Associate in Applied Science in Forensic Science

Become a Student

Program Information

Learn more about the Forensic Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions at our support center.

Print this page

Field of Interest

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Forensic Science provides the student with a specialization in forensic investigation as it relates to crime. The curriculum presents a specialized scope of knowledge about photography, collection and preservation of evidence, and investigative strategies. The program provides students with an important knowledge base for investigative specialization in a wide range of disciplines and careers. This degree pathway also provides students with the opportunity to complete two Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Crime Scene Investigation, and Fingerprint Identification and Photography.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest: Behavioral Science and Human Services
Type: Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan: Forensic Science (DEG)
Academic Plan Code: 3183
Total Credits Required: 60-64
Catalog Year: 2024-2025
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Notes: Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Synthesize multiple sources of information to make timely assessments.
Solve problems through logical and sound reasoning.
Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
Collaborate with diverse agencies, community representatives and individuals to achieve common goals.
Apply the principles and processes of criminal and constitutional law, criminology theory, knowledge of the functions and components of the criminal justice system, and current issues to criminal justice operations.
Use technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
Practice professional standards appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
Subscribe to and practice ethical behavior appropriate to the field of criminal justice.
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Coroners

$65,499 Show expanded career information for Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$31.48

Annual Median Wage

$65,499

Annual Job Openings

767

Number of People Employed

8,196

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 6.1 %

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

$91,087 Show expanded career information for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Forensic Science Technicians

$68,140 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Typical Education Level

a certificate

Hourly Median Wage

$32.75

Annual Median Wage

$68,140

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

567

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 9.3 %

Intelligence Analysts

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$43.63

Annual Median Wage

$90,755

Annual Job Openings

112

Number of People Employed

1,289

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 5.7 %

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$89,203 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Typical Education Level

a high school diploma or less

Hourly Median Wage

$42.88

Annual Median Wage

$89,203

Annual Job Openings

800

Number of People Employed

8,087

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 8.8 %

Police Detectives

$91,087 Show expanded career information for Police Detectives

Police Identification and Records Officers

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers

Police Patrol Officers

$75,273 Show expanded career information for Police Patrol Officers

Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$115,886 Show expanded career information for Supervisors of Police and Detectives

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Forensic Science
Specialization 1: Crime Scene
Specialization 2: Lab Science

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AJS101	Introduction to Criminal Justice		Critical course Gateway course	SB	3
AJS215 or AJS219 or FOR105	Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence		Critical course	None or SQ	3–4
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC or FYC	3
Math Requirement	Math Requirement				3–5
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
MAT140 or MAT41 or MAT42	College Mathematics or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: An appropriate District placement, or a grade of C or better in (MAT052, MAT053, and MAT055), or (MAT055, MAT056, and MAT057), or MAT085, or MAT09+, or MAT103 or MAT114 or MAT115. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5
MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152	College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS123	Ethics and the Administration of Justice		HU	3
AJS216 or FOR106	Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence		None or SQ	3–4
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).	L	0–3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS109	Substantive Criminal Law			3
BIO181	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	SQ	4

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS275	Criminal Investigation I			3
AJS290BN	Courtroom Testimony Seminar			1
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
COM225	Public Speaking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.	L	3
AJS210	Constitutional Law			3
AJS213	Evidence Technology: Fingerprints			3
BIO182	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	SG	4
CHM151	General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL	3
CHM151LL	General Chemistry I Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151.	SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151	1

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Elective	Elective Course				0–3
AJS214	Evidence Technology/Photography				3
AJS260	Procedural Criminal Law				3
CIS105 or BPC110 or AJS+++++	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications		Any AJS Administration of Justice Studies course not listed in the required courses area	CS or CS or None	3
NS or Elective	Natural Sciences area or Elective		An Elective may be selected if FOR105 or FOR106 was selected. Recommend CHM130/LL, CHM151/LL, FOR105 or FOR106		4
CHM152	General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL	3
CHM152LL	General Chemistry II Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.		SQ in combo w/ CHM152	1
FOR286	Principles of Forensic Science	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO181 or BIO181XT) and [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		Any course or combination of courses that include HU, C, and either G or H General Education designations	HU	3
CIS105 or BPC110	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications			CS or CS	3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AJS101	Introduction to Criminal Justice		Critical course Gateway course	SB	3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC or FYC	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AJS215 or AJS219 or FOR105	Criminalistics: Physical Evidence or Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence or Forensic Science: Physical Evidence		Critical course	None or SQ	3–4
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: (A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107) and (appropriate reading placement test score or a grade of C or better in RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or permission of Instructor).		L	0–3

