Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which educational programs, as well as laboratories, demonstrate that they have met standards set forth by accrediting agencies. Accreditation is a voluntary process of external peer review in which an accrediting agency grants public recognition to a program of study, institution, or laboratory that meets established qualifications and standards.
Marshall University is NCA Accredited, a member institution of the WVHEPC and a proud member of Advantage Valley.
The Master of Science in Forensic Science Degree Program is fully accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Science’s Forensic Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
Marshall University Forensic Science Center is assessed by ANAB and meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (ANAB 17025:2017 Forensic Science Testing and Calibration Laboratories Accreditation Requirements; FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA testing Laboratories: 2011 and FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA testing Laboratories: 2011).
Certification
Certification is a process whereby an individual receives public recognition by a professional certification agency for having met established qualifications and educational standards. Generally, individuals become certified by passing a certification examination such as given by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC). Graduates are encouraged to seek certification by the ABC.
Students are encouraged to become nationally recognized by the ABC by taking the Forensic Science Assessment Test (FSAT) prior to graduation.
In general, national certification is an excellent means of enhancing an individual’s resume and/or credentials. Certification is available from a variety of certification agencies depending on the specialty area of certification desired.
