phd in digital forensics

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Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is designed to produce students of the digital forensics and cyber-security realms with the technical skills, critical thinking ability, problem-solving skills, and advanced, discipline-specific knowledge to allow them to advance into leadership positions in business and industry as well as academia. This is accomplished by demonstrating the ability to perform independent and collaborative original research, the successful completion of academic coursework, hands-on experience in the laboratory, and collaboration with digital forensics and cyber-security agencies, institutes, and partners. The program will provide students with the theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and computational skills needed to understand the role of digital and cyber forensic science in post technological societies. The program will allow students to explore the potential for forensically sound digital data capture and analysis and to develop new tools and methods for handling digital and cyber forensic evidence. In doing so, this program has, as its primary focus, research into the computational and scientific basis for forensic and cyber technologies. 

Additional information : Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.

The Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is a full-time, on campus program.  Admission to the program requires devoting a significant amount of time to the program. Students are admitted as part of an annual cohort and have a fixed program of study in the first two years of the program.  

Applicants seeking admission to the doctoral program in forensic science must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions :

• Graduate Admissions Application
• Application Fee
• Bachelor's degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution in computer science, digital forensics, or a closely related field
• Official transcript(s) from degree granting institution(s)
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Program Application
• Personal statement , not to exceed 1000 words
• Three letters of recommendation. A minimum of two letters must be from faculty who are sufficiently acquainted with the student to comment on potential for success in the doctoral program
• Current resume or vita
• In some instances, a personal interview may be requested.

The program requires the completion of a minimum of eighty-five hours of graduate credit, as prescribed in the degree plan.

Students must register full-time and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all courses. In order to advance to candidacy, students must have successfully completed forty-six graduate credit hours of coursework and internship, submit a portfolio for review, and pass Comprehensive Examinations. Once the doctoral program committee determines that the portfolio, proposal, and comprehensive examinations are satisfactory, the student may enroll in dissertation credits.

A minimum of fifteen hours of dissertation credits are required, and students must maintain continuous enrollment in DFSC 8370 Dissertation until they graduate. Students must complete and defend a doctoral dissertation, which is the product of original scholarly research and is of sufficient publishable quality to represent a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the field of digital and cyber forensic science.

The Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science requires the completion of 85 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Students complete:

​The curriculum is designed to deliver an essential core curriculum in digital and cyber forensic science, together with specialized electives and intensive research in the area of interest. Students are expected to fulfill the requirements during four to five years of full-time study.

  DFSC 7106 must be taken for a total of four credit hours.

Once enrolled in DFSC 8370 , students must enroll in this course every semester until graduation.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The  Ph.D. in Digital and Cyber Forensic Science is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Solve complex cybersecurity-related problems.
• Apply theoretical principles to the development of digital forensics tools and techniques.
• Post-secondary teaching capability.
• Technical communication ability.
• Strong research-oriented capabilities.
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Purdue Polytechnic Institute

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Ph.D. in Technology

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Specialization in Cyber Forensics

The Purdue Polytechnic offers a Ph.D. in Technology with a specialization in cyber forensics. All details about the degree including the admission procedures, course structure, faculty and other resources can be found  here . Additional details of the Ph.D. specific to the cyber forensics area of specialization are mentioned below.

Curriculum requirements for the cyber forensics specialization includes all the  requirements of the Ph.D. in Technology degree with the added constraint that students need to complete 15 credit hours in core cyber forensics courses. The requirements are explained below.

Core Courses

CNIT 55600 - Basic Computer Forensics - 13485 Covers the fundamentals of the maturing discipline of computer forensics. The focus of the course is on gaining a broad understanding of the field of study and how technology and law interact to form this forensic science. Emerging standards and current and future issues related to the field are also explored. Examines law and public policy, the computer forensic methodology, report presentation, and expert witness testimony, as well as anti-forensic techniques that can be used to obfuscate evidence. Students are exposed to theory and practice with lab exercises, thought and term papers, and a practical, as well as written, final exam.

CNIT 55700 - Advanced Research Topics In Cyber Forensics - 45535 Provides students at the advanced degree level the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cyber forensics. Students are expected to have fundamental understanding of cyber forensics and digital forensic science. The emphasis is on directed learning and scholarly inquiry. Possible research topics range from law and public policy to software and/or hardware development. Permission of instructor required.

CNIT 58100 - Cyber Frn Cloud/Virtual Enviro - 69894 There are various architectures of virtual and cloud technology environments placing different emphasis on storage, transmission, and processing of information. The student will develop skills and abilities in evaluating the patterns of evidence within this domain. This course examines the identification and acquisition of digital evidence, residing on hosts or in transmission between hosts, from different network topologies, and protocols. This course will also examine the techniques or processes by which information can be hidden, exposed, examined, and processed in a forensics manner. The fundamental principles of forensics are applied to virtual operating environment and networks.

CNIT 58100 - Cyber Forensics Of File Sys - 69783 The plethora of strategies to store information in different formats continues to expand. This course examines the various media and strategies of storing information and the processes of documenting the collection, imaging, and processing of forensic evidence. Topics include file formats, file systems, hardware, and software involved in forensic investigation. The overall pattern of forensic evidence in file systems will be examine along with the acquisition, analysis, and reporting of evidence artifacts found in file systems. Permission of instructor or graduate standing required.

CNIT 58100 - Cyberforensics Of Malware - 69893 Consumer technologies are rapidly moving forward with items integrating processing, storage, and transmission into their base functionality. The enterprise issues with bring your own device has rapidly expanded requirements on forensics investigators to address a plethora of mobile device types. Whether it is the automobile black box or a home thermostat there are various elements of interesting evidence possible to be gained. As a simplistic example the wireless home thermostat tracks when there is activity in a house. The forensic possibilities of being able to attribute presence via the thermostat or geo-location by a cellphone are of interest to forensics investigators. This is a classic example of a device as a witness. The embedded and consumer device pantheon is developing as an important area of forensic science.

Specialization Requirements

Digital Forensics Association

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Doctoral Programs

• California Sciences Institute offers a Ph.D. in Digital Forensics.
• University of Rhode Island offers a PhD in Computer Science with Digital Forensics research. The Digital Forensics classes are taken online, other classes may require residency.
• Purdue (CERIAS) offers an Interdisciplinary PhD degree with a specialization in Information Security, and many excellent projects to research on digital forensics. They also offer standard graduate degrees with the same specialization.

• Forensics Colleges » Online Forensics Programs » Online Doctorate (PhD) in Forensic Science

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Online Doctoral Programs (PhD) in Forensic Science

When human life is lost, law enforcement officers and forensic science specialists must determine the motivation for a crime and the cause of death. As simple as this formula seems, humans alone cannot be trusted to provide witness testimony. Enter the work of experienced forensic scientists who prove or determine probable fault using laboratory-based and carefully constructed questions when interviewing witnesses.

