Forensic Specialization Effects on Professional Academy of the Philippines Criminology Students

This study examines the effects of forensic science specialization on criminology students at the Professional Academy of the Philippines (PAP) during the 2024-2025 academic year. As forensic science has become increasingly integral to criminal investigations and justice systems worldwide, its integration into criminology curricula presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education institutions. Through a comprehensive mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and academic performance analysis, this research investigates the perceived benefits and challenges of forensic science specialization among third and fourth-year criminology students across four specialization tracks: Forensic Ballistics, Fingerprint Identification, Lie Detection, and Questioned Documents Examination. The findings reveal that forensic science specialization significantly enhances critical thinking (85% of students reported improvements), analytical skills (82%), and technical competencies (78%). Students demonstrated increased confidence in evidence handling, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis techniques, with 73% reporting enhanced career readiness. However, notable challenges were identified including complex scientific terminology comprehension (68% of students), foundational knowledge gaps (61%), resource limitations for practical training (55%), and time management difficulties (49%). The study demonstrates that students who completed forensic science specializations acquired multiple professional attributes including determination (91%), responsibility (88%), flexibility (71%), and resilience (69%). Career outcomes indicate strong employment prospects, with forensic science technician positions projected to grow 13-14% through 2034, offering median salaries of $67,440 annually according to 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These findings have important implications in criminology programs. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on forensic science education and provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing curricula in the Philippine context and beyond.