Coastal Bend College offers a comprehensive pathway into today’s most in-demand public safety and investigative careers. Whether you’re drawn to crime scene investigation, want to serve your community through law enforcement, or plan to pursue a four-year criminal justice degree, CBC provides hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and transfer-ready academic programs designed to fit your goals.
Prepare for an in-demand career in crime scene investigation. Coastal Bend College’s Forensic Science program equips students with the skills to investigate, document, and collect physical evidence across a wide range of crime scenes. Students learn core scientific principles alongside hands-on training in crime scene analysis, documentation, evidence collection, and reconstruction.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, a rate “much faster than the average for all occupations.” This national increase in demand reflects the expanding need for well-trained crime scene and laboratory professionals across federal, state, and local agencies. Median wages for forensic science technicians continue to rise as well, with BLS reporting a 2024 median annual wage of $67,440, underscoring the strong employment outlook.
Industry-Based Certifications Offered:
• 3D Capture & Crime Scene Reconstruction
• Basic Property Evidence Technician (T.A.P.E.I.T)
• Foundations of Forensic Photography
• Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
The two-year Law Enforcement program prepares students for public safety careers in patrol, investigation, emergency response, crime prevention, and community policing. Students train using curriculum modeled after the Texas Peace Officer Basic Training Course as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), gaining foundational skills in firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, crash investigation, vehicle operations, legal procedures, and professional reporting.
Graduates are prepared to enter the field as law enforcement officers, deputies, state troopers, or private security professionals at the local, state, and federal levels.
Industry-Based Certifications Offered:
• Public Safety Supervisor (stacked certifications in communication, reporting, supervision, and field training)
This one-year curriculum supports current or recently employed correctional personnel seeking advancement. Students earn experiential credit for documented training and complete criminal justice coursework to strengthen their expertise in correctional operations, supervision, and offender management. Degree-plan details and experiential credit tables are available in the CBC course catalog.
The Criminal Justice Field of Study provides a transfer-ready two-year degree designed to match the first half of a bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice at any public Texas university. Students complete state-approved coursework that ensures seamless transfer into BA/BS programs across Texas.
Prospective Careers
Forensic Science: Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Analyst, Criminalist, Crime Lab Analyst, Evidence Technician, Latent Print Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Property Evidence Supervisor
Law Enforcement: Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper
Corrections: Correctional Officer, Detention Officer, Correctional Supervisor
Criminal Justice Transfer: Probation/Parole Officer, Pre-Law pathways, Federal and State agency careers