Human Factors in Forensic Science (Graduate Certificate)
Learn how human behavior, bias and decision-making affect forensic evidence. Build the skills to analyze errors, improve investigations and contribute to fairer outcomes in the justice system.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Human Factors in Forensic Science graduate certificate description
Human factors that involve motivational and cognitive biases can undermine justice by negatively affecting the collection, analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence. By accounting for human factors, forensic examiners can enhance the objectivity and accuracy of their work.
The certificate program in human factors in forensic science offers you an interdisciplinary education, a foundation in advanced research in human factors, and the skills to make a meaningful impact in the field. The curriculum features specialized coursework at the intersection of psychology and forensic science, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the impact of human factors on the forensic sciences. Courses focus on the way that limitations in human cognition can adversely affect the collection, analysis and interpretation of physical forensic evidence, and on identifying practical solutions to these problems.
You have the opportunity to join an exciting group of faculty and learn about the importance of human factors in promoting justice.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
15 credit hours
Required Core (12 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
FOR 525 Forensic Science and Governance (3)
PSY 506 Advanced Cognitive Science (3)
PSY 514 Fundamentals of Forensic Psychology Research (3)
PSY 562 Advanced Human Factors (3)
FOR 598 Special Topics (3) or
PSY 598 Special Topics (3)
The approved topic for FOR/PSY 598 is Psychology of Forensic Decision Making. Students take the course once for three credit hours. The course can be substituted with department approval.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate the limitations of human cognition in decision-making in the context of currently used forensic techniques.
- Formulate best-practice recommendations to mitigate the limitations of human cognition on forensic decision-making.
Evaluate the limitations of human cognition in decision-making in the context of currently used forensic techniques. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* | |
| Session B | Online | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this human factors in forensic science graduate certificate prepares you for
Graduates of the certificate program in human factors in forensic science have developed skills and knowledge that enable them to perform their jobs more effectively and that can be applied in a variety of professional settings within the field. Many job opportunities are available to graduates, including these positions:
- crime scene investigator
- expert witness
- forensic technician
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
NCGradOnline@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
