Online Computer Forensics Degree Programs

Why should you consider an online computer forensics degree? Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science dealing with legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media. It is also called digital forensics.

Computer Forensics also uses specialized techniques for recovery, authentication, and analysis of electronic data that is related to the reconstruction of computer usage, examination of residual digital data, authentication of digital data by technical analysis, and explanation of technical data. A computer forensics degree focuses on the analysis and retrieval of records from computer systems. Although many people confuse it with the forensic science degree, they are quite different. The forensic science degree focuses on the collection of evidence and data and the analysis of physical evidence, while the computer forensic degree doesn't deal with physical and biological components. Both degrees though belong to the same field and use the same principles regarding the evidence chain and the analysis of criminal activities.

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Selected Online Computer Forensics Degree Programs

DeVry University

• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Information Systems Security
• Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics
• Graduate Certificate-Information Security

American InterContinental University and American InterContinental University Online

• Bachelor's (BIT) - Computer Forensics

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BSIT - Information Security and Forensics
• BS in Information Technology - Information Security and Forensics
• MS in Information Technology - Information Security and Assurance

University of Phoenix

• BS in Information Technology - Information System Security

Strayer University - Campus and Strayer University Online

• BSIS: Computer Security
• BSIS: Homeland Security and Information Systems
• Diploma: IS: Computer Security
• Diploma: IS: Security Administration
• Diploma: IS: Homeland Security and Information Systems
• MBA: Information Systems Management
• MSIS: Computer Security Management
• Undergrad Cert: IS: Computer Security
• Undergrad Cert: IS: Security Administration

Capella University

• BS - Information Assurance and Security
• MS - Information Assurance and Security

Villanova University Online

• Advanced Information Assurance and Security
• Essentials of Information Systems (IS) Security
• ISTQB Software Testing Capstone
• Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management
• Master Certificate in Information Security Management
• Master Certificate in Information Systems (IS) Security
• Mastering IS Security
• Maximizing IS/IT Team Effectiveness
• Project Management for IS/IT Professionals

Grantham University

• BS, Information Systems Security

Virginia College Online

• MS – Cybersecurity

Walden University

• B.S. in Computer Information Systems - Information Systems Security

Jones International University

• MBA in Information Security Management

University of Liverpool

• Master of Science in Computer Security

Westwood College

• Bachelor Degree - Information Technology: Major in Systems Security

Lincoln College Online

• Information Management and Security

ITT Technical Institute

• BS - Information Systems Security

Western Governors University

• M.S. Information Security and Assurance
• B.S. in Information Technology - Security

ECPI University

• Network Security - Associate
• Network Security - Bachelor

Utica College

• Bachelor of Science in Economic Crime Investigation
• Master of Business Administration - Fraud Management
• Master of Science in Economic Crime Management
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Cyber Crime Investigations and Forensics
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Information Assurance
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Computer Forensics
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity - Intelligence

Computer Forensics Education and Training and Education

The requirements to qualify for admission to the degree program as a computer forensics major include courses of computer science, English, statistics and algebra. People who are interested in this degree can also take a computer science minor, because the combination of fields allows the candidate to have a deeper understanding of technology and data capture.

The students will be trained in data management, computer systems, security, and software manipulation. This major teaches the students all the necessary techniques that will help the students secure a network from cyber attacks and recover the missing information when needed.

The computer forensics degree courses include crime scene investigation techniques, case studies, intrusion detection, collection of evidence, forensic analysis, data recovery, hard drive imaging, encryption techniques, court testifying, report writing, Unix system administration and interview techniques. There are numerous courses in computer programming and networking; in some cases LINUX and OS programming can also be incorporated in the program.

A computer forensics degree is offered as a diploma, associate's, bachelor and master's degree program. The associate degree can be combined with a law enforcement internship, if you wish to find a job in a police department. The bachelor's and master's degrees ca increase the salary in computer forensics significantly.

The tuition fees for a computer forensic degree can range between $10,000 and $15,000 per year. There are schools that offer this degree online as well; in this case the tuition fees are much lower, but you always need to check if the college is accredited and reliable. You also need to check if the credits completed online can be transferred to another institution. In most cases accredited colleges can offer access to scholarships, government student aid programs, grants and bursaries that alleviate the tuition cost.

Computer Forensics Careers

The bachelor degree in computer forensics prepares the student for a wide range of jobs in government agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, private corporations and consulting firms. Becoming a Computer Forensics Investigator is a rather lucrative career, although the salaries can vary significantly, depending on whether you work for a private firm or a law enforcement agency. In general we could say that the salaries can range from $60,000 to $100,000, but freelancers or private consultants can earn even more money.

Expected Salary and Project Career Growth

Computer forensic jobs are considered to grow faster compared to other jobs of the field. Most of the job growth will be in law enforcement departments and agencies and corporations. Students with a master's in computer forensics degree will be able to find jobs in consulting firms or as freelancers. Employment is expected to grow 22% by 2018 since computer criminal activity is growing fast.