Criminal & Forensic Science at UCLA

Explore the world of criminal and forensic science through detailed crime scene investigations and deep dive intriguing case studies where you will have the opportunity to work in teams to solve crimes using cutting edge scientific tools.

Criminal and Forensic Science program for teens in Los Angeles

Program Highlights

Explore both theoretical and practical tools used in the field of forensic science.

Learn how to properly identify and collect forensic evidence - fingerprints, trace fibers, blood spatter, DNA, and more - through hands-on activities and scenarios.

Learn how to effectively present the significance and story behind select forensic evidence to various stakeholders and in a court of law.

Utilize case studies to solve simulated crimes as a team.

Apply the knowledge you learn by processing a mock crime scene and presenting your findings in a moot court activity.

Residential Tuition :
$5,998

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

Session 1:
June 22, 2025 July 4, 2025

Session 2:
July 6, 2025 July 18, 2025

Session 3:
July 20, 2025 August 1, 2025

UCLA
Los Angeles, CA

Testimonials

I learned a lot about law. Through this course, I have gained a lot of knowledge that has helped me understand the world better.

Alexander P.

Course Overview

“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.

Meet your instructor

Donna Thomas

Criminal & Forensic Science

Friction Ridge Comparison. She has worked in the forensic science discipline since 2007, performing latent print comparisons as well as processing crime scenes. She has been with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 35-plus years starting her career as a Sheriff’s Communication Operator and 911 Dispatcher.

Learn more

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.