forensic Science Technician, Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician
  • Earnings: Range from $21.32 to $28.58 an hour, entry to mid-level.
  • Data source: CareerOneStop.org