Cold Case Homicide Seminar

CJ 485 Cold Case Homicide Seminar

Cold Case Program participants will gain real-world experience with forensic analysis, investigation, and the criminal justice system.
Students will provide the MSP with assistance in developing new information on unsolved criminal investigations.

Applications will be accepted for the FALL 2025 Semester from 12:01 am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 until 11:59 pm on Monday, March 31, 2025.

In collaboration with the Michigan State Police (MSP), the NMU Criminal Justice Department is offering two sections of CJ 485 Cold Case Homicide Seminar during the Fall 2025 Semester.

Available Sections:

Each student will be assigned to one of the following sections:

Section 1 (10 students) will be held on Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9 am to 10:40 am
Section 2 (10 students) will be held on Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12 pm to 1:40 pm

Course Description:

Students will work directly with Michigan State Police (MSP) detectives in their investigation of a cold case homicide. Students will gather, review, annotate, and analyze police investigative files and use such information to develop investigative leads which will be provided to detectives for their investigation. Special attention will also be given to a variety of forensic disciplines, technologies, and investigative strategies used in these types of specialized investigations. This course provides a hands-on application of best practices and procedures in relation to cold case units in law enforcement agencies.

Student Selection Process - Apply:

Only a limited number of students will be selected to participate in this course. The program accepts applications from students across NMU. All major and minor programs are encouraged to apply. To be considered for selection, you must meet the following criteria:

· Be an enrolled NMU student for the semester in which you are applying

· GPA of 3.0 or higher

· Junior standing by semester you are applying for (earned at least 55 credit hours)

· Have no other classes/work scheduled for the course dates/times you are applying

Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are now open. Student applications are being accepted from 3/1/2025 until 11:59 pm on 3/31/2025. Please carefully follow the application process described below.

Application Process:

Interested students must follow the below listed instructions and email this information to Program Coordinator Chris MacMaster at cmacmast@nmu.edu:

In your email, provide a statement of interest answering the following questions (itemize your answers to questions 1 thru 6):

1. Why are you interested in this course?

2. What are your career goals?

3. How does this course fit into your overall career goals?

4. Identify courses and experiences you’ve had that you feel have helped prepare you for this course.

5. What do you believe most qualifies you for selection?

6. Indicate your preference for placement into section 1, 2, or “no preference”.

Below your statement of interest, list the following information:

· List your major(s) and minor(s)

· Your class standing for the semester you are applying for

· Your current GPA

· Your anticipated graduation date from NMU (semester & year)

· Name of a NMU faculty member as a reference (list in the email)

· Someone capable of judging your potential success in this program

Attach the following PDF documents to your email:

· Current resume

· Your unofficial degree evaluation, this is not a college transcript

Any missing information in an application will be grounds for removal from the application process.

SELECTION PROCESS: The information you provide in the above email will be used by the selection committee to identify student applicants who will be considered for this course.

APPLICANT INTERVIEW: A limited number of students will be selected for an interview as part of the final selection process. Within 24 hours of emailing your application, you will receive a confirmation that your application email has been received. *If you do not receive this email confirming your application has been received within 24 hours, contact Chris MacMaster by phone at 906-227-1783 and leave a message confirming that you emailed your application (be sure to indicate the date and time you emailed it to me).

In mid to late March, each student applicant will receive an email with a link to an electronic calendar. You will be prompted to select your desired interview date/time from available choices. This will be for applicant interviews to be held during the week of March 31 – April 4. Available dates/times of interviews are on a first come, first serve basis so students are encouraged to apply early during the open application period.

Areas to be considered in the selection process:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Maturity and Professionalism
High motivation level
Patience
Creativity
Persistence
Seniority (class standing)
Strong research skills
Enthusiasm for the job

Students will be expected to work outside of the scheduled class period when required. Full participation in this course is required.

Because students will have access to police records and evidence in an open, active investigation, participants cannot discuss or reveal case information to unauthorized persons. Violations are punishable by law and will result in immediate suspension from the class and a failing grade.

Students must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) upon being accepted into the Cold Case Program. Students cannot be part of the program if convicted of a felony crime. Final selection will be made after successful completion of the following requirements to be administered by MSP: