Guide to Computer Forensics Degree Programs
Updated November 9, 2023
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If you are interested in fighting crime without attending a police academy or law school, computer forensics may be an ideaI fit for your career aspirations. The field combines criminal justice concepts with technological savvy. Computer forensic techs analyze the inner workings of computer systems and apply their knowledge of computer programming and hardware to their investigations.
This guide defines forensic computer science and explores several educational options to pursue a career fighting crime with tech skills.
What Is Forensic Computer Science?
Computer forensics is the intersection of computer systems and law. Because our lives are increasingly digital, this means that criminal operations also happen through devices like computers and phones. Computer forensics can trace locations, find hidden files, monitor communications, and more.
Degrees in forensic computer science cover topics like programming fundamentals, encryption, and law. Soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving can help students thrive in this field.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Forensics Degree Programs
Many computer forensics careers require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer forensics. Certificates or associate degrees in computer forensics can also complement a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or another related field. Master's or Ph.D. programs may help practitioners who want to teach digital forensics at the university level or oversee digital forensics teams.
Below, we explore the various kinds of educational credentials for this field.
Computer Forensics Certificate Programs
A computer forensics certificate typically benefits people with existing computer science degrees or field experience in computer systems management. Many programs require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree and programming experience. Thus, these credentials are not recommended for students intending to start a career in tech.
Each certificate program varies, but they generally cover basic and advanced digital forensics skills while exploring legal implications of digital activity. Schools offer these certificates in person and online.
Associate Degrees in Computer Forensics
An associate degree in computer forensics offers an introduction to the field and can help workers qualify for some entry-level roles in cybersecurity and IT. These programs can also benefit workers who already hold bachelor's degrees and want to transition to computer forensics careers.
Computer forensics associate degrees often include classes about statistics, cybersecurity, programming, and digital forensics. The curricula for these programs may also include internship or field work requirements, which gives students real-world experience.
Though schools offer associate degrees in this field, most computer forensics careers require a bachelor's degree. Often, learners can transfer their associate degree coursework toward a four-year program and pursue a bachelor's degree. Because associate programs at two-year schools often charge lower tuition than bachelor's degrees at four-year schools, transferring from an associate program to a bachelor's program can help learners save money.
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Forensics
A bachelor's degree in computer forensics is the minimum educational requirement for many roles in this field.
Classes typically explore advanced mathematics, statistics, and computer science topics. Additionally, learners take courses about subjects like cybersecurity, law, computer forensics, and malware. These four-year programs often require components like internships or capstones that let students synthesize their knowledge and apply their skills to real-world scenarios. Some schools also help learners prepare for relevant industry certification exams from organizations like CompTIA.
In addition to on-campus bachelor's degrees in computer forensics, enrollees can pursue fully online programs. Some institutions offer the degree as a concentration within a cybersecurity or computer science program.
Master's Degrees in Computer Forensics
Master's programs in computer forensics often require 30-36 credits of graduate-level coursework. Learners can typically complete these degrees in 1-2 years of full-time study.
A master's in computer forensics lets students further specialize their knowledge about subfields of the discipline, exploring topics like the legal system or encryption in more depth. Though master's degrees in other fields typically require research components like a thesis, computer forensics master's programs often substitute this project with a capstone or practicum.
Schools offer these programs online and in person. Though most jobs in this field do not require a master's degree, earning this advanced credential can help you qualify for upper-level roles, including managerial positions.
Forensic Computer Science Ph.D. Programs
Since digital forensics is a relatively new field, many programs at the doctoral level are offered as Ph.D.s in computer science with a specialization in digital forensics. Because doctorates are terminal degrees, this option is best for practitioners looking to teach or do research in computer forensics. The majority of digital forensics jobs do not require this degree.
Do You Need College to Learn Forensic Computer Science?
Most digital and computer forensics jobs require a college degree, usually at the bachelor's level.
However, if you want to learn more about digital forensics to complement your existing skills or deepen your knowledge before pursuing a degree, you can use YouTube tutorials or other self-teaching methods. Experiential learning opportunities with a mentor can also help you develop your understanding of digital forensics.
Computer Forensics Bootcamps
Though few bootcamp providers offer courses focused specifically on digital forensics, you can complete a cybersecurity coding bootcamps, which may offer skills related to digital forensics. These programs are typically often run online and take 3-6 months.
If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-tech field and want to pursue digital forensics, a cybersecurity bootcamp can help you develop foundational skills for in-demand careers in the field. Check with your employer to see if they offer reimbursement for a bootcamp as a form of job training.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Resources for Forensic Computer Science Students
FAQ About Studying Forensic Computer Science
What is forensic computer science?
Computer forensics employs investigative techniques, tech savvy, and legal knowledge to the analysis of computer systems, networks, data storage, and wireless communications.
How do I get started in computer forensics?
Most entry-level computer forensics jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in computer forensics or a related field like cybersecurity or computer science. Internships or part-time jobs in forensics or IT can further bolster your credentials. Professional certifications from organizations like the Global Information Analyst Council or CompTIA can also strengthen your credentials.
Can I work in forensics with a computer science degree?
Specific qualifications vary by job. Some schools offer forensics programs as specializations within their computer science degree, which means these credentials are typically comparable to a computer forensics degree. Some employers may also accept a general computer science degree if applicants hold credentials like professional certifications in cybersecurity or forensics.
Is computer forensics the same as digital forensics?
Often, the terms "computer forensics" and "digital forensics" are interchangeable. Some professionals maintain a distinction that computer forensics is a subset of digital forensics, where digital forensics encompasses all digital investigations and computer forensics focuses specifically on investigating hardware and storage media.
Last reviewed July 26, 2023.
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