A Study of the FEPAC Accredited Graduate Forensic Science Programs' Curricula

Autor/in	Rushton, Catherine Genice
Titel	A Study of the FEPAC Accredited Graduate Forensic Science Programs' Curricula
Quelle	(2016), (141 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit Ed.D. Dissertation, Marshall University
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
ISBN	978-1-3696-6709-7
Schlagwörter	Hochschulschrift; Dissertation; Crime; Accreditation (Institutions); Criminology; Standards; Program Implementation; Graduate Study; Curriculum; Natural Sciences; Chemistry; Biology; Weapons; Program Evaluation; Student Research; Research Projects; Seminars + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Thesis; Dissertations; Academic thesis; Crimes; Delict; Delicts; Delikt; Accreditation; Institution; Institutions; Akkreditierung; Staatliche Anerkennung; Institut; Kriminologie; Standard; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Curricula; Lehrplan; Rahmenplan; Naturwissenschaften; Chemie; Biologie; Weapon; Waffe; Programme evaluation; Programmevaluation; Studentenforschung; Forschungsvorhaben; Seminar
Abstract	The National Institute of Justice (1999) and the National Academy of Sciences (2009) recommended that forensic science training shift from on-the-job training to formal education; however, the reports cited inconsistencies in the curricula of the forensic science degree programs as an impediment to this. The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) Standards were created to address this issue; however, no studies have been conducted to determine how the accreditation standards have been implemented by the FEPAC accredited graduate programs. This study evaluated the self-study responses (n = 11) and website information (n = 17) specific to FEPAC's Graduate Curriculum Standard to determine how the graduate programs fulfilled the FEPAC Graduate Curriculum Standard. This study also determined to what extent inconsistencies or consistencies exist among the accredited graduate programs' curricula. This study found that although FEPAC Accredited Graduate Forensic Science Programs exhibited differences (unique characteristics) among their curricula, they did not as whole exhibit significant inconsistencies (lack of agreement). All the graduate programs covered the natural sciences particularly as the areas related to forensic science, such as forensic chemistry and forensic biology. However, the programs' coverage of the comparative sciences, such as firearms and questioned documents was limited. Evaluation of the eleven FEPAC self-study reports revealed that on average these programs exceeded the required ten instructional hours specified by FEPAC as core forensic science topics required of all accredited graduate forensic science programs. All programs in this study required students to complete an independent research project as their capstone experience whether thesis or non-thesis. Additionally, all programs included a requirement for students to attend graduate seminar where students presented their independent research findings. Admissions requirements were similar for all programs with the exception of the prerequisite courses required for entry into the graduate program. The study found the FEPAC Accredited Graduate Forensic Science Programs' curricula consistent with unique characteristics among the graduate programs. The curricula were rigorous, scientific-based, and discipline specific. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.] (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01