Leading forensic scientists and psychologists can practice their craft with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but to delve into the nuanced areas of forensics and leadership, some senior-level positions require a doctoral degree in forensic science.

When two witnesses point fingers at each other, saying the other is guilty, forensic science takes a multidisciplinary approach to provide essential information to bring criminals to justice. A case report involving the murder of a 55-year-old man illustrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach. The man accused of killing his neighbor admits he killed him in self-defense, but relatives of the murder victim say that there were other motivations not being admitted.

To provide more details, a forensic scientist can serve as a medical examiner, a forensic chemist can do ballistics analysis, and a forensic psychologist can conduct interviews to determine the mental health state of the accused murderer so that justice can be served with accuracy.

Forensic scientists and psychologists working in the field can pursue doctoral degree options to bolster their expertise. Read on to learn more about online doctoral programs in forensic science.

Featured Online PhDs Related to Forensic Science

At present, there are no online doctoral programs in forensic science that can be completed 100 percent online. Because forensic science is a laboratory-based discipline, most programs require students to be on campus at least part-time for research and clinical work.

However, there are PhD programs that fall under the umbrella of forensic science, such as forensic biology, chemistry, and psychology. Applicants interested in these programs are strongly encouraged to learn about the accreditation status of these programs, which is discussed in detail below.

Walden University (Related Program)

Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota is unique because it offers the only online PhD program in forensic psychology. Students in this program can choose from a regular or fast-track option which enables students to waive up to six courses or 53 credits from the master’s degree in forensic psychology. The program also has optional four-day intensives focused on key topics.

Students in this doctoral program can also choose from seven unique specializations to focus their studies on a specific field of forensic psychology: general, criminal justice (self-designed), crisis leadership management, crisis response, legal issues in forensic psychology, self-designed program, and victimology. This program also provides two tracks: one for students with a master’s degree in forensic psychology and one for those with a GPA of 3.0 on their bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in another discipline.

Some of the courses in the curriculum include themes and theories of psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; advanced issues in forensic psychology; treatment of forensic populations; psychology in the courts; police psychology; and consulting for organizational change.

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four to eight years
• Estimated Tuition: Tracks 1 & 2 ($600 per quarter-hour); fast track ($6,970 per term)

Fielding Graduate University (Related Program)

Fielding Graduate University offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology with an optional concentration in forensic psychology and is accredited by the American Psychological Association.

Blending in-person learning opportunities with digital formats, this PhD program includes in-person and online seminars, meetings with faculty members and other students, weeklong residential sessions, and clinical and research training experiences. The program includes a clinical practicum as well as a clinical doctoral internship. Apart from these, the program also includes two additional in-person residency requirements.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, an online application form, a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose, a critical thinking writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. GRE scores are not required for admission.

The curriculum includes core courses in developmental bases of behavior; history and systems of psychology; social bases of behavior; cognitive and affective bases of behavior; psychopathology; multicultural psychology. Courses in the forensic psychology concentration include forensic psychology; ethics in forensic psychology; forensic assessment in civil court; malingering and deception; evaluations for the immigration courts; forensic assessment in criminal cases; and forensic psychology lab.

• Location: Santa Barbara, CA
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); American Psychological Association (APA)
• Expected Time to Completion: Five to six years
• Estimated Tuition: $9,700 per term

University of Arizona Global Campus (Related Program)

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers an online doctor of psychology (PsyD) program that helps students in building their knowledge base in the systems and history of psychology, and then students will be able to focus their PsyD degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with their specific research and career interests.

With the criminology and justice studies specialization, students will develop their expertise in criminal behavior and the corrections systems and criminal justice. Students in this specialization will be prepared to use psychological principles to solve complex real-world issues regarding justice and crime.

The PsyD includes ten core courses, seven specialization courses, and a capstone seminar. Students will then complete an applied doctoral project, which includes two planning courses and five units of the applied doctoral project.

Comprising 62 credits, the curriculum includes courses such as contemporary criminological theory; types & characteristics of crime; advanced analysis of criminal justice processes; juvenile justice; mental health & crime; drugs, addiction, & crime; and evaluating criminal justice interventions.

• Location: Chandler, AZ
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years
• Estimated Tuition: $1,082 per credit

On-Campus Doctoral Programs in Forensic Science

As previously mentioned, no fully online doctoral programs lead to a PhD in forensic science, but there are forensic science doctoral programs in related subfields.

Here are on-campus doctoral programs in forensic chemistry, forensic mental health counseling, forensic science, and forensic psychology.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University’s PhD in forensic science program is unique in that it is only the second such program in the United States. Students in this PhD will be prepared to work as professionals in government laboratories, private industries, or academia as laboratory specialists. Students in this program must successfully complete a minimum of 71 credits. The program also includes a dissertation proposal presentation, an oral defense of the dissertation, and an oral qualifying examination.

In this research-intensive program, students study the foundations of criminalistics using research design, qualitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills in scientific writing and presenting. All students take a common core of advanced forensic science courses and other courses determined by their dissertation committees.

• Location: Morgantown, WV
• Accreditation: Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($513 per credit); non-resident ($1,449)

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in chemistry with a forensic science track. This track prepares graduates for research in environmental and biogeochemistry with an emphasis on forensic science applications. This track has two tracks to choose from: an analytical chemistry/trace concentration and a biochemistry/DNA analysis concentration.

Students in this program benefit from collaborative agreements with local, state, national, and international agencies and learn about detecting trace amounts of evidence at crime scenes, DNA typing in mass disasters, and canine screening for explosives.

Research projects are coordinated by the International Forensic Research Institute, and graduates from this program go to work in government laboratories with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($4,101 per semester); out-of-state ($9,015 per semester)

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University offers a doctor of philosophy in forensic science program providing students with problem-solving skills; advanced, discipline-specific knowledge; and critical thinking ability allowing them to advance into leadership positions. To achieve this, students will develop the ability to perform independent research, complete multidisciplinary academic coursework, gain hands-on experience in laboratories, and collaborate with accredited forensic laboratories, partners, and institutes.

Consisting of 86 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, students will complete 43 credits of core coursework, a minimum of 15 credits of dissertation research, and an additional 28 credits of electives. Sample some of the courses in the curriculum: forensic instrumental analysis; controlled substances; pattern and physical evidence concepts; forensic biology; forensic toxicology; law and forensic sciences; and quality assurance and ethical conduct in forensic science.

• Location: Huntsville, TX
• Expected Time to Completion: Five years
• Estimated Tuition: Texas resident ($320.25 per credit); out-of-state ($728.25 per credit)

Other Online Forensic Science Programs to Consider

Bachelor’s degree holders who want to begin graduate studies in forensic science and related fields can consider two-year master’s degree programs. This degree option offers clinical and research-based rigor to prepare students for future doctoral studies.

