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Post-Master’s Certificate – Forensics

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Overview

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Already have your MSN degree? This certificate will prepare you to become a leader in forensic nursing.

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Xavier’s online Post-Master’s Certificate – Forensics program provides experienced nurses with advanced-level preparation in the principles of forensic nursing. At the completion of this 15-credit-hour certificate program, you’ll be prepared for legal matters which deal with patients ranging from issues such as sexual assault to patients needing intense clinical care.
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Calendar

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Application Deadline
Fall 2026
7/1/2026
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Why Choose Xavier Online?

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At Xavier, we don’t just teach nursing; we cultivate leaders. Our program is one of only 17 in the U.S. endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation.

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A Holistic Edge
Integrate medical management with a deep understanding of recovery-oriented, culturally sensitive care.
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Jesuit Values
Experience an education rooted in Cura Personalis (care for the whole person) and a commitment to changing the world for the better.
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Small Classes, Big Impact
Benefit from personalized attention from faculty who are active practitioners in the field.
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Curriculum

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Our 15-credit hour Forensics Certificate is designed to fit the schedule of a working RN while ensuring you meet the highest clinical standards.
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CJUS 609: Forensic Aspects in Population Health (3 credits)
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This course provides a review of forensic nursing science, forensic science/criminalistics, forensic anthropology and the criminal justice system through the lens of interprofessional collaboration and population health. Forensic nursing concepts addressed in the course will include a review of the expanded and collaborative roles in working with forensic scientists, criminalists and the criminal justice system. The specific areas for this course related to forensic science/criminalistics include the crime scene, death investigation, physical evidence, drugs and DNA. The introduction of population-health concepts will allow graduate MSN/MSCJ students to identify a population of interest (aggregate) related to forensic nursing while using evidence-based practices to develop effective approaches to care for victims of trauma, violence and crime. This course is intended to prepare graduate MSN/MSCJ dual degree nurses the opportunity to “apply the nursing process to public or legal proceedings, and apply forensic health care in the scientific investigation of trauma and/or death to abuse, violence, criminal activity, liability and accidents.
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NURS 642: Psychosocial Legal Aspects (3 credits)
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A comprehensive examination of the behavior, emotional responses, and cognitive decision-making of both victims and perpetrators of crime. Elements of victimology, as well as the psychosocial ramifications of the criminal act on the person, the family and the community will be explored. The expanded role of the psychiatric forensic nurse will be explored.
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NURS 648: Foundations of Nursing Forensics (4 credits)
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This course provides an evidence-based practice (EBP) framework for nursing care of the forensic population, their families as well as communities impacted by acts of violence and/or traumatic events. The EBP framework incorporates empirical and theoretical aspects from a multidisciplinary perspective in the planning and delivering nursing care. This course is intended to prepare nursing graduate students for further studies in various clinical roles such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nursing Death Investigator and/or Nurse Coroner.
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NURS 703: Nursing Practicum I (2 credits)
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This course is designed for application of theory and principles from all previous courses, with particular emphasis in education. Individually modified course objectives, supervised experiences, periodic seminar discussions, and written practicum logs are methods used to facilitate the learning experience.
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NURS 705: Nursing Practicum II (2 Credits)
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This course is designed for application of theory and principles from all previous courses, with particular emphasis in education. Individually modified course objectives, supervised experiences, periodic seminar discussions, and written practicum logs are methods used to facilitate the learning experience.
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NURS 779: Applied Interprofessional Collaboration (1 credit)
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Inter-professional care recognizes a culture of respect, concisely clear communication, interdependent care for client-centered outcomes, and integration of services through shared decision making. This course will provide students with an opportunity to practice across disciplines in teams to meet the needs of individuals, families and the community.
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Admission

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Xavier accepts applications to our certificate programs on a rolling basis. Once admitted into the program, you may start online classes in the fall or spring semesters.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
Start: Fall 2026

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Admission Requirements
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To receive acceptance into the online Forensics Certificate program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a registered nurse with an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are to be completed. A minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required, a strong candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience.
  • Hold an MSN and be a graduate of an accredited college or university’s nursing program (the College of Nursing will verify accreditation to ensure it meets requirements). Transfer credits are accepted only from an accredited institutions.
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Application Materials
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  • Free Online Application
  • Official Transcript
    • One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities that you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate course work. Applicants must have a degree from an accredited university. Send transcripts to:
      • Xavier University
        ATTN: Admission Processing Center
        3800 Victory Parkway
        Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
      • For electronic transcripts, send to:
        xuadmit@xavier.edu
  • Current Resume and Personal Essay
    • Current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining all professional nursing experience, including facility/organization name & location, position and employment dates.
    • A 3-page goal statement that addresses the following points:
      • Why are you applying to Xavier University?
      • What MSN track are you applying for and why? How do you plan to use the degree and specialty?
      • What experiences have prepared you for graduate study? (or have influenced your desire to pursue graduate studies)
      • Graduate school is challenging and a large time commitment, especially with working, family, other responsibilities. What are your plans and strategies for being successful in your graduate program?
      • We also consider the writing quality of this essay. If writing is a challenge for you, also address strategies to help you in this area.
  • Professional References
    • Three professional recommendations (Please provide contact information for recommenders in the online application. An electronic form will be sent via email). A strong candidate will provide:
      • At least one reference from a direct manager or supervisor who evaluates their clinical work.
      • Two references will be from someone with a master’s or doctoral degree.
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State Authorization
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Due to state regulations regarding the delivery of distance education, as well as requirements of each individual state board of nursing, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all states into all of its online programs.

View the complete list of approved states on the State Authorization page.
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International Admission
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This program does not accept international students at this time.
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Tuition and Fees

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Get More from Your Graduate Education with Xavier

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At Xavier, we understand that no two graduate programs and no two students are alike. Therefore, we structure every online degree and certificate program to address the unique needs of individual students and have created unique fee structures for each program as well.
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Tuition

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MSN: $739
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Fees

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  • Student ID Fee: $15
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 (per semester)

Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 4 semesters.

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The amounts listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year, and include classes from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated. For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs.

Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.

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