American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission AAFS-FEPAC

Overview

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is a specialized accrediting body within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Its primary mission is to enhance and maintain the quality of forensic science education through formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs. FEPAC accredits undergraduate and graduate programs in forensic science and related disciplines, ensuring they meet rigorous standards that prepare students for professional practice in the field.

History and Legal Framework

FEPAC was established in 2004 as an official standing committee of the AAFS. Its creation followed recommendations from the National Institute of Justice's Technical Working Group for Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED), which identified the need for national standards and an accreditation system for forensic science education. FEPAC's accreditation process is grounded in the TWGED curriculum guidelines, ensuring a consistent and high-quality educational framework across accredited programs.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

FEPAC's mission is to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education through formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs. The commission's objectives include:

• Developing and maintaining rigorous, consensus-based educational standards for forensic science programs.
• Administering an accreditation process that evaluates programs against these standards.
• Encouraging self-evaluation and continuous improvement within accredited programs.
• Providing a recognized credential that distinguishes high-quality forensic science education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

FEPAC operates as a standing committee within the AAFS, with its own governing body responsible for setting policies and overseeing the accreditation process. The commission is composed of professionals with expertise in forensic science education and practice. While FEPAC is part of the AAFS, it maintains operational independence to ensure impartiality and integrity in its accreditation activities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

FEPAC plays a critical role in assuring the quality of forensic science education. It accredits programs that lead to bachelor's or master's degrees in forensic science or related natural sciences with a forensic science concentration. Accredited programs are evaluated based on established standards that assess curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, facilities and student outcomes. This accreditation process ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in forensic science and related fields.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

FEPAC's accreditation standards are recognized internationally and the commission collaborates with educational institutions and professional organizations worldwide to promote high-quality forensic science education. While FEPAC's primary focus is on programs within the United States, its influence extends globally through its adherence to internationally recognized educational standards and its participation in global discussions on forensic science education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

FEPAC's accreditation process has a significant impact on higher education by setting and maintaining high standards for forensic science programs. Accredited programs are more likely to attract students and faculty, secure funding and establish partnerships with law enforcement agencies and other organizations. Looking forward, FEPAC aims to continue enhancing the quality of forensic science education by updating standards to reflect advancements in the field and by expanding its reach to include more programs and institutions.

Summary

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is a vital entity within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, dedicated to ensuring the quality of forensic science education. Through its rigorous accreditation process, FEPAC helps to maintain high educational standards, supports continuous improvement and prepares students for successful careers in forensic science. Its role is crucial in shaping the future of forensic science education and practice.

FAQs

• What is FEPAC? FEPAC is the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, a standing committee within the American Academy of Forensic Sciences responsible for accrediting forensic science education programs.
• When was FEPAC established? FEPAC was established in 2004 as an official standing committee of the AAFS.
• What programs does FEPAC accredit? FEPAC accredits undergraduate and graduate programs in forensic science and related disciplines that lead to a bachelor's or master's degree.
• How does FEPAC ensure quality? FEPAC develops and maintains rigorous, consensus-based educational standards and administers an accreditation process that evaluates programs against these standards.
• Is FEPAC's accreditation recognized internationally? Yes, FEPAC's accreditation standards are recognized internationally and the commission collaborates with educational institutions and professional organizations worldwide.

Organization Name

American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission

Acronym

AAFS-FEPAC

Year of Establishment

1/01/2004

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

410 North 21st Street
Colorado Springs
80904-2798 Colorado United States

Phone

+1 (719) 636 1100

Fax

+1 (719) 636 1993

List of universities offering programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (AAFS-FEPAC):

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY
Probationary Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2017 - 01/2021)
504 College Drive
Albany, GA 31705
Student Achievements

(229) 500-2312
Zachariah Oommen, PhD
Professor of Forensic Science
zachariah.oommen [ at ] asurams.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Department of Criminal Justice
1201 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 934-0668
Elizabeth A. Gardner, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
eagard [ at ] uab.edu