Here are three online master’s programs in forensic science and psychology and one hybrid (online and on-campus) forensic science program which can prepare graduates for doctoral-level coursework in forensic science or psychology.

Oklahoma State University (MS in Forensic Science)

Oklahoma State University offers a hybrid master of science in forensic science with several concentration options (two of them are FEPAC-accredited). These concentrations include arson and explosives investigation; forensic investigative sciences; forensic biology/DNA (accredited by FEPAC); forensic chemistry/toxicology (accredited by FEPAC); and forensic psychology.

The concentration in forensic biology/DNA is a 36-credit FEPAC-accredited program that can be completed part- or full-time and features a death scene investigation track for those who have taken forensic science or biology, genetics, or molecular biology courses at the undergraduate level.

In the first year of the program, students can choose to take courses on-campus or online and the second year includes laboratory and research courses that must be taken on campus. Students have seven years to complete the requirements and must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their time in the program.

The curriculum includes courses such as the survey of forensic sciences; molecular biology; population genetics; forensic bioscience; ethical research and scientific writing; quality assurance in forensic science; methods in forensic sciences; criminalistics and evidence analysis; advanced criminalistics; and forensic statistics.

• Location: Tulsa, OK
• Expected Time to Completion: Oklahoma residents ($233.80 per credit); non-residents ($879.75 per credit); non-residents – online only ($364 per credit)

University of North Dakota (MA in Forensic Psychology)

The University of North Dakota offers an online master of arts in forensic psychology that prepares graduates for civil and criminal justice systems work. This 30-credit program is offered fully online and part-time to meet the needs of working students.

The curriculum includes courses such as psychology and law; research methods in forensic psychology; advanced social psychology; behavior pathology; readings in psychology; cognitive psychology; diversity psychology; eyewitness testimony memory; and supervised fieldwork.

Graduates from this program are prepared to conduct focus groups in legal settings for jury selection, select and use appropriate assessment tools, evaluate programs using research-based methods, and assist in addressing forensic issues in legal settings.

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Expected Time to Completion: 1.5 to two years
• Estimated Tuition: $588.65 per credit

Walden University (MS in Forensic Psychology)

Walden University offers a 48-credit online master’s of science (MS) in forensic psychology. As mentioned above, students in this master’s program have the option of applying up to half of their master’s coursework towards an online PhD in forensic psychology which saves students time and money and enables them to earn MS and PhD degrees on a faster timeline.

The master’s program offers eleven specializations related to forensic psychology and other sub-fields of forensic science: criminal justice self-designed; cybercrimes; family violence; legal issues in forensic psychology; military; police psychology; self-designed learning; sex offender behavior; terrorism; victimology; and general program.

Some of the topics students will explore include foundations of graduate studies in psychology; abnormal behavior; criminal behavior; understanding forensic psychology research; understanding violence, risk, and threat assessment; psychological aspects of violent crime; victimology; and criminal investigative analysis and profiling.

• Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $548 per quarter hour

Arizona State University (Master’s in Forensic Science)

Arizona State University’s online professional science master’s in forensic science (PSM) program allows currently working forensic science professionals to consider career advancement in sectors such as law enforcement, forensic science, medicolegal, and other closely related fields.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have earned a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application and submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an up-to-date resume. Proof of English language proficiency is required of applicants whose native language is not English.

The program comprises 30 credits, including coursework in forensic science and governance; ethics in forensic science; laboratory leadership, policy, and practice; advanced forensic psychology; advanced topics in human forensic DNA; applied biostatistics in medicine and informatics; biostatistics and data management; criminal procedure of investigations for social and forensic scientists; and forensic toxicology; among others.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $847 per credit

Forensic Science PhD Admission Requirements

To be admitted into a forensic science PhD program, applicants must meet certain academic requirements. Here’s a list of documents commonly requested when applying for a doctoral program in forensic science:

• A personal statement (typically 1,000 words or less)
• Application fee
• A resume with one to two years of professional experience in forensic science
• A background check (especially for competitive internships for program credit)
• Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• GRE Subject Test scores (generally optional)
• Interview (in-person, phone, or web-based)
• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and/or graduate) institutions with a stellar GPA (e.g., >3.5)
• Proof of having completed specific coursework in a relevant major (e.g., forensic science, natural science, chemistry, biology)
• Proof of professional publications (recommended, but not always required)
• TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only)

Common Courses & Requirements for Forensic Science PhD Programs

Each forensic science or psychology doctoral program has its own unique requirements for students to meet to be considered for admission and graduate from the program. Here is a list of common degree requirements and course titles.

Credit Requirements for Forensic Science Programs

• Foundational courses (3-6 credits)
• Advanced coursework (24-30 credits)
• Research methods (9-12 credits)
• Specialization courses (12-15 credits)
• Dissertation writing (3-6 credits)
• Residencies, internships, clinical practicums (timelines vary)

Common Courses for Forensic Science and Psychology Programs

• Research methods and statistics in psychology
• Psychological research and biblical worldview
• Theories and research in industrial/organizational psychology
• Teaching of psychology
• Criminal investigative analysis and profiling
• Field experience
• Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
• Doctoral writing assessment
• Qualitative and quantitative reasoning and analysis
• Clinical practicum
• Clinical psychopharmacology
• Dissertation writing
• Eyewitness testimony and memory
• Ethics in forensic leadership
• The chemistry of pyrotechnics and explosives
• Fire dynamics in forensic investigations
• Computer fire modeling
• Molecular biology for the forensic scientist
• Forensic pathology and medicine
• Forensic microbiology
• Forensic toxicology
• Criminalistics and evidence analysis

Online Forensic Science PhD Residencies, Internships, or Practicums

As previously discussed, the nature of forensic science or forensic psychology involves on-campus or in-person research in laboratory or clinical settings and there are few to no online opportunities for residencies, internships, or practicums.

For illustration, Walden University requires students in its PhD in clinical psychology program to spend an Academic Year in Residence (AYR) in addition to four four-day PhD residencies. The AYR earns students 40 credits and numerous opportunities to develop skills and knowledge needed for a career as a forensic psychologist.

West Virginia University also partners with several governmental and private organizations that offer forensic science internships in federal laboratories and the Department of Homeland Security for students to gain hands-on experience during summer-only experiential learning.

Forensic Science Programmatic & Institutional Accreditation

When researching educational programs, accreditation is an essential factor to consider. Accreditation is granted to programs or institutions by national, regional, or programmatic accreditation organizations tasked with ensuring that high standards of educational quality are met.

