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Forensic Identification

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Program Code: FI511
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: May, September
Program Length: 2 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

The only program of its kind in Ontario, the Forensic Identification graduate certificate program provides you with leading-edge forensic knowledge and skills for public and private policing and laboratories. Designed for students who are interested in becoming frontline investigators, the program’s unique hands-on approach provides expert instruction utilizing the most modern criminal forensic technology within a specialized curriculum. You will study advanced fingerprint development and analysis, physical matching of footwear and tool marks, DNA and blood profiling, fraudulent document examination, death investigations, crime and disaster scene management, rules of evidence, and trial procedure. 

Training takes place in our state-of-the-art crime scene studio and forensic lab located at the Humber Centre for Justice Leadership. This innovative facility features a simulation lab for processing forensic evidence from staged crime scenes including photography, fingerprint development, advanced evidence collection techniques and digital crime scene mapping. The Centre also features four interviewing labs for practising interviewing techniques. Finally, your forensic investigation skills and knowledge are put to the test in our mock courtroom. 

Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

Courses

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Course code and Name Delivery Type by Location
Course Code Course Name North Lakeshore IGS DL/Online
Semester 1
FID 5000 Introduction to Criminal Investigation N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5001 Crime Scene Management N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5002 Digital and Video Photography N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5003 Fingerprint Development and Analysis N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5004 Physical Matching N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5502 Crime Scene Mapping N/A In-Person N/A N/A
Semester 2
FID 5005 DNA and Blood Profiling N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5500 Disaster Scene Management N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5501 Advanced Friction Ridge Development N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5505 Court Preparation and Testimony N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5506 Death Investigations N/A In-Person N/A N/A
FID 5507 Forensic Technologies N/A In-Person N/A N/A

What Makes This Program Different?

While there are several universities that offer forensic programs with a theoretical science-based curriculum, Humber is the only public college in Canada that provides a comprehensive hands-on approach to forensic identification.

From day one, we'll have you in our state-of-the-art labs, such as our crime scene lab, forensic studio, interview rooms, and our realistic mock courtroom, working on a variety of engaging forensic-based projects. In two semesters, you’ll develop career-ready skills in forensics, making you a highly desirable candidate to employers in the Criminal Justice field.

man in white lab coat

Is This Program Right for Me?

  • Are you an analytical thinker?
  • Able to work under pressure?
  • Detail- and task-oriented?
  • Articulate and systematic?
  • Flexible in your expectations of working conditions?
  • Able to remain calm, focused, detailed, and on-task in the face of disturbing, stressful and tragic circumstances?

If the answer is yes to all of the above, then you would make a perfect candidate for this program.

female student investigating a mock crime

Projects You’ll Work On

In this program, you'll learn by doing. In our heavily project-based curriculum, you’ll develop expertise in forensic identification skills. Some projects you’ll be working on include:

  • Casting footwear impressions
  • Creating diagrams
  • Blood Spatter Experiments
  • Forensic Exhumation of a Body
  • Mock Disaster Scene
  • Creating a Crime Scene Model
  • Mock Crime Scene taken through the investigation and into a Mock Court Room

Learn from Industry-Expert Instructors

Our professors and faculty are made up of current and retired forensic professionals. They bring decades of real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom, and, are dedicated to providing support and mentorship on your academic journey, ensuring you're ready for this demanding but rewarding career.

Students will also have the unique opportunity to gain additional support from lab technologists who are familiar with the equipment in the fingerprinting and photography classes. Students will receive practical advice, support, and a friendly, helping hand.


Alumni Success Story

Olivia Buffo Meets the Challenges of a Fascinating Career With Passion and Pride

Olivia Buffo smiling

Olivia Buffo, Forensic Identification, 2020, spent over two decades pursuing the career she developed a passion for as a child. In her home country of Brazil, she completed foundational training at the academic and professional levels to ensure she was entering a field where she could find success.

When she moved to Canada in 2016 and found Humber College, her dream quickly became a reality. She is now a Scenes of Crime Specialist at Peel Regional Police and part of a growing department where she puts her studies into practice daily.

Learn in the Humber Centre for Justice Leadership

Students take classes in the Humber Centre for Justice Leadership, an 18,000-square-foot centre located on the Humber Lakeshore Campus. In the forensic lab – featuring leading-edge forensic technologies – get exposed to and become proficient with the latest, state-of-the-art forensic equipment.

Simulations are conducted in our crime scene lab, which features a small apartment in the centre of the classroom. Here, you’ll carry out forensic procedures and investigations. Interview rooms are adjacent to the classrooms to aid in practical forensic interviewing assignments. In our mock court, you’ll be tested on the admissibility of evidence in highly realistic scenarios where you will take on both the role of the crown and defence counsel.

We're committed to providing students with realistic working conditions, and sometimes, it's not always pretty. As a Forensic Investigator, you'll often have to work outside during harsh weather conditions, which is why some Fall classes will be set outside. For instance, photography assignments are sometimes done in the cold and rain, and the forensic exhumation of a body is carried out at a mock grave site on the Lakeshore property.

360° Crime Scene Lab

For mobile and tablet users, open the video in the YouTube app. For optimal viewing experience use Firefox or Chrome. Currently Safari does not support 360 videos.

Your Career

Upon completion of the program, graduates may find employment in:

  • forensic and pathology agencies (public and private sector)
  • public law enforcement such as municipal, provincial or federal police and regulatory agencies in a civilian forensic role
  • provincial agencies such as the Ministry of the Attorney General, Office of Emergency Management, Ministry of the Solicitor General, Office of the Chief Coroner, and Centre of Forensic Science

 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
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Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
May 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

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News Feed

Class Highlights: Fingerprint Development and Analysis

Class Highlights: Fingerprint Development and Analysis

Instructor Peter Gendi is thrilled to share the captivating moments of teaching students in the Forensic Identification (FI) program the art of examining various surfaces for fingerprints.

Read the Full Article
Global Speaker Webinar - Community Safety

Global Speaker Webinar - Community Safety

An exciting three-part Global Speaker Webinar was held for students in justice programs at the FSCS.

Read the Full Article
Motorola Summer Camp

Motorola Summer Camp

The Humber College Motorola Foundation’s First Response Camp ran for its inaugural session in July 2023.

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Debbie Harris, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3028
debbie.harris@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

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How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • A bachelor's degree, advanced diploma or diploma

    Admission to this program is a competitive process and preference is given to students with a Bachelor's degree.

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

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Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,282.90
  • international: $18,697.58

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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