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Computer Forensics Colleges
“Computer forensics involves gathering artifacts from computers and phones that will provide evidence and a timeline that can be used to trace a person’s steps. For example, your browsing information is stored on your computer and phone, and this type of evidence has been used by investigators to determine whether your browser history is related to a case.”Jesse Varsalone, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Technology, University of Maryland Global Campus.
The arrival of the Internet in the 21st century introduced a new dimension for criminal activity to flourish: the World Wide Web. Nowadays, every industry—retail, government, medical, and technology—collects, stores, and shares electronic consumer data, often compromised by hackers.
In January 2024, the Identity Theft Research Center reported that the number of data breaches surpassed the record 2022 record by a staggering 72 percent, primarily by phishing and ransomware scams. To meet the growing needs of internet-based crime-fighting, careers in computer forensics are in high demand.
Since the expansion of electronic records and cybercrime are only predicted to increase, it makes sense that companies want to hire information security professionals to protect their reputations and avoid liability. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that information security analyst careers are predicted to grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the national average for all occupations at 3 percent (BLS 2024). This means approximately 53,200 new positions will be available by 2032, with a current median salary of $120,360.
Data breaches happen to small businesses and big-name companies like Facebook and T-Mobile. Digital crimes include fraud, computer terrorism, data theft, denial of service attacks, and technological espionage, which leave behind electronic trails. Computer forensics experts are tasked with backtracking this information and bringing justice to those whose online privacy has been illegally compromised.
Because federal data protection laws do not exist in the United States, computer forensic specialists may be needed to create digital security policies at the national level in the coming years. As of 2024, no federal standards are in place to hold businesses and organizations accountable for protecting people’s personal information.
In May 2018, the European Union introduced data protection regulations by rolling out the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This is a solid start for a global standard, but millions of Americans remain at the whim of companies’ unregulated data security policies and hackers.
So, how does one become a digital forensics professional? Many aspiring computer crime experts begin by enrolling in a two- to four-year computer forensics program. These programs offer investigative techniques, computer ethics, white-collar crime, mobile forensics, and laws of searching and seizing digital property. After graduation, a person may be eligible for digital consulting, cybersecurity, criminal investigation, and counter-terrorism.
Read on to discover what to expect from a computer forensics college—both online and traditional on-campus programs—in addition to learning about school accreditation and professional certification options.
Meet the Expert: Jesse Varsalone
Jesse Varsalone is an associate professor of cybersecurity technology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. He has taught since 1994, including at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in middle school and high school, in corporate training, and as an instructor for the U.S. Department of Defense at the Defense Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA).
Varsalone holds several certifications in the IT field, including A+, Arduino, CASP+, CEH, CISSP, Cloud+, CTT+, CYSA+, iNet+, Linux+, Net+, Pentest+, Security+, Server+. He has a master’s degree from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.
ForensicsColleges.com What is something you wish the public understood about computer forensic science programs?
Varsalone: People who enjoy working with computers, including Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, would likely be great candidates for a career in computer forensics.
Computer forensics involves gathering artifacts from computers and phones that will provide evidence and a timeline that can be used to trace a person’s steps. For example, your browsing information is stored on your computer and phone, and investigators use this type of evidence to see if your browser history is related to a case. We live in a digital world now where phones record messages, calls, internet history, and can even provide a timeline of our GPS location.
Have you ever read someone’s autobiography that helped you get a peek into their world? Examining a person’s cellphone or a computer would likely give you a more accurate portrayal of who the person is, what they do, who their contacts are, where they go, and what their hobbies are. Society’s overreliance on cell phones and computers means that there is a wealth of knowledge on these devices for the computer forensic examiner to review. This explains why many people are far more concerned about losing their cellphone than their wallet or purse. If someone finds and can access the information on your phone, they can find out personal details about you, see your personal photos, and possibly even gain access to your bank accounts, crypto wallets, or other financial applications.
ForensicsColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring computer forensic science students?
Varsalone: Computer forensics examiners are extremely familiar with the Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems and where they store the artifacts that might be related to a case. Someone interested in computer forensics should get familiar with using the various operating systems (as well as the Android and iPhone iOS) and know how and where to look for the relevant artifacts. The more familiar you are with navigating your way around an iPad, iPhone, or Microsoft Windows, etc., the easier it will be for you to remember where you should be looking on these devices for evidence.
The field of computer forensics has evolved over time. It started with the examination of floppy disks and later included hard disks as well as other legacy media like CDs and DVDs. Over time, some of the storage types have changed, but examining more modern media types (thumb drives, SD cards, USB Mass Storage Devices) has a similar approach and requires that same investigative mindset. What is different today is the number of devices with artifacts that were not necessarily digital devices 10 or 20 years ago. Cars, televisions, vehicles, vacuums, Ring cameras, thermostats, garage doors, and other devices may have storage or logs that can be relevant to a computer forensics investigation. The main benefit of the field of computer forensics is that there is always something new (Windows 11, Windows 12, Smart Light Bulbs, and toasters), is also the main challenge of the field as continual learning and constant adaptation are required.
Computer Forensics: Online Certificates and Degrees
Not surprisingly, there is an abundance of digital forensics programs offered online. These web-based certificate and degree programs at various levels can be ideal for working professionals, parents, and others who can benefit from the convenience of flexible distance-based education.
Remember that applicants should verify that there are no enrollment restrictions based on a person’s state of residence. For example, some states are not authorized to provide web-based education to students residing in other states. These regional rules, also known as “state authorizations,” can generally be found on program websites.
Online Certificates in Computer Forensics
There are a variety of online certificates in computer forensics. They help prepare students for entry-level work in the field with basic instruction in computer crime investigative tools, data forensics, and other fundamentals. Other more advanced digital forensics programs teach specialized skills such as forensic accounting to complement the person’s education or professional experience.
Who Should Enroll in an Online Digital Certificate Program in Computer Forensics?
The entry-level programs are open to high school graduates with strong backgrounds in computer science, math, logic, and statistics. Other more advanced certificate programs may be ideal for those with more developed technological skills, including a bachelor’s degree in computer science, specific certifications, competencies (e.g., A+, Net+), or significant experience (e.g., computer programming).
Here are several online computer forensics certificate programs to consider.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online graduate certificate in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation. This 12-credit program equips students with skills to secure and validate digital evidence, recover and analyze digital artifacts, and present findings in legal settings. The curriculum includes courses on digital forensics foundations, evidence collection, and both Windows and Linux forensics. Designed for flexibility, all courses are available online, and students can transfer up to 6 credits. The program prepares graduates for careers as cybersecurity first responders or cybercrime analysts, with the potential to sit for various industry certification exams.
- Location: Adelphi, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Estimated Time to Completion: 12 credits
The University of Rhode Island (URI) offers an online graduate certificate in cyber security to professionals interested in targeted graduate coursework but cannot commit to a complete master’s program. Courses include an introduction to network and systems security, an introduction to information assurance, advanced topics in network and system security, and digital forensics.
In addition, although having a CompTIA A+ certification is a prerequisite to entry, URI offers a free, optional online course during the summer before the student matriculates into the program. All courses taken in this certificate program can be applied towards a master’s degree in computer science, a PhD in computer science, or a professional science master’s degree in cyber security.
Finally, URI also offers a professional certificate in cyber security for those who have already completed a four-year undergraduate degree.
- Location: Kingston, RI
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Nine to 20 months
Online Degrees in Computer Forensics
Several online degree programs are available for those looking to pursue a career in digital forensics.
Who Should Enroll in an Online Computer Forensics Degree Program?
Online degree programs are convenient for people with professional, familial, or other types of commitments that require flexibility in scheduling.
Prerequisites and application requirements for these programs may include specific coursework (e.g., statistics, math, computer science), letters of recommendation, personal essays, test scores (e.g., Graduate Record Administration [GRE]), interviews, and a minimum GPA. Graduate programs also typically require a bachelor’s degree, sufficient computer programming training, and even some professional experience (e.g., criminology).
Here are some online computer forensics degree programs to consider.
St. Petersburg College of Florida provides an online associate of science (AS) in digital forensics and computer investigations. Students in this program learn about recovering and investigating material and evidence from various digital devices. This 60-credit program includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, introduction to computer-related crime investigations, identity theft investigations, the internet as an investigative tool, internet fraud investigations, computer repair essentials, and ethical hacking.
As part of this program, students complete their computer-related crime investigation certificate, which can be applied towards the associate degree program, and an online bachelor’s degree in public safety administration for students with professional experience in public safety.
