About the Forensic and Investigative Science Program

We’re preparing students for more than a career as a crime scene investigator, like those glamorized on popular television programs. Here at Texas A&M University, the B.S. in Forensic and Investigative Sciences program prepares students for careers that involve the collection, preservation, processing and use of evidentiary information to solve problems.

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Program Mission

The mission of the FIVS program is to prepare students for a wide array of career paths, including graduate and professional schools, by providing them an inquiry and research-based learning experience to increase skills in problem solving, written and oral communication, and professional development.

  • Critical Thinking and Communication – Students will develop critical thinking strategies and enhance written and oral communication skills.
  • Academic and Experiential Development – Students will integrate academic foundations with experiential development.

Forensic and Investigative Sciences Learning Objectives

  • Synthesize academic foundation of forensic science
    • Demonstrate physical and life science competency
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the fields of forensics and the variety of opportunities available within them
    • Demonstrate the ability to collect, preserve, process, interpret, and present evidentiary information to address problems of a forensic nature.
  • Development of Problem Solving Strategies
    • Critically analyze different problem solving strategies
    • Develop logical arguments from different perspectives;
    • Design and communicate decision-making processes.
  • Demonstrate Written and Oral Competency
    • Demonstrate competency of both written and oral communication of scientific topics to a variety of audiences.

FEPAC Accreditation

Our B.S. Forensic and Investigative Sciences – Science Emphasis is one of two bachelor’s degree in the state of Texas that is nationally accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The Law Track (FIVL) is not FEPAC accredited but taught by the same professors and experiences available for the FIVS track.

The mission of the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is to maintain and to enhance the quality of forensic science education through a formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs. The primary function of the Commission is to develop and to maintain standards and to administer an accreditation program that recognizes and distinguishes high quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs.

FEPAC accredited programs have been rigorously reviewed and found to meet the standards for quality forensic science education. More and more employers are looking to FEPAC programs as the gold standard for forensic science education because they know that those graduates have received education in all necessary science courses such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, genetics, and others.

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Statement

The B.S. Forensic and Investigative Sciences program may lead to fulfilling requirements for a professional license or certification that is required or desired for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation, 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. The administrative departments that offer the programs have made the following determination regarding their curriculum.

We recommend students contact the appropriate licensing agencies or organizations to seek the most up-to-date information about licensure and certification requirements before beginning the program. For more information, visit: http://www.txcourts.gov/fsc/licensing/.

The B.S. Forensic and Investigative Sciences meets the requirements for the Texas Forensic Science Commission Analyst and Technician License. A determination has not been made for license or certification programs in any other U.S. state or territory.

Forensic and Investigative Sciences Enhancement Endowment

The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Enhancement Endowment was established to help preserve quality education for prospective and current students wishing to enroll in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Texas A&M University.

Your donation will go towards supporting the teaching, research and educational outreach activities that the Department does throughout the academic year with the Forensic and Investigative Sciences program such as student scholarships, faculty and staff awards, classroom and curriculum support, and distance learning.

Online gifts to the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Enhancement Endowment can be made through the Texas A&M Foundation. To discuss this opportunity and others, please contact  Carla Smith.