Why is it important to verify a program or institution’s accreditation? First, accreditation validates the educational quality. Future employers look for graduates from accredited programs to ensure that their professional programs and clients receive the highest level of professionalism. And most importantly, accreditation is a requirement for state or national licensure for some careers, including forensic psychology. Sometimes, candidates can only sit for licensure exams if they have completed an accredited academic program.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) grants the gold standard in forensic science program accreditation. Forensic psychology programs are granted accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). To earn programmatic accreditation requires adhering to rigorously high standards in specialized areas.

Institutional Accreditation

If any institution does not hold programmatic accreditation, then a prospective student is advised to research a school’s institutional accreditation. The United States Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education (CHEA) recognizes the following regional accrediting organizations:

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

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond has given her writing expertise to ForensicsColleges.com since 2019, where she provides a unique perspective on the intersection of education, mindfulness, and the forensic sciences. Her work encourages those in the field to consider the role of mental and physical well-being in their professional success.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

• Online Bachelor's in Biochemistry
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• Online Bachelor's in Forensic Science
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• Online Graduate Certificates in Forensic Science
• Online Post-Master's Certificates in Forensic Nursing
• Online Doctorate (PhD) in Forensic Psychology
• Online PhD Programs in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD Programs in Cybersecurity
• Online PsyD in Forensic Psychology

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MS in Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

MS in Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity (D4CS) Program Director:  Professor Shweta Jain

• D4CS faculty are full-time professors who are computer scientists, legal scholars and/or social scientists with a supporting cast of adjuncts who are working professionals.
• We are a small, selective program with a mix of mid-career professionals and recent graduates who attend both full and part time. Our students are from New York and beyond with most working in IT or other fields, all dedicated to beginning a career in digital forensics and cybersecurity.
• All courses are offered on-campus, typically on Monday through Thursday evenings to accommodate working students.
• Small classes enable students to build strong ties with each other and faculty.
• Students often work with faculty on research projects.
• Courses move from theory to practice with hands on lab work.
• Internships and cooperative education are key elements of the program.

Who We Seek

• Computer science graduates who are interested in combining the study of forensic computer science with criminal justice
• Public and private sector practitioners who wish to upgrade their expertise by studying the science beneath the tools they use in their work (up to six equivalency credits are available to practitioners)
• Law enforcement personnel and veterans who seek to move into cyber investigations and digital forensics
• Experienced information technology specialists or those from related fields who wish to make a career shift

What Our Graduates Do

Equipped with their multi-faceted education in forensics, computer science, law and criminal justice, our versatile graduates pursue a variety of career paths in digital forensics, cybersecurity and information assurance, such as:

• Cyber investigators
• Special agents with federal agencies
• Digital forensic analysts
• eDiscovery specialists
• Lab managers
• Information security (INFOSEC) specialists
• Cyber incident analyst responders
• Cybersecurity analysts
• Computer security
• Network security analysts
• Information assurance consultants
• Forensic computing product researchers and developers
• Doctoral students in related fields

Program Requiements

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How to apply?

Admission to the D4CS program requires a background in computer science with the ability to succeed in graduate computer science, criminal justice and law courses. Computer science or related majors are preferred; however, the minimal computer science background required consists of the following undergraduate courses: two courses in programming and courses in data structures, algorithms, operating systems, computer networks, statistics, and discrete math.

Admission to the program will also be based on the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

All applicants are required to submit a resume. Applicants who hold advanced graduate or professional degrees from an English language based program are advised, but not required, to submit GRE scores. Interested candidates who lack some or all of the computer science prerequisite courses may be admitted to CSIBridge, our Computer Science for Digital Forensics advanced certificate program. Successful completion of the CSIBridge program leads to seamless transfer into the D4CS master's degree program.

For any questions regarding the admissions process, contact: 

Office of Graduate Admissions 212-237-8863 [email protected]

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Digital forensics programs.

The University of Rhode Island offers one of the most comprehensive degree programs in Digital Forensics through a Computer Science Department at a major university. This includes a variety of degree and certificate programs for undergraduate students, graduate students and working professionals.

Professional Certificate in Digital Forensics

Completely Online! For working professionals who do not currently have a four-year undergraduate degree and are not interested in pursuing a full four-year undergraduate degree at this time. Choose from a concentration in Windows Investigations or Incident Response Investigations.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics

Completely Online! For working professionals who currently have a four-year undergraduate degree, but are not interested in pursuing a full Masters degree at this time. Choose from a concentration in Windows Investigations or Incident Response Investigations.

Master’s Degree with a concentration in Digital Forensics

For graduate students who are pursuing a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and would like to compliment that with a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics.

PhD with a concentration in Digital Forensics

For graduate students who are pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and would like to compliment that with a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics.

For detailed information about our programs, requirements, or how to prepare for starting any of the programs listed please visit this page .

To contact someone from this department, please email the program manager at [email protected] or contact Victor Fay-Wolfe, Ph.D, Program Director, 401.874.2701 , [email protected] .

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CAREER GUIDES

Digital Forensic Investigator Career

Reviewed by  Paul Bingham , Senior Vice President and Executive Dean

What Is a Digital Forensic Investigator? 

Digital forensic investigators are professionals who specialize in collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence to be used in legal proceedings. These investigators are trained in techniques to recover data from computers, mobile devices, and other digital storage media. They utilize various tools to extract and analyze data such as deleted files, internet history, and emails. A digital forensic investigator may work for law enforcement agencies, government organizations, or private companies. These professionals must have strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of computer systems and hardware. They play an essential role in investigating cybercrimes, fraud, and other illegal activities committed through digital means. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Do? 

The day-to-day duties of a digital forensic investigator involve the following:

Collecting and analyzing digital evidence: One of the primary responsibilities of a digital forensic investigator is to collect and analyze digital evidence. This includes examining computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices for evidence of criminal activities such as hacking, fraud, or identity theft.

Recovering deleted data: Another important responsibility of a digital forensic investigator is recovering deleted data from computer systems and other digital devices. This involves using specialized software to restore files that have been deleted from hard drives or other storage media.

Investigating cybercrimes: Digital forensic investigators must be able to identify the methods used by hackers or other criminals to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt computer systems. Once the methods have been identified, they must be able to trace the activity back to its source to prosecute those responsible.

Writing reports: Investigators write detailed reports about their findings to provide documentation for the prosecutors or attorneys involved with a case. These reports will include details about the evidence collected during an investigation as well as any analysis performed on it. 

Testifying in court: Digital forensic investigators need to understand legal procedures so that they can explain their findings accurately and effectively when testifying in court proceedings. This requires them to present their findings clearly and concisely so that they can be understood by all parties involved in a trial or hearing. 

Staying up-to-date with technology: As new computer systems are developed and new software programs are released, it is important for digital forensic investigators to understand how these changes could potentially impact their day-to-day work and analyses of ongoing cases.

