According to NAFE, the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, forensic engineering is defined as the ‘application of the art and science of engineering in matters which are in, or may possibly relate to, the jurisprudence system, inclusive of alternative dispute resolution’. In other words, when a structure (whether it’s a building, bridge, automobile, machinery, etc) fails, forensic engineers are called to the crime scene to examine and investigate the materials, products, structures or components that failed or did not operate as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property.
Forensic engineers have similar jobs to that of forensic scientists and crime scene investigators in ways that both are called to crime scenes to separate, collect and analyze evidence, work at both crime scenes and in a crime lab, determine a cause of structural failure, write reports on methods of activities, and even testify in court. Forensic engineers often times work for both the defense and prosecution in criminal and civil cases.
Forensic Engineer Education
To become a forensic engineer you must earn a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, this usually a 4-year program. There are only a few programs and colleges that offer courses in forensic engineering, which can make it difficult to find a program, and requires more research when applying to colleges. After you graduate, you must then become a licensed engineer in the State that you live. Generally, a new graduate must gain a substantial amount of experience and training before they are prepared to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering examination. However, once the exam is passed and you are licensed, you may then continue to complete the process to become certified in Forensic Engineering. According to the International Institute of Forensic Engineering Sciences this a 1-year process that includes:
- Demonstrating experience in forensic engineering
- Fitness in technical knowledge and ethics
- Complete an oral and written exam
Forensic Engineer Job Outlook
According to the last statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2006, forensic engineers ranged in salary from $66,000-$90,000 per year. Growth in the occupation is expected to grow 11% by 2016, and due to findings from other sources, this number is accurate in 2010. Generally graduates who earn a Bachelor’s degree in engineering make some of the highest salaries in the occupational world.
To learn more about the career of a forensic engineer, including their educational route, please click on the title of the article below.
Forensic Engineer Education – Find out the educational requirements set forth by forensic engineering committees and departments in the forensic engineering world. Learn which classes you will be taking, as well as info related to taking the licensing examinations.
Forensic Engineer Salary – Engineers make some of the highest paychecks in the world, however, most of us are stuck wondering ‘what helps them earn that much?’ Find out what you can earn in your State, as well as what you can do to improve your annual income after graduating.