XAVIER UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Post-Master’s Certificate – Forensics
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
18 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 15-credit hour certificateProgram Length
- Online modalityDelivery Method
- Endorsed by American Holistic Nurses Certification CorporationEndorsement
- Small classes and personalized faculty attentionLearning Environment
This online Post-Master's Certificate program in Forensics is designed for experienced nurses who hold an MSN degree. It provides advanced preparation in the principles of forensic nursing, equipping graduates to address legal matters involving patients in various situations, from sexual assault cases to those requiring intensive clinical care. The program emphasizes integrating medical management with a deep understanding of recovery-oriented, culturally sensitive care, rooted in Xavier's Jesuit values of 'Cura Personalis' (care for the whole person).
Curriculum
The 15-credit hour Forensics Certificate is structured to accommodate working Registered Nurses (RNs) while upholding the highest clinical standards. The program consists of the following courses:
- Certificate Program
- Forensic Aspects in Population HealthCJUS 609
- Psychosocial Legal AspectsNURS 642
- Foundations of Nursing ForensicsNURS 648
- Nursing Practicum INURS 703
- Nursing Practicum IINURS 705
- Applied Interprofessional CollaborationNURS 779
Careers
This certificate prepares graduates for leadership roles in forensic nursing, enabling them to apply nursing processes to public or legal proceedings and conduct scientific investigations of trauma and death. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nursing Death Investigator, and Nurse Coroner.
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
- Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Forensic Nursing Death Investigator
- Nurse Coroner
Frequently asked questions
- Can international students apply to this program?
- No, this program does not accept international students. Additionally, due to state regulations, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all U.S. states for its online programs.
- What are the academic entry requirements for this certificate?
- Applicants must hold an MSN degree from an accredited nursing program, possess an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are completed, and have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, with 2 years being strongly preferred.
- How much does the Forensics Post-Master's Certificate cost?
- The tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $739 per credit hour, and the program is 15 credit hours. Additional fees include a Student ID Fee of $15 and a Graduate Student Association Fee of $15 (full-time) or $10 (part-time) per semester.
- When are the application deadlines for the program?
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for Fall 2026 entry is August 3, 2026, for Spring 2027 entry is December 28, 2026, and for Summer 2027 entry is May 3, 2027.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this certificate?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in forensic nursing, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nursing Death Investigator, and Nurse Coroner.
Entry requirements
Registered Nurse (RN)Must hold an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are completed.
Nursing ExperienceA minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required; a strong candidate will have a minimum of 2 years.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)Must hold an MSN and be a graduate of an accredited college or university’s nursing program. Transfer credits are accepted only from accredited institutions.
Due to state regulations, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all states into all of its online programs. Please check the State Authorization page for the list of approved states. This program does not accept international students at this time.
Fees
Tuition (international)This program does not accept international students.
Tuition (home)Tuition is $739 per credit hour. The program is 15 credit hours.
LivingNot specified.
Additional fees include a Student ID Fee of $15, and a Graduate Student Association Fee of $15 (per semester for full-time) or $10 (per semester for part-time). Tuition amounts are for the 2026-2027 academic year.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit Xavier University’s free online application.
2. Submit Official TranscriptsProvide one official transcript directly from every college or university attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Transcripts can be mailed or sent electronically to xuadmit@xavier.edu.
3. Provide Resume and Personal EssaySubmit a current résumé or curriculum vitae detailing professional nursing experience. Write a 3-page goal statement addressing your reasons for applying, your intended use of the specialty, your preparedness for graduate study, and your strategies for success.
4. Submit Professional ReferencesProvide contact information for three professional recommenders in the online application. An electronic form will be sent via email. At least one reference should be from a direct manager or supervisor, and two should be from individuals with a master's or doctoral degree.
Accreditation
The program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students apply to this program?
+
No, this program does not accept international students. Additionally, due to state regulations, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all U.S. states for its online programs.
What are the academic entry requirements for this certificate?
+
Applicants must hold an MSN degree from an accredited nursing program, possess an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are completed, and have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, with 2 years being strongly preferred.
How much does the Forensics Post-Master's Certificate cost?
+
The tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $739 per credit hour, and the program is 15 credit hours. Additional fees include a Student ID Fee of $15 and a Graduate Student Association Fee of $15 (full-time) or $10 (part-time) per semester.
When are the application deadlines for the program?
+
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for Fall 2026 entry is August 3, 2026, for Spring 2027 entry is December 28, 2026, and for Summer 2027 entry is May 3, 2027.
What career opportunities are available after completing this certificate?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in forensic nursing, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nursing Death Investigator, and Nurse Coroner.