A master of science curriculum in forensic engineering

Investigating the Need for Forensic Engineering Graduate Program to Meet the Growing Workforce Demand

“…Forensic engineering refers to the evaluation of failures or other performance problems in components, design, and structures using available evidence [1], [2]. The goal of this discipline is to identify problems in built structures and/or elements, understand the causes of failure, and solving them, thus improving the quality and safety of structures, and making them serviceable [2]- [4].…”

“…Educational institutions in the United States do not offer forensic engineering programs due to several reasons: (1) it is a multidisciplinary discipline instead of a standard engineering discipline including technical competency, legal knowledge, and interpersonal skills; (2) it is not well-known outside the field; and (3) the demand of forensic engineers is less in comparison to standard engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and electrical [1]. In fact, courses on forensic engineering are not widely offered [5].…”

“…In fact, courses on forensic engineering are not widely offered [5]. Thus, many engineering graduates have limited or no exposure to forensic engineering skills, including investigative skills, construction techniques, material analysis, architectural systems, and structural systems [1], [5]. Only a few American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited bachelor's degree programs under construction management and civil engineering curricula offer courses related to forensic engineering.…”

“…Natural disasters expose individuals to damages, loss of housing, and ultimately loss of lives. Hence, there is a pressing need for forensic engineers that can effectively and safely evaluate structural failures and poor structural performance of houses and deteriorated infrastructure [1], [5]. As such, integrating courses pertaining to this discipline is of utmost importance to engineering and construction education.…”