The Certificate in Death Investigation trains students to identify and carry out the key investigative tasks conducted at every death scene.
As the name suggests, medico-legal death investigators investigate deaths that are suspicious, violent, or unexpected, focusing specifically on evaluating the decedent at a death scene. Death investigators therefore tend to have medically-oriented backgrounds in fields such as anatomy, anthropology, or natural science, as well as broader training in forensic science.
Our certificate combines areas of study from biological and clinical sciences, anthropology, chemistry, and criminal justice. Courses include both lecture presentations and laboratory experiences that cover fundamental areas of forensic science and provide unique instruction on essential techniques. Guest speakers from the profession frequently are brought in to convey their expertise to students.
The certificate, when combined with a major in a laboratory science, provides preparation for the American Board of Medico-Legal Death Investigators national certifying exam and a career in forensic science. Students who obtain this certificate are more marketable for jobs in law enforcement, death investigation, pathology, and toxicology.
UWM also offers certificates in Forensic Science and in Forensic Toxicology. All three certificate programs are jointly sponsored by the College of Letters & Science, the College of Health Sciences, and the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. Students take coursework across all of these areas including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, anthropology, and criminal justice.
Download our fact sheet to the right to learn more about the coursework required for this certificate.
Upcoming Courses Offered
Declare Your Certificate
View Requirements