ICC - Crime Scene Technology

[Magic]

There is a college near me called Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL that offers a certificate in Crime Scene Technology. It only requires 34 hours. It consists of basic science, basic criminal justice and law, and the more specific crime scene technician skills. It says on the website that the program modification is pending. I'm wondering what this means. Does it mean it isn't accredited yet? Does anybody know anything about this program at ICC? Is there any other programs related to this or even better than this that I could be looking at also?

One other thing I'm wondering is if I should complete my bachelor's in general studies(I'm two semesters away from graduating) or try out a program like this first and go from there. I like the idea of this certificate only being 34 hours and very inexpensive (under $2000).

I would appreciate any insight into any of this.

[Apollo8138]

A certificate and a bachelor's degree are two very different things. I'd recommend that you finish your BS/BA. After you graduate, you can always go back and enroll in the certificate program. My school offers certificates as well. My school offers a MS in Forensic Science and a Certificate in Forensic Science. Our programs are also accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

I don't know what program modification means, but I wouldn't enroll in any program if it's not accredited. I suggest you call and get as much information as you can before you make your decision.

[Redman]

If I was you, I would shop around for a more reputable crime scene program, like the ones Apollo mentioned.

I had a conversation with a professor just the other day about how many colleges are jumping on the 'CSI' bandwagon, by offering programs like that to students who have expectations of becoming a 'CSI'.

[Apollo8138]

If I was you, I would shop around for a more reputable crime scene program, like the ones Apollo mentioned.

I had a conversation with a professor just the other day about how many colleges are jumping on the 'CSI' bandwagon, by offering programs like that to students who have expectations of becoming a 'CSI'.

This comes from the FAQ from the link that I posted above:

Q: What programs of study should I take to become be a crime scene technician, medical examiner, crime lab scientist?

A: Popular TV shows such as “Cold Case ” and “CSI” often don’t accurately reflect the actual job functions and training of forensic scientists, and students are encouraged to read recent papers on the educational requirements of forensic scientists such as (ABC2003 paper). The FIU Forensic Science programs are primarily designed to educate students for employment in crime laboratory positions. Students interested in crime scene investigation should consider a bachelor's degree with a forensic science certificate. Crime scene investigation training is often gained on the job and administered by the law enforcement agency hiring the investigator. Students interested in becoming a medical examiner/coroner should follow FIU’s pre-medical program with details available at www.fiu.edu/~preprofc/ and should also visit the National Association of Medical Examiners web page at www.thename.org.

Make sure that this is not a diploma mill that is only looking for your money. Like I said before, call and find out as much as you can before you invest your time and money into this.

[Kimble]

It says on the website that the program modification is pending. I'm wondering what this means. Does it mean it isn't accredited yet? Does anybody know anything about this program at ICC?

ICC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Chaging or modifying a program has NOTHING to do with an institution's accreditation. It may mean that the program may have to go before a review by the accreditation agency before it can be offered again, but the program will not be "unaccredited" if the institution remains accredited. It will either be an accredited program, or it will not be a program offered.

Is there any other programs related to this or even better than this that I could be looking at also?

Other than the suggestions already made, check out the link in this thread: http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?t=47717