Online Master’s Degrees in Digital Forensics

Types of Digital Forensics Master’s Degrees

Online education has expanded access to higher education, meaning students can choose to earn degrees on-campus or online through accredited colleges and universities. When researching digital forensics master’s degree programs, it’s important to note that each type of program has unique benefits for students.

The first consideration is whether the program is offered on-campus or online. Students who can take time off from work or are in-between careers may choose an on-campus program. By comparison, a student who lives far from a university campus, works full-time, or needs a flexible schedule for familial responsibilities may find an online program is a better fit for their needs.

After choosing an on-campus or online program, a second consideration is which type of digital forensics degree to pursue. Some digital forensics degree programs are more computer science-based, while others blend computer science with management courses. Some master’s of science degrees specialize in information security or digital forensics.

Here’s a list of common types of digital forensics master’s degrees:

• Master of science in digital forensics
• Master of science in cybersecurity
• Master of professional studies with a digital forensics specialty
• Master of science in information security
• Master of science in information assurance
• Master of science with a computer forensics specialty

Master’s Degree Programs in Digital Forensics

National University: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

This online program provides training in assessing external and internal vulnerabilities of various systems. It includes instruction on ensuring security and analyzing risk assessments and general project management skills. Students take 40.5 units of core classes and 18 specialization credits in either ethical hacking and pen testing or enterprise cybersecurity management.

The program also discusses cybersecurity’s legal and ethical aspects at state, federal, and international levels. The program is available online or on-campus at 49 locations nationwide, including many U.S. military bases.

• Location: La Jolla, CA
• Courses: Cybersecurity technology; wireless and mobile security; cloud security; network security monitoring; threat modeling; and cybersecurity toolkit utilization
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Estimated Tuition: $442 per quarter-unit, or $1,989 per 4.5-quarter-unit course

Penn State World Campus: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security (Information Security and Forensics Option)

This 33-credit online program offers advanced training in cyber threats and defense, including network security, risk assessment, and security policy development. Instructors discuss current issues such as privacy protection, compliance, and security audits.

Penn State has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). The designation demonstrates Penn State’s commitment to academic excellence in assurance education and information cybersecurity.

Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in areas such as risk management and analysis, information assurance engineering, information security or digital forensics, computer systems security analysis, systems integration and networks, and intelligence analysis.

Notably, Penn State also offers a 15-credit graduate certificate in information systems cybersecurity, twelve credits of which may apply towards the master of professional studies in homeland security – information security and forensics option.

• Location: University Park, PA
• Courses: Homeland security administration: policies and programs; homeland security: social and ethical issues; violence, threats, terror, and insurgency; computer and cyber forensics; information security management; network management and security; and foundations of information security and assurance
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Estimated Tuition: $1,007 per credit, or $12,082 per semester

Norwich University Online: Master of Science in Cybersecurity

This distance-based MS program in cybersecurity helps students in developing the management skills and business acumen needed for leading the field. Norwich University has also been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

The curriculum of this 36-credit specialized program blends the technical and management aspects of an information security or assurance program, enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills required for protecting their organization and its information.

Students in this program will be able to tailor their learning experience with six concentration options: Computer forensic investigation and incident response team management; cyber law & international perspectives on cyberspace; critical infrastructure protection & cybercrime; project management; procurement and government contract management; and vulnerability management.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent, a completed online application, a current resume indicating three professional references, official transcripts, a letter of intent, and proof of English language proficiency for students whose first language is not English.

• Location: Northfield, VT
• Courses: Foundations and historical underpinnings of information assurance; information assurance technology; human factors and managing risk; and information assurance management & analytics
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Estimated Tuition: $850 per credit

John Jay College of Criminal Justice: Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity

This online digital forensics program, referred to as “D4CS,” requires 33 credits and the choice to complete a thesis project, pass an exam for the certificate in applied digital forensic science, or complete six additional elective credits. Students receive an overview of computer science, forensics, and law and justice topics, which prepares them to advance in their workforce or continue with doctoral training.

Applicants to the program must have a computer science background and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Additional application requirements include three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Graduates will be able to pursue a variety of career paths in cybersecurity, information assurance, and digital forensics, such as digital forensic analysts, cyber investigators, cyber incident analyst responders, network security analysts, cybersecurity analysts, and information assurance consultants.

