Summer Springboard

Criminal Investigation

ON THE CAMPUS OF GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM: MASTER THE SCIENCE OF SOLVING CRIMES.

THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.

Criminal Investigation

  • Process a mock crime scene by mapping evidence, photographing the scene and collecting items using chain-of-custody procedures.
  • Lift and analyze fingerprints using magnetic powder, comparing details against “suspect” prints.
  • Examine simulated patterns to estimate where stains originated.
  • Investigate digital evidence, including photo metadata and mock phone records, to evaluate suspect alibis.
  • Develop questioning strategies and interview mock suspects and witnesses using collected evidence.
  • Present your findings as an expert witness in a mock courtroom trial.

Summer Springboard

Criminal Investigation

About This Course

Criminal Investigation will prepare students for a future career in law enforcement, forensic science, and criminal justice, and expose them to the investigative field overall and the various paths they can pursue. Students will learn a variety of skills and techniques, ranging from fundamental crime scene documentation to processing forensic evidence and conducting suspect interrogations, through a variety of hands-on activities and practical simulations. Skills and techniques explored include crime scene mapping and photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, digital evidence extraction, witness interviewing, and search warrant drafting. Students will have the opportunity to research a simulated master crime case, analyze physical and cyber evidence based on their findings, and build a comprehensive case brief. Ultimately, students will be able to apply the knowledge they’ve learned from the course through a simulated courtroom trial.

TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE

Hands-on Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning by mapping crime scenes, taking scale photographs, and analyzing physical evidence. They extract digital evidence, conduct live suspect interrogation simulations, and draft search warrant affidavits based on probable cause. Throughout the course, students analyze clues from a simulated master crime case to build a comprehensive case brief, culminating in a mock trial where they present their evidence, examine witnesses, and argue their case in a simulated courtroom environment.

Career Exploration

Students explore real-world careers by examining the day-to-day work of criminal investigators. Through guest speaker panels, career roadmaps, and site visits to justice and law enforcement institutions, students gain direct insight into professional pathways across law enforcement, cyber forensics, pre-law, and criminal justice.

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.

“I participated in the trial law program and I learned a lot of new things about trials and what it means to be a lawyer. I expanded my insight on the legal world and networked.”

-Lynn S. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Criminal Investigation

Meet Your Instructor

Instructor Information Coming Soon!

Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and I am very likely to recommend this program to others, I enjoyed the engaging curriculum and the incredible activities.”

-Jonathan F. | Alumni Student

Summer Springboard

Criminal Investigation

Dates & Tuition

2027 Dates
Session 1: June 20 – July 02, 2027

Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.

Tuition
 Residential Tuition: $5,798*
 Commuter Tuition: $2,998*

*Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.

Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.

Location
 City: Georgetown Neighborhood
 State: Washington, D.C.
Campus: Georgetown University

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.