Program Overview

Overview of the Online Graduate Certificate in Human Factors in Forensic Science

The online graduate certificate in human factors in forensic science, offered by Arizona State University, is designed for individuals interested in the role of forensic science in crime solving. This certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand forensic decision-making and promote positive change in crime laboratories and the courts.

Program Details

• The certificate program consists of 5 core courses, covering topics such as human factors, human cognition, research methods, and cognitive and motivational influences on decision-making.
• The program is 15 credit hours and can be completed in a series of 7.5-week classes.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of their bachelor's program.
• Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee.
  • Official transcripts.
• An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Course Descriptions

• Advanced Cognitive Science: This course examines cognition from the varied perspectives of philosophy, linguistics, psychology, computer science (artificial intelligence), and neuroscience.
• Advanced Human Factors: This course studies the issues, methods, and findings in industrial and organizational psychology.
• Forensic Science and Governance: This course focuses on quality assurance and control within a crime laboratory, covering topics specific to laboratory directors and the management of all activities within the laboratory critical to meeting local, regional, and national standards.
• Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology Research: This course provides an overview of analyses and methods of forensic psychology research, focusing on literacy and skills in assessment and scale development, experimentation and RCT, prediction and modeling, and presentation and synthesis of data.
• Psychology of Forensic Decision-Making: This course focuses on the effects of motivation and cognition on forensic decision-making.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduating with this certificate, students will be prepared to work in a range of professional settings within the forensic science field, including:

• Crime laboratory director
• Crime laboratory supervisor
• Crime scene investigator
• Criminalist
• Expert witness
• Training program developer

Tuition and Fees

The cost per credit hour for this program is $701. An additional mandatory Student Initiated Fee applies each semester and varies based on how many credit hours you take.

About the University

Arizona State University is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and high-quality academic programs. The university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report, including being ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years.

Stackable Certificates

This graduate certificate can stand alone or serve as a main certificate toward a Master of Advanced Study. To complete the degree, students will stack a second 15-credit graduate certificate, allowing them to design a program tailored to their career goals and interests.

Conclusion

The online graduate certificate in human factors in forensic science from Arizona State University offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain specialized knowledge and skills in forensic decision-making and promote positive change in crime laboratories and the courts. With its flexible online format and stackable design, this certificate program is ideal for working professionals and those seeking to advance their careers in the forensic science field.