Networking with other professionals: To keep up with industry trends, new investigative techniques, and best practices related to collecting and analyzing evidence, digital forensic investigators must network with other professionals such as law enforcement officers, private investigators, forensic scientists, and computer security specialists. 

Where Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Work? 

Digital forensic investigators can work in a wide range of industries, including law enforcement agencies, government agencies, private sector enterprises, and consulting firms. They may conduct independent investigations, work within a team, or collaborate with other departments, all to help solve digital crimes and protect their organization or clients.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How do i become a digital forensic investigator.

Digital forensics is a specialized IT field that requires unique skills and experience. If you’re thinking about becoming a digital forensic investigator, here are the steps you’ll likely need to take:

Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree   

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a great place to start in this field. Either degree will help you gain the computer experience and knowledge you need to enter this career field. You'll learn about security systems, programming languages, operations systems, and networks, which are all vital for a digital forensic investigator.  

Step Two: Gain experience   

Start with an entry-level role before advancing into information security. By working as a network analyst, IT support specialist, or systems engineer, you'll build technical knowledge that can serve as a foundation for when you’re ready to learn more complex digital forensic skills. 

Step Three: Earn a master’s degree  

As with any career, earning an advanced degree will help you to stay competitive and potentially make more money. In the field of digital forensic, getting a master’s degree in cybersecurity is the next step, especially if you want to move up in your career.   

Step Four: Consider certifications   

Some employers may require specific cybersecurity or forensic certifications and training to ensure you’re qualified for their specific work. The most common certifications in the forensic field are:

• Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)  
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)  
• GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)  
• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA) 

Best Degrees for a Digital Forensic Investigator

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....

Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.

• Time:  60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
• Tuition:  $4,265 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 34 total courses in this program.

Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
• ITIL® Foundation Certification
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
• CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
• CompTIA Network Security Professional
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Security Analytics Professional

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Secure Systems Analysis & Design
• Data Management
• Web and Cloud Security
• Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....

Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.

• Time:  63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
• Tuition:  $4,555 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 9 total courses in this program.

Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:

• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
• ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
• (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
• Cybersecurity Strategy
• Information Assurance
• Incident Response
• Penetration Testing

The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.

How Much Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Make? 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary in the field of information security, which includes digital forensics, is $112,000 . 

What Is the Job Outlook for a Digital Forensic Investigator? 

The job outlook for a digital forensic investigator is very promising. The BLS projects that employment is expected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

What Skills Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Need? 

A digital forensic investigator requires a variety of skills, most notably:

Technical knowledge: Digital forensic investigators need to be knowledgeable about computer hardware and software, networks, operating systems, and programming languages. Additionally, they must also understand how data is stored on digital devices and how to extract it. 

Problem-solving skills: Investigators must have strong problem-solving skills to identify the source of a digital security breach or uncover evidence from a crime scene. They need to be able to think logically and use deductive reasoning to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately. Additionally, they should be able to develop creative solutions for complex digital problems.

Investigative skills: Digital forensic investigators need to be able to conduct interviews with suspects or witnesses and analyze data from digital devices such as computers, phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Additionally, they should be proficient at gathering evidence from various sources and analyzing it for patterns or clues that could help them solve the case or identify the perpetrator of a crime.

Computer forensic tools: Investigators should be familiar with computer forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK Imager, Autopsy, X-Ways Forensic, Cellebrite UFED Physical Analyzer, and Oxygen Forensic Suite, which are used for recovering deleted files or analyzing data on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Additionally, they should understand how these tools work and when it is appropriate to use them in an investigation.

Writing skills: Digital forensic investigators need strong writing skills to document their findings clearly and concisely for court proceedings or internal reports. They need to be able to write detailed reports that explain their investigative process step-by-step so that any reader can follow along easily without getting lost in technical jargon or complicated language. 

Communication skills: Digital forensic investigators often rely on excellent written and verbal communication skills to inform clients or colleagues about their findings or progress on a case. Investigators also must be able to explain complex concepts related to digital forensic clearly without using overly technical language so that anyone can understand what is being discussed.

Organization and time management skills: Investigators utilize strong organization and time management skills to stay organized while working on multiple cases at once as well as to complete tasks by the deadlines set by clients or employers.

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Interested in Becoming a Digital Forensic Investigators?

Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.

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Online Master's Degree

Digital forensics & cyber investigation, degree at a glance.

• Transfer up to 12 credits
• All courses available online
• Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

• $694 per credit (in-state)
• $694 per credit (out-of-state)
• $336 per credit (military)
• Other fees may apply

Next Session Starts

Develop the cutting-edge skills and knowledge you need to become a digital forensics expert..

The online master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation from University of Maryland Global Campus is designed to prepare you to meet the growing demand for investigative, leadership, and executive skills in analyzing and mitigating cyber crime. Learn how to determine whether a digital system has been attacked or compromised, and master reliable methods to identify, preserve, analyze, and present evidence for legal prosecution and administrative proceedings.

• Requirements

Total Credits Required: 30

Core courses  .

Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation Foundations (3 Credits, DFCS 605)

Collection and Examination of Digital Evidence (3 Credits, DFCS 615)

Windows Forensics and Security (3 Credits, DFCS 625)

Linux Forensics and Security (3 Credits, DFCS 635) 

Cloud and Network Forensics (3 Credits, DFCS 645)

Elective Courses

Take four 3-credit courses in one of our specializations (outlined under Select Digital Forensics Elective Courses ) for a total of 12 credits .

Capstone Course

Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation Capstone (3 Credits, DFCS 690)

This program requires a total of 1 2 elective credits . To fulfill this requirement,  take four courses  from one of the following concentrations.

Advanced Log Analysis (3 Credits, DFCS 655)

Network Intrusions (3 Credits, DFCS 660)

Digital Forensics Case Management and Reporting (3 Credits, DFCS 665)

Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Requirements for Digital Forensics (3 Credits, DFCS 685)

Workplace Learning in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (3 Credits, DFCS 686)

Cybersecurity Management & Policy

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity management and policy :

Foundations of Cybersecurity Management (3 Credits, CMAP 605)

Cybersecurity Defense Strategies (3 Credits, CMAP 615)

Cybersecurity Risk Management (3 Credits, CMAP 625)

Cybersecurity Governance (3 Credits, CMAP 635)

Cybersecurity Technology

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity technology :

Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 Credits, CTCH 605)

Cybersecurity Threats and Analysis (3 Credits, CTCH 615)

Cybersecurity for Systems and Networks (3 Credits, CTCH 625)

Cybersecurity Attack Prevention Strategies (3 Credits, CTCH 635)

Data Analytics

Complete these four courses to earn a graduate certificate in business analytics :

Decision Analytics (3 Credits, DATA 605)

AI Ethics (3 Credits, DATA 615)

Data Visualization (3 Credits, DATA 625)

Data Management (3 Credits, DATA 635)

General Master's Degree Requirements

• You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
• All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
• Any transfer credits must have been earned within the five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
• Please review the  overall master’s degree requirements  for additional considerations.

