Binghamton University - Academics: Schools and Colleges: Decker School of Nursing: Prospective Students: Undergraduate: Academic Programs: Forensics Certificate (Undergraduate)

Undergraduate Certificate Programs

Decker School of Nursing Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Health

This program is open to both matriculated students and non-matriculated undergraduate students who are interested in forensics. Interested students need not be nursing majors. The Decker School of Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Program requires the successful completion of the undergraduate courses in forensic health as listed in the options outlined below for a total of 6-8 credits depending on certificate selected for completion. The following certificate options are those that are available:

1. Option 1: Certificate in Forensic Health: Focus on Adults

Forensic Health Essentials
Forensic Health of Victims
Forensic Health of Offenders

2. Option 2: Certificate in Forensic Health: Focus on Children

Forensic Health of Victims
Forensic Health of Offenders
Forensic Pediatrics

3. Option 3: Certificate in Forensic Health across the Lifespan

Forensic Health Essentials
Forensic Health of Victims
Forensic Health of Offenders
Forensic Pediatrics

Course Descriptions

Courses	Title	Credits
N335	FORENSIC HEALTH ESSENTIALS: Overview of forensic disciplines, forensic assessment, the collection and preservation of evidence, death investigation, terrorism, DMORT, developing a forensic practice and basic civil issues, such as malpractice, child custody, elder law and personal injury.	2
N335B	FORENSIC HEALTH OF VICTIMS: Forensic health issues as they relate to victims of violent crimes, such as intrafamilial violence, sexual violence, stalking, workplace violence, homicide, and hate crimes. Content also includes victim needs and rights; responses to trauma; victim's resources; victimization of children, women, men, elders and persons with disabilities.	2
N335C	FORENSIC HEALTH OF OFFENDERS: Overview of forensic health issues as they relate to perpetrators of violent crimes, including intrafamilial violence, sexual violence, stalking, workplace violence, homicide, and terrorism, as well as crime classifications, relationship between animal cruelty and human violence, offender needs and rights, female offenders, juvenile offenders and correctional health.	2
N335D	PEDIATRIC FORENSICS: This course explores the intricacies of forensic pediatrics where children and adolescents are victims and/or offenders of violence. Topics include: the effects of violence on youth, interviewing and assessing children/adolescents, evidence, expert witness testimony, compassion fatigue & vicarious victimization, children of incarcerated parents, child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, sexual assault and exploitation, the juvenile justice system, delinquency, child delinquents, female delinquents, animal cruelty, arson, gangs, bullying, and child death investigation. The future plan is also to use this course structure for the upcoming nursing continuing education center that has been developed between DSON and CEO.	2

Interested students may also take these courses individually, if not interested in the certificate.

Students interesting in participating in the Decker School of Nursing Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Health should contact:

Mary E. Muscari, PhD
Phone: 607-777-5411
E-mail: mmuscari@binghamton.edu

In the semester in which you complete the requirements for the Decker School of Nursing Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Health, notify Ann Fronczek, Director of Undergraduate Programs. She will ensure that the Certificate is awarded.

NOTE: The completion certificate is not reflected on the student's official transcript, however, the completion of this program can be noted on the student’s resume.