Overview
Forensic science, the application of science to legal matters, has always captivated individuals with an interest and aptitude for investigation. Seen in popular culture through television shows such as CSI, it is easy to see how forensic science has captured the attention and interest of society.
Delivery mode: blended
- This program will be delivered as a combination of online and on-campus learning. While some of your coursework will take place online, there will also be in-person sessions.
- Faculty will notify students of when their attendance on campus will be required.
- We have put measures in place for your safety and well-being, ensuring that all safety protocols are addressed. Please see the BCIT COVID-19 page for details on the mandatory procedures that have been implemented.
- You will need access to a personal computer with video and microphone for the online portion of your program.
Your education is our priority and we will continue to deliver the applied instruction, collaborative experience, and industry connections that you expect from BCIT.
The goal of the forensic science program is to provide a strong scientific approach to an applied discipline by exploring both the theoretical and practical aspects involved with forensics. The curriculum covers key areas required by forensic investigators, including, but not limited to: Canadian legal aspects, evidence and expert witness training, crime scene processing, case management, death investigation, biological aspects (DNA, anthropology, entomology, odontology, etc.), chemical aspects (fingerprinting, firearms/toolmarks, photography/video/imaging, etc.), physical aspects, and a variety of elective topics.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Most courses may be taken for professional development purposes on an individual course basis without formally applying to the program. To request approval to take a course for professional development, email the Program Assistant identifying which course you'd like to take and attach your current resume along with a brief explanation of how it pertains to your occupation or area of studies.
This program has a two-step admission process. Applicants must meet all entrance requirements to be accepted.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
Contact the Program Assistant for a pre-entry assessment.
You must upload an approved pre-entry assessment from the program area to your online application.
Step 2: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English: two years of education in English in an English-speaking country with one of the following:
- English Studies 12 (67%) or
- English First Peoples 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- 3.0 credits of post-secondary English, humanities or social sciences (67%) from a recognized institution
What if I don’t meet these English requirements? - Completion of one of the following options prior to admission:
- Option 1: A two-year diploma (minimum of 60.0 credits) or associate or bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or
- Option 2: A minimum of 60.0 credits of courses fulfilling the requirements of the first two years of study towards the completion of a defined undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution (e.g. BA, BSc, BComm, BASc, etc) or
- Option 3: A minimum of 60.0 credits of courses from one or more recognized post-secondary institutions (minimum of 18.0 credits at second-year or higher level) or
- Option 4: Certification as a police constable and completion of 30.0 credits from a recognized post-secondary institution or
- Option 5: Meeting of alternate entry/exception policy. Contact the Program Assistant for details.
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Contact your local police department to obtain the appropriate forms - Letter for police department [PDF]
- Must be issued within one year of your application date
- The outcome of the CRC may influence your acceptability for this program
- Completed and signed applicant waiver form from the program area
- Resume
- Pre-entry bridging courses:
- 3.0 credits in Chemistry
- 3.0 credits in Biology
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Recommended for success
Attend an information session prior to applying for this program. For more information and to register for an information session visit the Forensics website.