Additional Program-Specific Requirements

• All courses must be taken in the order listed.
• You must complete each course with a grade of B or better to advance to the next course.
• The grade of C is not available for these courses.
• The courses in this program will have seven-day and 60-day options for the grade of Incomplete.

Accelerated Pathway

If you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC with a major in cybersecurity technology, an  accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in this field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program by up to 6 credits .

Explore the MARS Program in Your Courses

Some of UMGC's online cyber graduate courses utilize the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that allows students to demonstrate their abilities and apply their cyber skills in a practical, immersive environment.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the  2024–2025 academic year . For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Program highlights.

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for work in government organizations, the private sector, and law enforcement agencies in the areas of computer and digital crime.

You might be interested in similar programs

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Industry Certification Exams

This program is designed to help prepare you for the following certification exams:

• EC-Council Certified Incident Handler
• EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)

Additional Program Information

• Experience Recommended for Success
• Technology Requirements
• Student Organizations

We recommend having a background in computing and programming for this program. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

For some of the upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses in this program, you will need equipment that meets the following specifications. Courses in graphics- or computing-intensive disciplines may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.

Hardware Requirements

• 64-bit processor, Intel Core i5 (7th generation or higher), or equivalent (e.g., AMD, M1) 
• Processor speed: 1.5 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended) 
• Storage: At least 250 GB (SSD [preferred] or HD), with at least 30 percent free space 
• RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB recommended) 
• Display/monitor: Minimum 13” 
• Screen resolution: Minimum 1280 px x 1024 px 
• Keyboard and mouse/trackpad 
• High-speed Internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) 
• 32-bit video card

Operating System

Choose one of the following:

• Windows 10 (recommended; version 1909 or higher required for any course using Adobe Creative Cloud) 
• Mac OS X 10.15 or higher 
• Ubuntu 18.04+ (or other Linux LTS) 
• Microsoft Office 2019 or later (Office 365 Education is available for free with your student email address.) 
• Most recent version/update of a web browser (Firefox, Safari, or Chrome) 
• Antivirus software 
• Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader 

Additional Recommendations

• Built-in camera (or USB port for a webcam)
• Built-in microphone and speakers (or USB ports for external audio devices)

Computing Club

The Computing Club provides a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Students and alumni can join the Computing Club group on CareerQuest .

Cyber Competition Team

The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and tournaments nationwide. Being a member of the team gives students an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity skills and network with other students. The team is open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through a tryout process. Email jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu or visit the team webpage to learn more.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing & Technology Disciplines)

Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for the computing and IT disciplines, is designed to promote the computing and information sciences and to encourage the enhancement of knowledge in the field. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the computing and information science disciplines. Membership is by invitation only.

Undergraduate membership is open to students majoring in one of the computing disciplines who have completed at least 45 credit hours towards their degree, including 30 or more credits at UMGC (in graded coursework) and at least 15 credits from information technology and computer science courses. Undergraduate students need to have a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all coursework taken from the information technology and computer science courses.

Graduate student membership is open to students pursuing a master's degree in cloud computing systems, cyber operations, cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, data analytics, or digital forensics and cyber investigation; a master's degree in information technology with a concentration in database systems technology, informatics, information assurance, software engineering, or systems engineering; or a legacy master's degree in cybersecurity. Graduate students must have completed at least 18 resident credits towards their degree at UMGC, with a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher.

For more information, please email upe@umgc.edu .

What is a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

A master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a graduate-level program that focuses on the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence in a legal context. UMGC's online Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation degree is a 30-credit program that covers topics like forensic examination tools and technologies, best practices in forensic examinations, artifact reconstruction and recovery, evidentiary volume and encryption, and more. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as digital forensic analysts, forensic examiners, forensic consultants, and information security managers.

Is a master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation worth it?

At UMGC, we want you to be happy with the investment you make in your education, and we work hard to keep our programs affordable . When you choose to pursue your master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC, you can rest assured that the quality of our curriculum is backed by the reputation of an accredited state university and a member institution of the University System of Maryland . Deciding whether an online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is worth it for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're not sure whether this is the right program for you or need help figuring out how to fit the program into your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us —our advisors and success coaches are happy to help.

How long does it take to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

UMGC's online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. If you take two courses per term, you can finish the program in as little as 18 months. If you recently completed an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity technology at UMGC, you may be able to apply 6 credits toward your graduate degree and shorten your time to completion by one term.

How much does a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation follows the specialty graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships , an interest-free monthly payment plan , and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.

What background do I need to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

You don't need to have majored in any specific area to be successful in the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC. However, we do recommend you have a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

Whom is the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation geared toward?

This program is designed for those who want to develop skills and competencies in the analysis of digital evidence. This may lead to positions tracking cyber intruders or digital evidence within government and private organizations as well as law enforcement.

What will I get from the Master of Science in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

This program focuses on the investigation area of a cyber attack and collecting evidence from digital assets of other specific activity. It will help you develop your competencies in finding, accessing and analyzing digital evidence left on a variety of devices from computers to smartphones and tablets. The program will require that you become adept with network, computer, and digital analysis technologies at an intermediate level.

Suzan L., Guam MS in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

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Online Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate

Quicklinks: Curriculum •  Faculty • Tuition & Financial Aid •  Careers

Program at a Glance

• 16 Credits Required
• 8–12  months Completion Time
• $15,720 Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*

*Based on 2024–2025 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.

Related Programs

• Applied Data Analytics
• Computer Networks
• Data Analytics
• Database Management & Business Intelligence
• Health Informatics
• IT Project Management
• Web Application Development
• Crime Analysis
• Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity
• Strategic Management
• Health Information Management
• Software Development
• Advanced Information Technology
• Applied Business Analytics
• Criminal Justice
• Information Security
• Information Technology
• Medical Information Security & Privacy
• Software Engineering

The online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to develop proficiency in digital crime scene investigation.

The fundamental role of digital systems in business—from computers and networks to all manner of smart devices—brings serious security challenges. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than $10 billion in losses have been reported since 2015, much of that as a result of hackers, criminals, and other “bad actors” attacking organizations through schemes such as business email compromise (BEC), ransomware, phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches (to name just a few).

To mitigate such risks to valuable information, it is important for IT specialists to obtain a comprehensive overview of digital forensics. The specialized BU MET online certificate program in Digital Forensics provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of digital crime scene investigation and introduces topics such as forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, among others.

