Forensic Science | Westmoreland County Community College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 19-4092.00

Skills

WritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Law and GovernmentPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningFlexibility of ClosureNear VisionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

Tasks

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory technique
Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
Enter data into databases.
Operate drones to capture aerial footage or photographs of crime scenes for further analysis.

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareOffice suite softwareAnalytical or scientific software

Tools

35 millimeter camerasBenchtop mixersBiohazard suitsBlood collection kitsBody fluid collection kitsBreathalyzersColored camera filtersCrime scene evidence flagsCrime scene tape measuresCyanoacrylate fuming chambersDeoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kitsDesktop computersDigital camerasDigital video camerasDistance measuring wheels

Work Values

SupportRecognitionAchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium19-4092.00	Forensic Science Technicians	title_inference	$67,440 median$110,710 top	+12.56%	260

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Crime scene evidence collection — independently collect, package, and log physical evidence at moderately complex scenes while maintaining chain-of-custody integrity.
Investigative reports and case files — prepare clear, detailed written reports summarizing methods, findings, and laboratory techniques for routine case submissions.
Photographic and video documentation — select appropriate equipment settings and angles to fully document evidence and scene conditions without direct supervision.
Latent fingerprint development and comparison — apply multiple chemical and physical methods to develop latent prints and compare results against database records with limited oversight.
Crime scene diagramming — use CAD or mapping software to produce accurate, scaled sketches that reflect measured scene dimensions and evidence placement.
Morgue and field visits — conduct independent visits to morgues or secondary crime scenes to gather supplemental evidence and coordinate with responding personnel.
Courtroom testimony preparation — organize case notes and analytical findings to deliver accurate, concise testimony in straightforward legal proceedings.
Spreadsheet and database tools — maintain evidence tracking spreadsheets and query case databases to support ongoing investigations in a laboratory setting.
Analytical problem-solving — apply inductive reasoning to identify inconsistencies in physical evidence patterns and escalate anomalies to a supervising scientist.
Interagency communication — coordinate evidence handoffs and information requests with law enforcement and medical examiner offices using professional written and verbal communication.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.