To provide students with the practical skills, knowledge and problem solving abilities that will promote their advancement within the field of forensic science.
Objective
Students Will Demonstrate Competency In Research.
Students completing the Master of Science in Forensic Science will demonstrate integration of knowledge, skills and abilities through an independent research project conducted in an environment conducive to research and scholarly inquiry.
Indicator
Capstone Research Report Scoring Methodology
Consistent faculty-developed scoring methodology will be applied to the capstone research report for FS 615 – Forensic Science Capstone Course. The scholarly report will demonstrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge, investigation, and problem-solving ability.
Criterion
At Least 70% Of Students Will Score Satisfactory Or Better
At least 70% of students will be assesses as “satisfactory” or better using the uniform faculty-developed rubric.
Finding
Capstone Research Performance
All students (100%) performed satisfactorily in their Capstone Research in accordance with the faculty-developed rubric. Of the twelve graduating students, all received satisfactory final grades (A/B). Grades were assigned by a capstone committee consisting of at least three members, one of whom must be external to the program (or department) in accordance with accreditation standards (Forensic Science Programs Accreditation Commission). Overall student performance was more consistent this year. This is attributed to regular committee evaluations and formalized interim evaluations (3/yr) to review progress in the capstone course during their second year of study.
Action
Technical Writing Improvement
Continue to further develop technical writing skills to prepare students for the capstone course. Previous efforts including formal interim evaluations and incorporation of more technical writing into other core courses have met with success this year. However, faculty and capstone committee members still recognize the need for additional improvement. The program intends to incorporate a new course or topic that specifically addresses technical writing and professional communications during the coming academic year.
Goal
Develop Specific Knowledge Base
TBD
Objective
Detailed Competence Of Core Course Material
Students will command detailed competence of core course material in forensic science. The Forensic Science Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) defines the core forensic science topics that must be incorporated into the graduate curriculum. These include analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of analysis, drug chemistry/toxicology, microscopy and trace evidence, forensic biology, and pattern evidence. This objective specifically addresses student learning, development and outcomes associated with the core forensic disciplines.
Indicator
Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT)
The Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) was developed as an assessment tool for forensic science academic programs in the United States and is administered by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) and the content and administration of the examination were modeled on ABC certification exams. The FSAT exam covers core forensic disciplines including forensic biology, controlled substances, trace analysis, toxicology and latent prints.
Criterion
FSAT Performance.
At least 60% of students will score 574 or better, the mean score set in 2007.
Finding
FSAT Test Results
Twelve graduating students participated in the Forensic Science Assessment Test administered by the American Board of Criminalistics on May 6th, 2011.
The mean score for all twelve students tested was 559. Six students (50%) scored above the target of 574.
Action
FSAT
Graduating students in Spring 2011 did not meet the target of >60% achieving an FSAT score of 574 or higer. The mean score for graduating students was 559 (n=12) and the range was 438-713. There was an unusually wide range of scores this year, reflecting the wide ranging academic ability of graduating students. The FSAT results confirm faculty and department observations that the graduating class of 2011 were by far the most challenging to date. The MSFS Program is in the process of reviewing performance by discipline (topic) to determine specific curricular needs.