Students who complete the Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics will be able to demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of the computer and mobile forensics tools necessary to launch a complete and successful digital forensics investigation in civil, criminal, or administrative cases.
• Proficiency in conducting network forensics analysis, including determining how a perpetrator or an attacker gained access to a network and transmitted felonious digital data.
• Competence sufficient to conduct a comprehensive “digital crime scene investigation” and mastery of skills pertaining to acquisition of digital evidence, conducting analysis, presenting a report, and being an expert witness in a court.

Why Choose BU’s Online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics?

• Four-course certificate program comprises courses shared by the MS in Computer Information Systems, ranked #8 among the nation’s Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology Programs ( U.S. News & World Report 2024).
• Students benefit from a supportive online network, with courses developed and taught by PhD-level full-time faculty and professionals with hands-on expertise in the industry.
• Small course sections ensure that students get the attention they need, while case studies and real-world projects ensure that they gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies.

Digital Forensics Career Outlook

Information security analysts.

31% increase in jobs through 2029

$99,730 median annual pay in 2019

Police and Detectives

5% increase in jobs through 2029

$65,170 median annual pay in 2019

Forensic Science Technicians

14% increase in jobs through 2029

$59,150 median annual pay in 2019

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, September 2020

Internet Crime: A Growing Concern

A total of 4,883,231 complaints have been reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) since its inception in 2000. From 2015 to 2019, the IC3 has received an average of 340,000 complaints per year. In 2019 alone, the Center received a total of 467,361 complaints with reported losses exceeding $3.5 billion— the highest number of complaints and the highest dollar losses reported since the center was established .

2019 Internet Crime Report, FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Best Technology Jobs, 2024 U.S. News & World Report

• #1 Software Developer
• #2 IT Manager
• #3 Information Security Analyst
• #4 Data Scientist
• #5 Web Developer
• #6 Computer Systems Analyst
• #7 Computer Network Architect
• #8 Database Administrator
• #9 Computer Support Specialist
• #10 Computer Systems Administrator
• #11 Computer Programmer

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Money matters.

Boston University Metropolitan College (MET) offers competitive tuition rates that meet the needs of part-time students seeking an affordable education. These rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education. To learn more about current tuition rates, visit the MET website .

Financial Assistance

Comprehensive financial assistance services are available at MET, including scholarships , graduate loans, and payment plans. There is no cost to apply for financial assistance, and you may qualify for a student loan regardless of your income. Learn more .

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics consists of four required online courses (16 credits).

Academic credits earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics may be transferred to the Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems .

(Four courses/16 credits)

METCS625 Business Data Communication and Networks

This course presents the foundations of data communications and takes a bottom-up approach to computer networks. The course concludes with an overview of basic network security and management concepts. Prereq: MET CS 200, or instructor's consent. This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 425 (undergraduate) or MET CS 535. Only one of these courses can be counted towards degree requirements. [4 credits]

METCS693 Digital Forensics and Investigations

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator's office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus. [4 credits]

METCS694 Mobile Forensics and Security

Overview of mobile forensics investigation techniques and tools. Topics include mobile forensics procedures and principles, related legal issues, mobile platform internals, bypassing passcode, rooting or jailbreaking process, logical and physical acquisition, data recovery and analysis, and reporting. Provides in-depth coverage of both iOS and Android platforms. Laboratory and hands-on exercises using current tools are provided and required. [4 credits]

Plus one of the following:

METCS690 Network Security

This course will cover advanced network security issues and solutions. The main focus on the first part of the course will be on Security basics, i.e. security services, access controls, vulnerabilities, threats and risk, network architectures and attacks. In the second part of the course, particular focus and emphasis will be given to network security capabilities and mechanisms (Access Control on wire-line and wireless networks), IPsec, Firewalls, Deep Packet Inspection and Transport security. The final portion of the course will address Network Application security (Email, Ad-hoc, XML/SAML and Services Oriented Architecture security. As part of our course review we will explore a number of Network Use Cases. Prereq: MET CS 535 or MET CS 625; Familiarity with OSI and TCP/IP protocol stack; Background-familiarity with binary numbers, prime numbers, binary- hexadecimal-decimal conversions, etc; Familiarity with computer programming concepts; or instructor's consent. [4 credits]

METCS695 Cybersecurity

This course introduces fundamental concepts, principles of cybersecurity and their use in the development of security mechanisms and policies. Topics include basic risk assessment and management; basic legal and ethics issues, various cyber attacks, defense methods and tools; security principles, models and components; different crypto protocols, techniques and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used; security threats and defense to hardware, operating systems, networks and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools are provided and required. Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent. [4 credits]

Admission & Prerequisite Information

• Completed Application for Graduate Admission and application fee
• All college transcripts
• Personal statement
• One letter of recommendation
• Official English proficiency exam results ( International students )

Prerequisites

Applicants are not required to have a degree in computer science for entry to a program within the Department of Computer Science. Upon review of your application, the department will determine if the completion of prerequisite coursework will be required, based on your academic and professional background.

A maximum of two graduate-level courses (8 credits) taken at Metropolitan College before acceptance into the program may be applied towards the certificate.

Eric Braude

Associate Professor and Director of Digital Learning, Computer Science PhD, Columbia University; MS, University of Miami; MS, University of Illinois; BS, University of Natal (South Africa)

Lou Chitkushev

Associate Dean, Academic Affairs; Associate Professor, Computer Science; Director, Health Informatics and Health Sciences PhD, Boston University; MS, Medical College of Virginia; MS, BS, University of Belgrade

Lecturer, Computer Science MSEE, BSEE, University of Illinois

View all Faculty

Lecturer, Computer Science MS, Southern Connecticut State University; BS, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Suresh Kalathur

Assistant Professor, Computer Science; Director, Analytics PhD, Brandeis University; MS, Indian Institute of Technology; BS, Regional Engineering College (Warangal, India)

Vijay Kanabar, PMP

Associate Professor, Computer Science and Administrative Sciences; Director, Project Management PhD, University of Manitoba (Canada); MS, Florida Institute of Technology; MBA, Webber College; BS, University of Madras (India)

Jae Young Lee

Assistant Professor, Computer Science; Coordinator, Databases PhD, MS, University of Texas at Arlington; BS, Seoul National University (Korea)

Robert Schudy

Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science PhD, MS, University of Rochester; BA, University of California San Diego

Victor Shtern

Associate Professor Emeritus, Computer Science PhD, Leningrad Aluminum Institute (Russia); MS, Leningrad Institute of Technology; MBA, Boston University

Anatoly Temkin

Assistant Professor and Chair, Computer Science PhD, Kazan University (Russia); MS, Moscow University

Guanglan Zhang

Associate Professor, Computer Science; Coordinator, Health Informatics PhD, MEng, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; BS, Luoyang Institute of Technology

Yuting Zhang

Assistant Professor, Computer Science; Coordinator, Information Security PhD, Boston University; MS, BS University of Science and Technology Beijing

Tanya Zlateva

Dean, Metropolitan College; Professor of the Practice, Computer Science and Education; Director, Information Security PhD, Dresden University of Technology (Germany); MS, Dresden University of Technology; BS, Dresden University of Technology

Getting Started

To learn more or to contact an enrollment advisor before you get started, request information using the button below and tell us a little about yourself. Someone will be in touch to answer any questions you may have about the program and detail the next steps in earning your degree. You can also start your application or register for a course at Metropolitan College.