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Two years
Champlain University offers a 100 percent online bachelor of science (BS) degree in computer forensics & digital investigations. The 120-credit program includes classes such as mobile forensics, operating system forensics, foundations of cybersecurity, criminal law, criminal procedure, networking fundamentals, criminal investigation, digital forensic investigation techniques, and malware forensics, among others.
Graduates of this program will be ready for digital forensics roles in a range of settings, including crime laboratories, mid- to large-sized corporations, large municipalities, and state and national law enforcement agencies. They can take up roles such as computer crime investigators, computer forensics examiners, computer forensics analysts, and digital forensics specialists.
Furthermore, the school has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the US National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Four years
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) hosts an online master of science (MS) in digital forensics and cyber investigation program. It requires 36 credits of coursework in communicating, problem-solving, and leading in cybersecurity, cyberspace and cybersecurity foundations, digital forensics technology and practices, digital forensic response and analysis, and advanced forensics.
As part of the curriculum, students complete a capstone project—an opportunity to advance scientific research in a student-selected specialization. This program also prepares graduates for many industry certifications profiled in the certification section below.
- Location: Adelphi, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Two years
The University of Central Florida (UCF) provides an online, interdisciplinary MS in digital forensics. This 30-credit program—developed in collaboration with the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS)—involves 30 credits of courses, including wireless security & forensics, malware & software vulnerability analysis, computer forensics, topics in forensic science, investigative and intelligence analysis, theory and methods, current issues in cyberlaw, and the practice of digital forensics. UCF requires minimal campus attendance, and students choose between completing a thesis or a supervised internship as part of the program requirements.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities such as security managers, information security analysts, security management specialists, emergency management directors, and forensic science technicians.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Two years
Sam Houston State University (SHSU)—based in Huntsville, Texas—hosts a 30-credit master of science (MS) in digital forensics online. SHSU has convenient fall, spring, and summer enrollment periods, and the program prepares students for service in several commercial and public arenas, such as network security and digital forensics. In particular, graduates will learn about effectively planning, establishing, and administering information assurance and security systems in commercial settings and law enforcement.
The state-of-the-art facilities at their Center of Excellence in Digital Forensics include network security and data recovery labs. This program is a hybrid program (i.e., a mix of online and face-to-face coursework). Students with a computer science or criminal justice major or minor can apply for the program; others may need to take prerequisite courses in STEM disciplines.
This 30-credit program includes courses in network and cyber security, file system forensics, digital security, cyber law, digital forensics investigation, and a directed management and development project.
- Location: Huntsville, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Two years
Computer Forensics: On-Campus Certificates and Degrees
There is also a wealth of on-campus certificates and degrees in computer forensics. The prerequisites and application requirements are typically similar to those outlined above in the online certificates and degrees.
On-Campus Certificates in Computer Forensics
For students fortunate enough to live near a college campus, here is a selection of programs offering on-campus certificates in digital forensics:
Boston University Metropolitan College
Boston University Metropolitan College (MET) offers a blended (i.e., web-based with some on-campus requirements) certificate in digital forensics. The curricula, ideal for bachelor’s degree holders with programming experience, include rigorous data mining, network forensics, and business data communication instruction. Graduates from this digital forensics program are prepared to use computer forensics software in criminal investigations, oversee forensic analysis, determine how a hacker gained access, and testify in a courtroom.
This 16-credit program includes courses such as mobile forensics and security, digital forensics and investigations, business data communication and networks, and network security. Notably, the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated Boston University a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Eight to 12 months
Madison Area Technical College
Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin offers an IT-cybersecurity specialist associate degree through its Truax campus. The 63-credit program is offered online and in-person and teaches students about the acquisition, analysis, and legal uses of digital evidence, mainly applied to civil, criminal, and internal investigations. It may be an ideal option for those working in law enforcement or IT security. In addition, this certificate is designed to support working professionals wanting to gain more digital forensics experience or pivot their knowledge into a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
The curriculum includes courses such as exploration of information technology, data communications, IT security awareness, enterprise client, web application security, security design, Python scripting, network forensics and threat hunting, and a cybersecurity internship.
- Location: Madison, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Two years
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers two graduate certificate programs in computer forensics. One is designed for graduate students, and the other is tailored for non-degree-seeking graduate students. The certificate programs include 21 credits and cover core areas of data retrieval, preservation, and analysis of digital evidence. In addition, graduates from this program are trained to use tools to identify and respond to attacks on local- and wide-area networks and testify as expert witnesses in criminal investigations.
