The Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT): A Potential Tool for the Academic Assessment of Forensic Science Programs

Abstract

Abstract Forensic science college and university education, like college education in general, needs assessment tools to ensure the accountability and continued improvement of academic programs. Both forensic science educators and practitioners have vested interests in the successful student outcomes of forensic science programs and the need for rigorous high quality academic programs. The Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) may provide a viable and robust component of assessing the relative academic strengths and weaknesses of forensic science graduate and undergraduate programs and student outcomes. The FSAT potentially meets a specific component of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) Standard 3.2 Planning and Evaluation. The FSAT if used appropriately will help to gauge and improve academic collegiate curricula in the forensic sciences.