Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigation

The graduate certificate in forensic investigation is designed for forensic sciences professionals who want to enhance their credentials and advance their careers. Proficiency in crime scene investigation and mastery of the techniques used to collect evidence are essential to success in the field. To foster this expertise, students pursue coursework including homicide investigation, forensic pathology and crime scene photography.

As part of GW’s prestigious Department of Forensic Sciences, students in the forensic investigation program learn from a faculty comprising experts and experienced forensic sciences practitioners. Students also have access to the department’s state-of-the-art laboratories, and are in close proximity to federal crime labs and investigatory agencies in the Washington, DC, area.

Upon completion of the forensic investigation graduate certificate, students can apply to GW’s master of science (MS) in crime scene investigation program after taking the GRE examination. Coursework from the forensic investigation graduate certificate program can count toward 18 credits of the MS program.

This is a STEM-designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall – July 1 (April 1 for international applicants who require a F-1 or J-1 visa)
	Spring - November 1 (October 1 for international applicants who require a F-1 or J-1 visa)
Standardized Test Scores:	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
	Minimum scores for the Certificate program are:
	- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0; or
	- TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based; or
	- PTE Academic: 53
	Students who are amitted with the requirement to take an English for Academic Purposes course must be available to take this course in the summer preceding enrollment in the program.
Recommendations required:	One (1) recommendation
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
	If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.
International applicants only:	Please note: international students who require a student visa from GW are not eligible to apply for admission to this program.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 18 credits, including 15 credits in required courses and one 3-credit elective course.