The curriculum consists of courses such as introduction to computer forensics, law evidence and procedure, digital media forensics, investigating online crimes, elements of forensic science, financial crimes and investigations, and networking.
- Location: Birmingham, AL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Less than two years
On-Campus Degrees in Computer Forensics
Finally, there are some quality options available for students seeking a more traditional degree program with on-campus, face-to-face interactions.
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) offers a unique bachelor of science (BS) double major in computer information science and criminal justice administration, emphasizing computer forensics. This multidisciplinary degree provides a broad-based education to prepare students to secure computer networks, including the extraction, documentation, and analysis of digital evidence. Students in this degree program earn double majors in computer information science and criminal justice administration, and this program is ideal for those who want to work in computer forensics for corporations or the government.
The program’s 120-credit curriculum includes CIS courses such as programming, information systems, database management systems, computer networks, data structures, computer forensics, and operating systems. Criminal justice courses include crime scene investigation, introduction to criminal justice, criminal procedure, criminal law, asset protection, and ethics in criminal justice.
- Location: Joplin, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Four years
Purdue University in Indiana offers a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and a master of science (MS) and PhD in computer and information technology with a specialization in cyber forensics. The bachelor’s program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Students put their theoretical knowledge to practice through industry partnerships.
In addition to the MS and PhD degree requirements and the thesis option, students must complete 15 credits of targeted cyber forensics training in areas such as malware, file systems, and cloud/virtual environments. This program may be ideal for candidates with an undergraduate major in computer science or a related discipline interested in digital forensics.
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Accreditation: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Estimated Time to Completion: Four to seven years
Computer Forensics College Accreditation
It’s advisable to seek out programs or institutions that are approved by recognized accreditation bodies. These organizations gauge program or school effectiveness by evaluating facilities, faculty, curricula, student outcomes, and other criteria. Accreditation is granted to specialized academic programs and entire institutions.
Programmatic Accreditation
The gold standard in program accreditation is the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Council (FEPAC) for many forensics programs. This organization, however, focuses mainly on hard sciences such as chemistry and biotechnology. Computer forensics programs, by contrast, may be accredited by various programmatic or institutional agencies.
One of the programmatic accreditation organizations is the Computer Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), the computer science and technology component of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). CSAB is responsible for creating and defining the requirements for accreditation of programs relating to computer science, information technology, and technological systems.
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits more than 350 programs in health informatics and health information management. The field of health informatics covers digital information protection for health, information science and technology, and social and behavioral science. CAHIIM accredits associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs that meet its high standards for educational quality.
Institutional Accreditation
Several institutional accreditation bodies evaluate schools as a whole. The US Department of Education approves the following regional accrediting bodies:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Computer Forensics Professional Certification
Finally, there is a wide range of certifications available to digital forensics professionals. Here are a few of the most common and desirable professional certifications:
The International Society of Computer Examiners (ISCE) provides the certified computer examiner (CCE) designation. Some benefits of this certification include access to the CCE list-serve, which provides employment opportunities; receipt of continuing education credits (CPEs) for related certifications; and various software discounts. ISCE reports that the CCE “has evolved into one of the most desired certifications in the digital forensics industry.” The cost to take the CCE exam is $485, and test-takers must score 70 percent or higher to pass.
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)—accredited by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense (DoD), among others—offers certifications in the field, including the computer hacking forensic investigator (CHFI) credential. Candidates must pass the 150-question exam spread out over four hours.
The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)—accredited by the esteemed Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB)—provides a rigorous certified forensic computer examiner (CFCE) certification program. This process involves the completion of two phases: a peer review phase with four practical case studies and a certification phase comprising a 44-day “hard drive problem” as well as a 14-day knowledge-based objective test. CFCE certifications are valid for three years and require a proficiency exercise to be completed online and 40 hours of continuing education credits.
Overall, since the field of computer forensics is continually changing, the tools, certifications, and licensing processes will likely evolve in the coming years as well. Therefore, prospective computer forensics experts should be sure to check with prospective employers, computer forensics college program coordinators, and professionals in the field to keep abreast of the most desirable competencies and credentials.
Jocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.
Writer
Kimmy Gustafson
Kimmy Gustafson’s expertise and passion for investigative storytelling extends to the world of forensics, where she brings a wealth of knowledge and captivating narratives to readers seeking insights into this intriguing world. She has interviewed experts on little-known topics, such as how climate crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and has written for ForensicsColleges.com since 2019.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.