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Northern Michigan University Eighth District Cold Case Team logo

CJ 485 Cold Case Homicide Seminar

Applications being accepted for the Fall 2024 Semester until 4:00pm Friday, March 29, 2024

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.

Limited Participants / Student Selection Process:

Only a limited number of students will be selected to participate in this course. Students will be considered from these programs: Criminal Justice, Anthropology, Forensic Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Cyber Defense and Computer Science. Interested students are encouraged to apply.

Student Application Process: 

Students interested in applying must submit all of the following in an email to Instructor Christopher MacMaster:

  • A statement of interest (attach as a PDF document) indicating the following:
    • Why you are interested in this course
    • Your career goals
    • How this course would fit into your overall career goals
    • Indicate what you believe most qualifies you for selection
    • Your GPA along with your current class standing (junior, senior, etc.)
    • Identify courses and experiences you’ve had that you feel have helped prepare you for this course                    
  • Provide the name of a faculty member as a reference (list in the email)
  • Your current resume (PDF document) 
  • Most recent unofficial degree evaluation (PDF document), not a college transcript

This information will be used by the selection committee to identify students who will be selected for this course. A limited number of students will be interviewed for the final selection. Any missing information will be grounds for removal from the selection process.

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

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4 female students writing on a whiteboard

Special Course Requirements

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.

Therefore, students must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and final selection will be made after successful completion of the following requirements to be administered by MSP:

  • Background investigation
  • Criminal history query
  • Fingerprint check

Applicant Deadline/Important Dates

All applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, March 29, 2024 in order to be considered for selection into this course.  Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible during the open application period.  No late applications will be accepted. 

Qualified applicants will be contacted by email in order to schedule an interview date/time.

Students selected for this course will receive notification via email by or prior to 4:00 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Questions may be directed to Instructor Christopher MacMaster at 906-227-1783 or cmacmast@nmu.edu.

Interested students are encouraged to apply!