ALFRED STATE - SUNY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Technology
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Physical and Health Science Building, Room 103
Alfred, NY 14802
Student Employment Student Achievement
(607) 587-4558
Wayne D. Bensley, MSFS
Program Director
benslewd [ at ] alfredstate.edu

ARCADIA UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
450 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Student Achievement
(215) 517-2675
Karen S. Scott, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
scottk [ at ] arcadia.edu

BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Forensic Science
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
72 E Concord Street
R806
Boston, MA 02118
Student Achievement

(617) 358-1188
Robin W. Cotton, PhD
Associate Professor
rwcotton [ at ] bu.edu

BUFFALO STATE SUNY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
Department of Chemistry
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Student Achievement
(716) 878-3067
Douglas Ridolfi, MS
Program Director
ridolfda [ at ] buffalostate.edu

CEDAR CREST COLLEGE
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science and Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering, Concentration in Forensic Science
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
100 College Drive
Allentown, PA 18104-6196
Student Achievement
(610) 606-4666 x3567
Larry Quarino, PhD
Director
laquarin [ at ] cedarcrest.edu

CEDAR CREST COLLEGE
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
100 College Drive
Allentown, PA 18104-6196
Student Achievement
(610) 606-4666 x3567
Larry Quarino, PhD
Director
laquarin [ at ] cedarcrest.edu

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Master of Science in Forensic Science and Law
Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Student Achievement
(412) 396-1703
Pamela Marshall, PhD
marshallp [ at ] duq.edu
(412) 396-1084
Valerie Lijewski
Lijewski [ at ] duq.edu

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree (Biology and Chemistry Options)
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Chemistry Department
College of Sciences
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
Student Achievement
(859) 622-7462
Jamie D. Fredericks, PhD
Director
Jamie.Fredericks [ at ] eku.edu

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Department of Computer Science
Wallace 417
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
Student Achievement
(859) 622-1925
Shuangteng Zhang, PhD
shuangteng.zhang [ at ] eku.edu

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree, Forensic Biology Concentration
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Department of Biological Sciences
STB 322
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(916) 672-1650
Khalid Lodhi, DSc
klodhi [ at ] uncfsu.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
(02/2019 - 01/2025)
4104 Libra Drive
Chemistry Building
Orlando, FL 32816
Student Achievement
(407) 823-1167
Tamra Legron-Rodriguez
Tamra.Legron-Rogriguez [ at ] ucf.edu

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree, Certificate in Forensic Science
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
1200 SW 8th St., OE116B
Miami, FL 33199
Student Achievement
(305) 348-2195
Anthony P. DeCaprio, PhD
adecapr [ at ] fiu.edu

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science
(01/2020 - 01/2026)

Department of Chemistry and International Forensic Research Institute
OE116
Miami, FL 33199
Student Achievement
(305) 348-6211
Jeffrey D. Wells, PhD
jedwell [ at ] fiu.edu

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Forensic Science Degree, Concentration in Forensic Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Forensic Toxicology
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Department of Forensic Science
2100 Foxhall Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Student Achievement
(202) 242-5766
Daniele Podini, PhD
Program Director
podini [ at ] gwu.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences
M/C 865, Room 355
UIC College of Pharmacy
833 South Wood Street
Chicago, IL 60607-7231
Student Achievement
(312) 996-2250
A. Karl Larsen, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies in Forensic Science
larsena [ at ] uic.edu

INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANAPOLIS
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Science and Investigative Sciences
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
IUPUI School of Science
732 W. Michigan Street
SL 206
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Student Achievement
(317) 278-1050
Christine J. Picard, PhD
Director, Forensic Science and Investigative Sciences
cpicard [ at ] iupui.edu

INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANAPOLIS
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree in Foresic Science
and Investigative Sciences
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
IUPUI School of Science
732 W. Michigan Street
SL 206
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Student Achievement
(317) 278-1050
Christine J. Picard, PhD
Director, Forensic Science and Investigative Sciences
cpicard [ at ] iupui.edu

JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Department of Sciences
524 West 59th Street
Room 05.66.20 NB
New York, NY 10019
Student Achievement
(212) 621-3751
Mechthild Prinz, PhD
Director, Associate Professor
mprinz [ at ] jjay.cuny.edu

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Honors B.Sc. Degree in Forensic Science (Single Specialization) and Honors B.Sc. Degree in Forensic Science and Chemistry (Combined Specialization)
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Department of Forensic Science
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
Canada
Student Achievement
(705) 675-1151
James H, Watterson, PhD
Department Chair
jwatterson [ at ] laurentian.ca

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Department of Biology and Chemistry
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24502

Student Achievement

(434) 582-2225
J. Thomas McClintock, PhD
jtmcclintock [ at ] liberty.edu

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Criminal Justice Department
820 North Michigan Avenue
LT 900
Chicago, IL 60611
Student Achievement

(708) 508-3676
Garry J. Bombard, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
gbombar [ at ] luc.edu

MADONNA UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree,
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
College of Science and Mathematics
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
Student Achievement
(734) 432-5514
Jodi Lynn Barta, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
jlbarta [ at ] madonna.edu

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Forensic Science Degree, Emphasis in Digital Evidence
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Forensic Science Center
1401 Forensic Science Drive
Huntington, WV 25701
Student Achievement

(304) 691-8931
Catherine G. Rushton, EdD, MSFS
Program Director
rushton1 [ at ] marshall.edu

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Forensic Science Center
1401 Forensic Science Drive
Huntington, WV 25701
Student Achievement

(304) 691-8931
Catherine G. Rushton, EdD, MSFS
Program Director
rushton1 [ at ] marshall.edu

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree, Forensic Chemistry Track
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Forensic Science Program
School of Criminal Justice
Chemistry Building, Rm 319
578 S Shaw Lane
East Lansing, MI 48824
Student Achievement
(517) 353-5283
Ruth Waddell Smith, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
rwsmith [ at ] msu.edu

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
322 Coulter Hall
University, MS 38677
Student Achievement
(662) 915-5143
Murrell Godfrey, PhD
Director, Forensic Chemistry Program
mgodfrey [ at ] olemiss.edu

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
Master of Science in Forensic Science
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
Student Achievement
(203) 932-7116
Fax: (203) 931-6073
Timothy M. Palmbach, MS, JD
Director, Forensic Science Program
tpalmbach [ at ] newhaven.edu

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
Master of Science in Forensic Science
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
Student Achievement

(203) 932-7116
Fax: (203) 931-6073
Timothy M. Palmbach, MS, JD
Director, Forensic Science Program
tpalmbach [ at ] newhaven.edu

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
Full Accreditation for the Certificate Programs in Conjunction with the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, Biology, and Chemistry
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
Forensic Science Program
Department of Chemistry
1155 Union Circle #305070
Denton, TX 76203
Student Achievement
(940) 369-8458
Teresa D. Golden, PhD
Director, Forensic Science Program
forensic [ at ] unt.edu

OHIO UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
249A Clippinger Laboratory
Athens, OH 45701
Student Achievement

Rebecca E. Barlag, PhD
Program Director
barlag [ at ] ohio.edu

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree, Forensic Toxicology and Forensic Biology Tracks
(01/2018 - 01/2024)
Center for Health Sciences
1111 W 17th Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
Student Achievement

(918) 561-1292
Robert W. Allen, PhD
Director, Graduate Program in Forensic Sciences
robert.w.allen [ at ] okstate.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science - Chemistry & Molecular Biology

(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Forensic Science Institute
100 N. University Drive
Edmond, OK 73034
Student Achievement

(405) 974-6915
Dwight Adams, PhD
Program Director
dadams8 [ at ] uco.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science - Digital Forensics
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Forensic Science Institute
100 N. University Drive
Edmond, OK 73034
Student Achievement
(405) 974-6915
Dwight Adams, PhD
Program Director
dadams8 [ at ] uco.edu

