Forensic Science Education: Inquiry into Current Tertiary Forensic Science Courses

Abstract

Abstract Over the past two decades, the field of forensic science has experienced a remarkable development, immense mass media focus, and a substantially enhanced public profile. Consequently, forensic science education has been characterized by a rapid expansion in both the number of forensic science courses and the number of students enrolling in such courses. Despite the concerns such rapid expansion has created, very little remains published on forensic science education and on the curricular and pedagogical approaches adopted in forensic science courses. This article aims to generate a deep understanding about the current status of forensic science education in academia and the curricular and pedagogical frameworks adopted in forensic science courses. In order to fulfill this aim, a document analysis of 190 forensic science courses offered worldwide was conducted. Document analysis generated understandings of and insights into the way higher education institutes organize forensic science education, t...