An Associate degree in Crime Scene Technology opens doors to exciting roles where science meets investigation—from evidence collection to laboratory analysis and courtroom testimony.

Pursue careers with police departments, medical examiners, private firms, or federal agencies. As forensic technology advances, your specialized skills become increasingly valuable across multiple settings.

Start as a crime scene technician and explore your interests in this growing field. With strong demand nationwide, this degree offers exceptional career flexibility and advancement potential.

Program Information

In our Crime Scene Technology program, you'll balance scientific theory with hands-on technical training. Classes combine instruction in forensic principles and evidence collection with laboratory procedures taught by experienced professionals.

Your coursework covers crime scene photography, fingerprint analysis, DNA collection and presumptive testing, and bloodstain pattern interpretation through specialized lab sessions. You'll practice these skills in simulated crime scenes, working with industry-standard equipment to document, collect, and process evidence.

Small classes ensure personalized attention as you develop precision techniques essential for forensic work. Most programs include mock courtroom testimony, internship opportunities, and workshops on emerging technologies to prepare you for immediate entry into this meticulous field.

A degree in Crime Scene Technology opens doors to diverse career opportunities in the forensic science and criminal investigation fields. Graduates possess specialized skills in evidence collection, documentation, and analysis that are valuable across multiple sectors of the justice system.

Career Options:

  • Crime Scene Technician/Investigator - Process crime scenes, collect and document evidence, and prepare detailed reports
  • Evidence Technician - Manage the chain of custody for physical evidence in police departments or crime labs
  • Forensic Photographer - Specialize in documenting crime scenes and evidence with technical precision
  • Fingerprint Examiner - Analyze, compare, and identify fingerprints for law enforcement agencies
  • Forensic Laboratory Assistant - Support scientists in processing and analyzing evidence in crime labs
  • Latent Print Technician - Develop and recover latent prints from various surfaces and materials
  • Death Investigator - Assist medical examiners in investigating and documenting unattended deaths
  • Private Investigator - Apply forensic skills in the private sector for insurance or legal cases
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analyst - Specialize in interpreting blood evidence at crime scenes
  • Digital Evidence Technician - Focus on collecting and preserving electronic evidence
  • Courtroom Exhibit Specialist - Create visual presentations of crime scene evidence for trials
  • Forensic Trainer - Teach evidence collection techniques to law enforcement personnel

Graduates often begin in entry-level positions and can advance to specialized roles with experience and additional certifications.

Success in Crime Scene Technology requires a blend of scientific aptitude, technical precision, and personal resilience. The most effective professionals combine methodical work practices with strong analytical abilities and emotional stability.

Essential Technical Qualities:

  • Meticulous attention to detail - Ability to notice and document the smallest evidence elements
  • Scientific mindset - Understanding of forensic principles and laboratory techniques
  • Technical aptitude - Comfort with specialized equipment and emerging technologies
  • Documentation skills - Precise writing and photography abilities

Crime scene technicians must work comfortably in disturbing environments while maintaining scientific objectivity and following strict protocols. Their observational skills allow them to identify patterns and evidence that others might miss.

Key Personal Attributes:

  • Emotional resilience - Capacity to maintain professional detachment in disturbing situations
  • Ethical integrity - Unwavering commitment to evidence handling standards
  • Patience and persistence - Willingness to conduct thorough, time-consuming work
  • Physical stamina - Endurance for processing scenes in various conditions

These combined qualities enable crime scene technicians to make meaningful contributions to the justice system through their specialized expertise while handling the unique challenges of this demanding profession.

Our Crime Scene Technology program is led by faculty and staff who hold degrees from leading institutions in the field such as the University of Florida, University of New Haven, Florida International University, and our own Broward College. Several faculty members have served in specialized crime scene units within major law enforcement agencies across the country. Our adjunct and full-time faculty are certified crime scene investigators and forensic specialists with years of practical experience. They have worked for such prominent agencies as the FBI Crime Laboratory, Miami-Dade Police Crime Scene Unit, Broward Sheriff's Office Forensic Services, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Many faculty and staff members are also award winners in the field of forensic science and have contributed to groundbreaking research in evidence collection and analysis techniques.

There is 1 certificate built into this Associate degree.

  • The Crime Scene Technician, Technical Certificate is 28 credits.

A full list of required courses is available in the Broward College Catalog -Crime Scene Technology, Associate of Science | Broward College

In addition to the general education course requirements, the Core program courses include:

CCJ1020

INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE*

CCJ1010

INTRO TO CRIMINOLOGY

CJL1062

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW*

CJL1100

CRIMINAL LAW*

CJL1130

CRIMINAL EVIDENCE/COURT PROC*

CJE2600

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION*

CJE2640C

INTRO TO CRIME SCENE INVEST*

CJE2642C

CRIMINALISTICS PRACTICUM*

CJE2643C

ADVANCED CRIME SCENE INVEST*

CJE2770C

FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY*

OPEN

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVE*

*Crime Scene Technician Certificate – TC 6347

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