UNIVERSITY OF ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
2000 Simcoe St N
Oshawa, Ontario L1H-7K4
Canada
Student Achievement
(905) 721-8668 x2128
Cecilia Hageman, PhD
Director, Forensic Sciences
cecilia.hageman [ at ] uoit.ca

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 07/2025)
Forensic Science Program
329 Whitmore Lab
University Park, PA 16802
Student Achievement
(814) 865-7904
Wendy Hanna-Rose, PhD
Program Director
wxh21 [ at ] psu.edu

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Professional Studies in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Forensic Science Program
329 Whitmore Lab
University Park, PA 16802
Student Achievement

(814) 865-7904
Wendy Hanna-Rose, PhD
Program Director
wxh21 [ at ] psu.edu


SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
Department of Forensic Science
College of Criminal Justice
Chemistry & Forensic Science Building
1003 Bowers Blvd
Huntsville, TX 77341
Student Achievement
(936) 294-4370
Sarah Kerrigan, PhD
Chair, Department of Forensic Sciences
Director Forensic Science Program
sarah.kerrigan [ at ] shsu.edu

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science
(01/2019 - 01/2026)
Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute
111 College Place CST 1-014
Syracuse, NY 13244
Student Achievement
(315) 443-4880
Michael B. Sponsler, PhD
Director of Curricular Programs, FNSSI
sponsler [ at ] syr.edu

UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
(01/2020 - 01/2026)
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics
401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606
Student Achievement
(410) 991-1718
Kenyon Evans-Nguyen, PhD
Director, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
kevansnguyen [ at ] ut.edu

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic and Investigative Sciences Degree
(01/2017 - 01/2023)
Department of Entomology
MS 2475
College Station, TX 77843-2475
Student Achievement

(979) 845-9718
Jeffery K. Tomberlin, PhD
Associate Professor & AgriLife Research Fellow
Director of FIVS Program
jktomberlin [ at ] tamu.edu

TOWSON UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Chemistry Department
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252-0001
Student Achievement

(410) 704-2668
Mark Profili, MFS
Director of Forensic Science Programs
mprofili [ at ] towson.edu

TOWSON UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Chemistry Department
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252-0001
Student Achievement

(410) 704-2668
Mark Profili, MFS
Director of Forensic Science Programs
mprofili [ at ] towson.edu

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Department of Forensic Science
1015 Floyd Avenue
Box 843079
Richmond, VA 23284-3079
Student Achievement

(804) 828-8420
Tracey Dawson Cruz, PhD
Chair, Department of Forensic Science
tcdawson [ at ] vcu.edu

Catherine Cupples Connon, PhD
Undergraduate Program Director
cmconnon [ at ] vcu.edu

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree
(01/2016 - 01/2022)
Department of Forensic Science
1015 Floyd Avenue
Box 843079
Richmond, VA 23284-3079
Student Achievement
(804) 827-8597
Tracey Dawson Cruz, PhD
Chair, Department of Forensic Science
tcdawson [ at ] vcu.edu
Sarah J. Seashols-Williams, PhD
Graduate Program Director
sseashols [ at ] vcu.edu

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
750 S. Church Street
Schmucker Science South, Department of Chemistry
West Chester, PA 19383
Student Achievement
(610) 436-2880
Monica Joshi, PhD
mjoshi [ at ] wcupa.edu

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
1600 University Avenue
208 Oglebay Hall
PO Box 6121
Morgantown, WV 26506-6121
Student Achievement
(304) 692-0422
Casper H. Venter, MSc
casper.venter [ at ] mail.wvu.edu

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
Full Accreditation for the Master of Science Degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences
(01/2019 - 01/2025)
1600 University Avenue
208 Oglebay Hall
PO Box 6121
Morgantown, WV 26506-6121
Student Achievement
(304) 293-3169
Keith B. Morris, PhD
keith.morris [ at ] mail.wvu.edu

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