Trends in forensic science education: expansion and increased accountability

The programs initiated by various institutions to impart and popularize forensic science education are discussed. The Technical Working Group on Education (TWGED) has drafted a document that can be used by forensic laboratories to evaluate academic programs for future hiring and training decisions . The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) focuses on developing and maintaining standards and administer an accreditation program that recognizes high quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs. Overall, there has been a steady requirement of a significant scientific background for applicants, with an increasingly high expectation for areas such as criminalistics.