About Forensic and Investigative Sciences

Mission

The Texas A&M Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program aims to be a leader in forensic education, research, and professional development. Our mission is to equip and prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to excel in various forensic science careers, contributing to the advancement of justice and public safety by providing them an inquiry and research-based learning experience to increase skills in critical thinking, problem solving, written and oral communication, and professional development.

Objectives

• Educational Excellence: We strive to provide a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates the latest scientific discoveries and technologies. Our program offers two emphases: Science and Pre-Law, catering to diverse career aspirations. We are committed to maintaining our FEPAC accreditation, ensuring our graduates meet the highest standards in forensic science education.
• Innovative Research: Our vision includes fostering a research-intensive environment where students and faculty collaborate on cutting-edge projects. By leveraging Texas A&M’s extensive resources and partnerships, we aim to contribute significantly to the body of forensic science knowledge, addressing contemporary challenges and developing new methodologies.
• Professional Development: We are dedicated to preparing our students for successful careers in forensic science. This includes offering hands-on training through internships, research opportunities, education abroad, and practical coursework. Our graduates will be competitive for positions in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, and various governmental and private sectors.
• Community Engagement: We envision a program deeply integrated with the community, providing forensic expertise and support to local, state, and national agencies. Through outreach and public education initiatives, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of forensic science in the justice system.
• Ethical Leadership: Our program emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and integrity in forensic science. We are committed to instilling these values in our students, ensuring they are prepared to handle the responsibilities and challenges of their profession with the utmost professionalism.
• Global Impact: We aspire to have a global impact by collaborating with international forensic science communities and participating in global research initiatives. Our goal is to contribute to the worldwide advancement of forensic science and to prepare our students to work in diverse, international contexts.
• Continuous Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement, regularly updating our curriculum, facilities, and technologies to reflect the evolving landscape of forensic science. By staying at the forefront of educational and scientific advancements, we ensure our program remains relevant and impactful.

Strategic Goals

• Strategic Goal 1: Strengthen educational programs through modernization of methods and experiential education.
  • Continue to identify and query novel stakeholders to ensure our educational objectives meet the ever-changing needs of the public and private sector.
  • Collaborate with local, professional forensic science training organizations to ensure our students have the most cutting-edge education upon graduation.
  • Create courses and other educational experiences that focus on critical thinking, communication, and integration of a strong academic foundation to enable students to better develop critical thinking strategies and enhance written and oral communication skills to better serve our stakeholders.
  • Creation of both internal and external opportunities for students to demonstrate competency of both written and oral communication of scientific topics to a variety of audiences.
  • Develop and expand experiential learning opportunities through education abroad, short- and long-term exchange programs, and access to professional development offered to professionals in the industry.
  • Expand our collaboration with professional schools, graduate schools, and other continuing education programs through establishment of 3+2 programs, plus one graduate programs, concurrent licensing programs, and specialized training for professional schools.
• Strategic Goal 2: Promote ethical practices and integrity and instill a strong ethical foundation in students to ensure the integrity of forensic science practices.
  • Establish a code of conduct for participants in the FIVS program that aligns with professional standards in forensic science.
  • Integrate ethics training into all aspects of the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of unbiased and accurate forensic analysis and critical evaluation of situations.
  • Encourage participation in professional organizations and adherence to their ethical guidelines
• Strategic Goal 3:  Foster Community Engagement and Public Education through enhancement of the program’s impact on the community and raise public awareness about the role of forensic science in justice.
  • Partner with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide forensic expertise and support through student, faculty, and professional involvement.
  • Organize public seminars, workshops, and outreach programs to educate the community about forensic science.
  • Facilitate internships, educational experiences, and other interactions between students, faculty, and professional agencies to encourage hands on learning coupled with community service.
• Strategic Goal 4: Expand global collaboration and impact and position the program as a leader in the global forensic science community.
  • Establish international partnerships for research, student exchange programs, and collaborative projects.
  • Participate in global forensic science conferences and contribute to international research and education initiatives.
  • Promote the student’s research and educational achievements through publications in international journals and presentations at global forums.
• Strategic Goal 5: Ensure continuous improvement and innovation through ongoing evaluation and adaptation.
  • Formalize regular assessment and updates of curriculum, facilities, faculty, and technologies to reflect the latest advancements in forensic science.
  • Implement and formalize various feedback mechanisms for students, faculty, and industry partners to identify areas of improvement.
  • Pursue funding opportunities, grants, and alumni donations to support innovate educational initiatives and research by and for students.