Summer Springboard
Criminal & Forensic Science
ON THE CAMPUS OF UCLA
EXPERIENCE THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOLVING CRIMES AND EXPLORE THE PATH TO A CAREER IN FORENSICS AT UCLA
Criminal & Forensic Science @ UCLA
- Gain both theoretical knowledge and practical tools used in forensic science.
- Learn to identify and collect evidence including fingerprints trace fibers blood spatter DNA and more.
- Work through case studies in teams to solve simulated crimes.
- Participate in a crime scene simulation and process a mock crime scene.
- Present your findings in a moot court format sharing the significance of evidence.
- Visit the Culver City Police Department crime lab interact with professionals and observe real forensic tools.
Summer Springboard
Criminal & Forensic Science
About This Course
“It’s a match!”. We’ve heard it all across our favorite crime scene TV shows – NCIS, Law & Order, Criminal Minds – but just how realistic are they?
Forensics is a field focused on the scientific gathering and analysis of evidence that can ultimately be utilized in the legal field. Through Summer Springboard’s Criminal & Forensic Science course on the campus of UCLA, you’ll be introduced to the reality of what a crime scene investigator does, the process in which evidence is collected, cared for, and presented, as well as the various paths and careers you can pursue with a background in forensic science. Ultimately, students will apply the knowledge they learn by processing a mock crime scene and presenting their findings in a moot court scenario.
Whether you’re interested in policing, processing crime scenes as a Forensic Identification Specialist and Criminalist, or working in a lab, this course will help sharpen your investigative and observational skills while considering a range of scientific concepts.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Through crime scene investigations using evidence, including fingerprints, trace (hair/fiber), blood splatter and DNA analysis students will have the opportunity to put their newly acquired scientific and observational skills to the test. Collaborative projects such as working in teams solve crimes will also be explored.
Career Exploration
Forensic science is one of the most up and coming fields to explore. Crime scene examiners, medical examiners and lab technicians are just a few of the career options for those interested in Forensics. Students will have the opportunity to explore the many facets of the industry.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“There were fun excursions, both with the program and with my course. It was fun to meet other people and relate to those who I didn’t think I’d ever relate to.”
– Cassidy K. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Criminal & Forensic Science
Meet Your Instructor
Donna Thomas is a recently retired Forensic Identification Specialist II with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where she served for over 36 years.
Since 2007, she worked in forensic science, eventually leading major crime scene investigations and training new staff in latent print analysis. Donna holds a Master’s in Legal Studies, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a focus in Forensics, and two Associate degrees.
She has also served as a technical assessor for ANAB and presented at national and state forensic conferences on fingerprint analysis and forensic photography.
DONNA THOMAS
“Summer Springboard was truly the best way to experience a college lifestyle without actually being in college. The mentors were extremely kind and the courses themselves were beyond interesting. I met great people, and would do it all over again if I could!”
– Amanda M. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Criminal & Forensic Science
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 22 – July 4, 2025 |
| Session 2: July 6 – July 18, 2025 |
| Session 3: July 20 – August 1, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,998 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Los Angeles |
| State: California |
| Campus: UCLA |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.