International applicants
This program is available to international students who currently have a valid status in Canada. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Part-time Studies intakes: January, April, and September.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) lets student use knowledge and skills learned outside recognized programs to gain exemption for particular courses in the program. Contact the Program Assistant for details.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Part-time Studies tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Part-time Studies Tuition & Fees pages for more information:
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Program delivery
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
1. Core Courses 1.1 General Education (12.0 credits) |
Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
Mandatory courses: (9.0 credits) | |||
COMM 7200 | Report Writing and Workplace Communication for Forensic Investigation | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7001 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3.0 | |
LIBS 7002 | Applied Ethics | 3.0 | |
Elective courses: (3.0 credits) All students will be required to achieve these credits in accordance with the BCIT policy on Liberal Studies course requirements. |
|||
1.2 Applied Management (6.0 credits) | Credits | ||
BUSA 7250 | Management Skills and Applications | 3.0 | |
and | |||
FSCT 7110 | Case Management for Major Crime Investigation | 3.0 | |
or | |||
FSCT 7120 | Project Management for Investigations | 3.0 | |
NOTE: Whichever of FSCT 7110 and FSCT 7120 is not taken to fulfill the applied management requirement may be taken as an elective. | |||
1.3 Legal Framework: (6.0 credits) | Credits | ||
FSCT 7001 | Forensic Applications of Criminal Law 1: Legal Procedures | 2.5 | |
FSCT 7002 | Criminal Law 2: Legal Evidence | 2.5 | |
FSCT 7005 | Introducing Forensic Evidence at Trial | 1.0 | |
1.4 Investigative Framework: (8.0 credits) | Credits | ||
FSCT 7230 | Forensic Interviewing 1 | 2.0 | |
FSCT 7310 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3.0 | |
FSCT 7320 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3.0 | |
2. Specialty Courses: (19.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Students must complete a minimum of 12.0 credits from any one of Group A, B, or C. The remaining 7 credits may be taken from any of A, B, and C, and/or from the electives, for a total of 19.0 credits. |
|||
FSCT 8110 | Human Remains Recovery | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8120 | Forensic Odontology | 2.0 | |
FSCT 8130 | Forensic Pathology | 1.0 | |
FSCT 8140 | Forensic Entomology | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8150 | Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Theory | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8160 | Forensic Biology: DNA Typing Applications | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8170 | Human Osteology | 3.0 | |
Group B - Chemical Aspects | |||
FSCT 8210 | Explosive and Fire Accelerants | 2.0 | |
FSCT 8220 | Trace Chemical Evidence | 2.0 | |
FSCT 8230 | The Medicolegal Aspects of Alcohol | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8240 | Forensic Toxicology | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8250 | Drug Analysis | 3.0 | |
Group C - Physical Aspects | |||
FSCT 8302 | Advanced Digital Imaging Techniques | 2.0 | |
FSCT 8303 | Geographic Profiling 1 | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8304 | Geographic Profiling 2 | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8310 | Questioned Document Examination | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8320 | The Science of Fingerprints - Theory | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8330 | Principles and Methods of Firearms and Toolmark Examination | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8340 | Forensic Photography | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8350 | Forensic Video Technologies | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8351 | CCTV and Forensic Examination | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8352 | Forensic Video Examinations | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8353 | Forensic Video Analysis: Advanced Tools & Techniques | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8354 | Forensic Video Analysis: Photographic/Video Comparison | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8360 | Forensic Imaging Techniques | 3.0 | |
Electives: | Credits | ||
FSCT 8010 | Forensic Behavioural Science | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8101 | Forensic Anthropology 2: Urban Crime Scene | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8102 | Selected Topics in Forensic Investigation | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8201 | Environmental Forensic Investigations | 2.0 | |
FSCT 8301 | Forensic Art | 1.0 | |
FSCT 8155 | Forensic Biology: Evidence Recovery | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8156 | Instrumental Analysis for Forensic Chemistry | 3.0 | |
NOTE: Whichever of FSCT 7110 and FSCT 7120 is not taken to fulfill the applied management requirement may be taken as an elective. | |||
3. Graduation Project/Internship (12.0 credits) | Credits | ||
In order to graduate, all students are required to complete a graduation project comprised of four capstone courses. | |||
FSCT 7910 | Research Methodology and Measurement Models | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8611 | Graduation Project 1 | 3.0 | |
FSCT 8621 | Graduation Project 2 | 4.0 | |
FSCT 8631 | Graduation Project 3 | 2.0 | |
4. Workplace Education | Credits | ||
This course is associated with the 200 hours of relevant work experience required for graduation. You are responsible for finding your own work placements under the guidance of the program coordinator. Once you have secured a work placement, you will need to enrol in the below course. | |||
FSCT 0000 | Workplace Education Course* | ||
*Due to COVID-19, the 200-hour work experience requirement is being waived until further notice. For more information, contact your program coordinator. |
|||
Total Credits: | 63.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
There are core subjects that are required, whether you are pursuing an Advanced Certificate or a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree, including:
- Three legal framework courses
- One or more courses to give you the investigative framework for your work
- A number of elective courses to support your area of specialization and to provide a broader knowledge of applied management and/or investigative skills
A total of 24 credits must be completed to achieve an Advanced Certificate in Forensic Science Technology (Forensic Science Studies). Contact Dave McKay, Program Coordinator, at 604.432.8238 for the Advanced Certificate program matrix or for further information on this course of study.
