Forensic Sciences Graduate Certificate
The forensic sciences graduate certificate program complements a program of study at Iowa State University that leads to any graduate degree in an established academic major. The forensic sciences certificate is also recommended for students who wish to strengthen their interdisciplinary skills. Coursework for the certificate is at the graduate level; however, qualified undergraduates may also enroll by admission to the Graduate College as a certificate student for a minimum of one semester. Completion of the certificate is noted on the student's transcript and via a certificate provided by the Registrar.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the graduate certificate in forensic sciences, students will be:
- Educated in a diverse array of topics that contribute to the interdisciplinary field of forensic science.
- Well informed about the needs for research and development in forensic science.
- Able to propose a research project related to forensic science.
- Informed about forensic science as a career choice.
- Aware of the possibility of offering expertise to law enforcement agencies within the community.
- Aware that forensic sciences can be used as an educational tool in post-graduate capacity as a professor/teacher, parent, or community volunteer.
Requirements
- 12 credits of coursework and seminars at Iowa State University with a total GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Attendance at all events hosted by the NIST Center for Excellence in Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE) at Iowa State.
- Attendance at a national or regional scientific meeting devoted to forensic science.
- Completion of the certificate within three contiguous calendar years.
Coursework
- 1 graduate credit seminar course in forensic science: ANTHR 5410. This seminar will be offered each fall semester. In this seminar, you will report on the off-campus conference you attend, and also on your research.
- 1 graduate credit of independent study: ANTHR 5420. You will choose a topic in forensics, ask the Director of Certificate Studies (DOCS) for approval, research it in the literature and write a paper on it. You will present this research project to the seminar group.
- At least 10 graduate credits from among the courses listed in the Certificate Electives course list. From this list, you may not choose any courses offered toward your academic major, and you must choose courses from at least two different departments entirely outside of your department or program. No credits may be transferred to ISU from other institutions.