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AJS216 or FOR106	Criminalistics: Biological Evidence or Forensic Science: Biological Evidence			None or SQ	3–4
Math Requirement	Math Requirement				3–5
MAT140 or MAT41 or MAT42	College Mathematics or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: An appropriate District placement, or a grade of C or better in (MAT052, MAT053, and MAT055), or (MAT055, MAT056, and MAT057), or MAT085, or MAT09+, or MAT103 or MAT114 or MAT115. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5
MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152	College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions or College Algebra/Functions	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT095, or MAT096, or MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair.	or Higher course with an [MA] general education designation	MA or MA or MA	3–5

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS123	Ethics and the Administration of Justice		HU	3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS109	Substantive Criminal Law			3
BIO181	General Biology (Majors) I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.	SQ	4

Term 5 Term 5 Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5 Term 5 Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS275	Criminal Investigation I			3
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS210	Constitutional Law			3
CHM151	General Chemistry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM130 and CHM130LL) or CHM130AA or one year of high school chemistry taken in the last five yrs] and (MAT151 or higher or satisfactory placement) or permission of the Instructor or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM151LL	3
CHM151LL	General Chemistry I Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM150 or CHM151.	SQ in combo w/ CHM150 or CHM151	1

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6 Term 6 Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
COM225	Public Speaking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.	L	3
AJS213	Evidence Technology: Fingerprints			3
BIO182	General Biology (Majors) II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181, or BIO181XT, or permission of Department or Division.	SG	4

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7 Term 7 Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
AJS290BN	Courtroom Testimony Seminar			1
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
AJS214	Evidence Technology/Photography			3
CHM152	General Chemistry II	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.	SQ in combo w/ CHM152LL	3
CHM152LL	General Chemistry II Laboratory	Prerequisites or Corequisites: CHM152.	SQ in combo w/ CHM152	1

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8 Term 8 Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework				3–4
AJS260	Procedural Criminal Law				3
CIS105 or BPC110 or AJS+++++	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications		Any AJS Administration of Justice Studies course not listed in the required courses area	CS or CS or None	3
FOR286	Principles of Forensic Science	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (BIO181 or BIO181XT) and [(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL], or CHM150AA, or CHM151AA, or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.			4
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		Any course or combination of courses that include HU, C, and either G or H General Education designations	HU	3

Term 9 Term 9 Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9 Term 9 Term 9
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
Specialization Coursework	Specialization Coursework			3–4
Elective	Elective			0–3
NS or Elective	Natural Sciences area or Elective	An Elective may be selected if FOR105 or FOR106 was selected. Recommend CHM130/LL, CHM151/LL, FOR105 or FOR106		4
CIS105 or BPC110	Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications		CS or CS	3

Pathway Map Option Details

No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway map options listed above.

Ready to get started?

Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.

Become a Student

Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.

Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Forensic Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry

MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=187230).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Forensic Science

Search form

Field of Interest

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Coroners

$65,499 Show expanded career information for Coroners

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

$91,087 Show expanded career information for Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Forensic Science Technicians

$68,140 Show expanded career information for Forensic Science Technicians

Intelligence Analysts

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

$89,203 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Police Detectives

$91,087 Show expanded career information for Police Detectives

Police Identification and Records Officers

$90,755 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers

Police Patrol Officers

$75,273 Show expanded career information for Police Patrol Officers

Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$115,886 Show expanded career information for Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Course Sequence by Term

Pathway Map Options

Full-time Sequence

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

Term 5 Term 5 Term 5

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

Term 9 Term 9 Term 9

Pathway Map Option Details

Ready to get started?

Course Area Key

Disclaimer

Previous Catalog Years