If you are pursuing a BTech in Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Studies), you will also complete:
- Several courses in liberal education, including critical reading/writing and ethics
- Courses in applied management
- More courses related to the investigative framework
- More electives related to your career goals
- A graduation project
A total of 60 credits are required to achieve this degree.
You will be learning state-of-the art techniques using current technology and tools. Most courses involve in-class lecture and may also include laboratory instruction as well. Working on case studies and projects will enhance your classroom learning, which is designed to give you the theory and knowledge that you will need on the job.
Several courses in the Forensic Science studies involve simulated crime scenes where you will apply what you’ve learned in how to properly collect evidence. You will gain hands-on experience in video and imaging courses using the individual workstations which are built upon the Avid Xpress Pro platform, which is the industry standard editing toolset complete with forensic filters developed by Ocean Systems.
As this program is geared to working professionals, courses are generally offered in the evenings and on weekends and occasionally in week-long daytime format. A few courses are available online.
Program length
The Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation must be completed within seven years from acceptance into the program.
Grading
Depending on the course learning outcomes, students will be graded on a combination of the following:
- Participation in in-class exercises
- Participation in and completion of case studies
- Participation in discussion forums
- Submission of completed projects
- Submission of completed assignments
- Quizzes
- Mid-term and final examinations
The minimum passing grade for each course is 60%.
Additional program options
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Courses are also offered through distance and online learning.
Program structure
Components | Credits | |||||||||
1. Core Courses | 32.0 | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
2. Specialty Courses | 19.0 | |||||||||
3. Graduation Project/Internship | 12.0 | |||||||||
Total | 63.0 |
In addition, students must complete a minimum of three months relevant work experience prior to program completion. The work experience must be reviewed and approved by the Program Coordinator. Contact the Program Coordinator for further details.
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Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates from the Forensic Science option may be employed in a range of investigative positions, depending on the student’s academic background and work experience. This may include:
- Technologist, Analyst or Scientist (with an advanced degree(s)) in a Forensic Laboratory
- Police Officer (i.e. Forensic Identification section)
- Coroner
A credential – a degree or certificate – in Forensic Studies will be a good supplement to your existing education. More importantly, it may open new doors for you; possibly put you in a position for a promotion or allow you to transition into a new career area.
Perhaps you are a professional who utilizes forensic laboratory services and wishes to have a greater understanding of the collection and analysis of evidence. Or you are in loss prevention or security management requiring skills to analyze analogue and digital security footage. You might even be a registered nurse seeking the forensic insights to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to investigate crime, violence and trauma. Whichever career path you’re on, this program is for you.
Because our instructors are experts in the field, you will benefit from direct access to these professionals who know the job landscape, have good contacts, and can provide you with a realistic picture of related careers.
Potential employers include organizations such as federal and municipal law enforcement agencies, the RCMP Forensic Laboratory Services, the BC Coroner Service and a range of public and private sector organizations that utilize video/digital technology for security purposes.
Graduates are also eligible to apply to our Graduate Certificate Program in Forensic Health Sciences.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2019-2021 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2018-2020 graduates and for Degree 2016-2018 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Students must complete a minimum of three months relevant work experience prior to program completion. The work experience must be reviewed and approved by the Program Coordinator. Contact the Program Coordinators for further details.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
David McKay, Program Coordinator
604.432.8238
email: david_mckay@bcit.ca
Fiona Kerr, Program Assistant
email: fkerr@bcit.ca
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Contact Us
David McKay, Program Coordinator
604.432.8238
email: david_mckay@bcit.ca
Fiona Kerr, Program Assistant
email: fkerr@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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