• Location: New York, NY
• Courses: The law and high technology crime; network security; architecture and vulnerabilities of operating systems; digital forensic applications; forensic management of digital evidence; network forensics; and crime scene investigation
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($470 per credit); out-of-state ($855 per credit)

Champlain College Online: Master of Science in Digital Forensics

This fully online program includes 30 to 36 credits that can be finished in one to six years. The curriculum offers an overview of legal issues and technical challenges, including accessing different digital devices. Notably, the Department of Defense’s Cyber Crime Center has declared the program a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence. Students use virtual environments to simulate real-world conditions and work with various software.

Upon successfully completing the program, graduates can take up roles such as computer forensics investigators, digital forensics examiners, digital forensics analysts, and digital forensics consultants.

• Location: Burlington, VT
• Courses: Information technology and security; digital forensic science; the practice of digital investigations; scripting for digital forensics; operating system analysis; incident response and network forensics; mobile device analysis; digital investigations for civil litigation; and legal principles of digital investigations
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Estimated Tuition: $795 per credit

Capella University: Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

This online program focuses on the skills to investigate incidents related to data and assets. It covers the various legal challenges surrounding digital investigations and includes opportunities to work and practice in a virtual lab. Notably, the DHS and NSA have recognized the program for excellence.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited with a minimum GPA of 2.3, a background acknowledgment form, a valid, government-issued form of photo identification, and proof of English proficiency for students who have completed their most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States. GMAT or GRE are not required for admission.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Courses: Data engineering; digital forensics processes; digital forensics tools; programming for security professionals; network architecture and cyber operations; operating system defense; information security regulatory and legal environment; and network security fundamentals and cryptography
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Stevenson University Online: Master’s in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Students learn to acquire, analyze, preserve, and document electronic data and digital evidence needed for security or legal purposes. Faculty members discuss current cybercrime plus how to design appropriate responses. A highlight of the 36-credit online program is an intrusion simulation which lets students demonstrate their knowledge and abilities as investigators to detect and analyze the attack.

The program is part of the school’s Center for Forensic Excellence, which provides cybersecurity services to the surrounding community. The major admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree in a technical or quantitative field of study or related professional work experience, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, a personal statement, official college transcripts, and a completed online application. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Graduates of the program can pursue roles such as cyber security engineers, cyber security analysts, network engineers or architects, cyber crime analysts, cyber security architects, and IT auditors.

Stevenson also offers a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and digital forensics, a graduate certificate in digital forensics, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in digital forensics.

• Location: Owings Mill, MD
• Courses: Incident response and evidence collection; windows forensic examinations; network penetration testing; legal compliance and ethics; malware detection, analysis, and prevention; mock intrusion and response; file systems forensic analysis; and windows intrusion forensic investigations
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Estimated Tuition: $695 per credit

Sam Houston State University: Master of Science in Digital Forensics

This online program gives students the tools to create and administer information assurance in public or private settings. The school offers its own Network Security Lab and Data Recovery Lab, allowing real-time intrusion detection, data management, and information preservation training. It provides 30 credits and includes an overview of legal and security topics, plus some computer programming topics.

This degree is designed for students who have completed undergraduate criminal justice or computer science majors or minors and those with baccalaureate degrees in technical fields. Additional requirements for admission include a completed graduate application, official transcripts of all previous college work, a current resume, official GRE scores (waivers available), and two letters of recommendation. Preference will be given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Courses: Network and cyber security; file system forensics; digital security; cyber law; digital forensics investigations; and directed management & development project
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($320.25 per credit); out-of-state residents ($728.25 per credit)

Additional Digital Forensics Master’s Degree Programs

Other digital forensic master’s programs include:

• Dakota State University: Master of Science, Information Assurance and Computer Security
• University of Maryland Global Campus: Master of Science, Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation
• University of Central Florida Online: Master of Science, Digital Forensics
• Utica College: Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Computer Forensic Specialty

Also, several schools offer distance-based graduate certificate programs in digital forensics. These graduate certificate programs are designed for bachelor’s degree holders and require less time to complete than a two-year master’s degree.

• American Military University, Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics: 18 credits
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Advanced Certificate Programs in Applied Digital Forensic Science and Computer Science for Digital Forensics: 12 credits
• The University of Rhode Island, Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security: 16 credits

Accreditation for Digital Forensics Master’s Degree Programs

Whether a student is considering an online or on-campus program, it’s essential to ensure its curriculum has received appropriate approval from industry or educational sources. Various accreditation organizations exist nationally and by region. The U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has recognized seven central regional accreditation bodies. These include:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Lastly, it’s essential to ensure an institution accepts distance-based students from an applicant’s state. This is referred to as “state authorization.” If a school doesn’t list this information on its site, prospective students are advised to call a particular program to discuss their eligibility.