Forensics Professional Development Program

Ever wonder what it takes to be a real-life crime scene investigator? Forensic investigators are mystery solvers. They apply scientific techniques – physical, natural, and social – to criminal and legal questions. The Forensics program at Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies (SCS) provides an excellent overview of forensic science, law, and medicine. The classes describe the principal activities and procedures that occur in the courtroom, the forensics science laboratory, and the medical examiner's facility.

Program Audience

This program is designed for legal professionals in criminal law (state's attorneys, public and appellate defenders, criminal defense attorneys, and paralegals); professionals in law enforcement (evidence technicians); professionals in the administration of criminal justice; health care providers for victims and suspects; and graduates of natural science or physical science degree programs. Anyone interested in making a career change to one of these professions can also benefit greatly from the program.

To earn a Certificate of Completion in Forensics, students must successfully complete three courses:

• Introduction to the Forensic Sciences
• Forensic Evidence and the Law
• Investigation of Death & Death Scenes

In this curriculum, students learn about:

• Forensic analysis of physical crime scene evidence and the medico-legal investigation of death scenes in criminal investigations and in criminal legal procedures
• Crime and death scene investigation team roles
• Courtroom procedures in using forensic evidence and forensic experts in criminal proceedings
• Modern DNA analysis and the meaning of and role for probability in the interpretation of DNA analysis
• Organization, staffing, credentials, and methods used in a medical examiner's facility to produce an official autopsy report

Upon successful completion of all three courses students will earn a certificate of completion from Northwestern's School of Continuing Studies. Students usually move through the program as a cohort; however, classes also may be taken individually and out of sequence.

Northwestern Excellence

• Northwestern University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
• School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
• SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
• SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.

Course Information

Registration information and detailed course descriptions can be found on the forensics course listings page. Schedules, content and prices are subject to change.