• Request Information Have a Metropolitan College enrollment advisor get in touch with you.

PhD Research Topics in Digital Forensics

PhD Research Topics in Digital Forensics bring out the best days when you work with us. Surely, you will have a good mindset with our work for you. Unless you are satisfied, we will not back off from our work.

Digital Forensics will give the means to find the digital proofs in electrical devices. Singularly, it will pave the way to analyze the gathered proofs. Also, it is used to predict illegal actions through the found data……….

Our experts will direct you to all the nooks and corners of your area. Indeed, we will help you to uplift the value of your research digital forensics thesis work. Though we have done many projects in this field, we still do even more. We have given them in the following section for you.

CURRENT KEY CONCEPTS IN DIGITAL FORENSICS

• Audio visual biometric and also Multimedia
• Fake colorized image study
• Median Filtering analysis
• Multigranularity study
• Behavioral anomaly detection
• Biometric analysis of crime scene
• And also in Live event prediction

PhD Research Topics in Digital Forensics  help you to be bold and best in your work. We promise to provide in-depth research thought from top vibrating areas. To point out, this field gets well with other chief research areas.

HYBRID DOMAIN WITH DIGITAL FORENSICS

• Internet of Things
• Cloud and Fog Computing
• Wireless Network
• Mobile-Cloud
• Blockchain Technology
• Cyber Security

PhD Research Topics in Digital Forensics will always fight for the head of the table for your work.  Digital Forensics can influence a wide range of technologies that could adapt and progress every minute. To this end, you have got a glimpse into the area of digital forensics.

To know further, take a look at the following topics we have given for you,

An inventive mechanism for Identification of Attack-based on Digital Forensic Evidences intended for WAMPAC Systems

On the use of Grayscale Image Conversion and Deep Learning in Digital Forensics  based on File Fragment Classification scheme

A novel method for Neural Network based on Digital Forensics Classification system

The novel mechanism for Analyzing Data from an Android Smartphone while Comparing between Two Forensic Tools

A novel Techniques for Comprehensive Display of Digital Image Copy-Move Forensics method

An efficient method for Adaptive Sliding Window Algorithm designed for Mining Frequent Itemsets in Computer Forensics system

A novel Research based on Electronic Data Forensics Model under Cloud Computing practice

An effectual method for Band Energy Difference intended for Source Attribution in Audio Forensics scheme

Design an effectual process of Digital Forensic Analysis of Instant Messaging Applications on Android Smartphones system

A creative mechanism for Forensics and Deep Learning meant for Botnets in IoTs

An innovative methodology for Tuning function of Monitoring System designed for Network Forensics in Cloud Environment

The firsthand method for Blockchain-based IoT Forensics Framework with Identity Privacy

The new design for Android Applications of Private Data Acquisition Method Based on System-Level Data Migration and Volatile Memory Forensics

An inventive method for Live Forensic Acquisition & Analysis of Mac OS Systems

The novel approach for Face Verification and Recognition for Digital Forensics and Information Security

A new framework function for Probe-IoT based on public digital ledger in forensic investigation for IoT

On the use of Deep Residual Learning based Data Augmentation intended for Median Filtering Forensics of Digital Images system

An inventive mechanism for Framework based on IoT Data Acquisition and Forensics Analysis system

On the use of Multiple Models in Residual Domain based on Median Filtering Forensics system

An innovative function for Coarse-to-Fine Copy-Move Forgery Detection for Video Forensics scheme

Why Work With Us ?

Senior research member, research experience, journal member, book publisher, research ethics, business ethics, valid references, explanations, paper publication, 9 big reasons to select us.

Our Editor-in-Chief has Website Ownership who control and deliver all aspects of PhD Direction to scholars and students and also keep the look to fully manage all our clients.

Our world-class certified experts have 18+years of experience in Research & Development programs (Industrial Research) who absolutely immersed as many scholars as possible in developing strong PhD research projects.

We associated with 200+reputed SCI and SCOPUS indexed journals (SJR ranking) for getting research work to be published in standard journals (Your first-choice journal).

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Our organization take into consideration of customer satisfaction, online, offline support and professional works deliver since these are the actual inspiring business factors.

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Related Pages

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Phd Research Topics In Cse

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Phd Research Topics In Nlp

Phd Research Topics In Cybersecurity

Phd Research Topics In Neural Networks

Phd Research Topics In Computer Graphics

Phd Research Topics In Information Technology

Phd Research Topics In Face Recognition

Phd Research Topics In Information Security

Phd Research Topics In Augmented Reality

Phd Research Topics In Audio Speech Language Processing

Phd Research Topics In Information Forensics Security

Phd Research Topics In Artificial Neural Network

Phd Research Topics In Audio Speech And Language Processing

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AgriLife Today

Texas A&M AgriLife's digital magazine and newsroom

At the intersection of science and mystery

Olivia henry '24 explores a career in the forensic sciences.

May 7, 2024 - by Susan Himes

A childhood love of the Nancy Drew book series helped lead Olivia Henry from a small town in Northern California to College Station to study forensics. Her passion for mysteries, puzzles and problem solving combined with having two parents working in STEM fields nurtured an early interest in the sciences.

During summer breaks from school, she spent “probably half of my time at a little science museum” near her home in Danville. In middle school, she had a science teacher who introduced the class to forensics.

“I thought, this is really cool and kind of a combination of science and problem solving and mysteries,” Henry recalled. “I knew it was perfect for me.”

Henry will graduate in May from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology as a forensic and investigative sciences, FIVS, major with a science emphasis and a minor in cybersecurity. She is a University, College and FIVS program honors student.

The first-generation Aggie made sure to make the most of her time at Texas A&M by not only learning to step outside her comfort zone and embracing Aggie traditions but also helping other students as a peer mentor for the Introduction to Academic Success in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Continuing Academic Success in Forensic and Investigative Sciences classes and the Hullabaloo U Course .

She has also been a College of Agriculture and Life Science Ambassador for three years and has served on the executive cabinet for the Class of 2024 Student Council for the past two years. In addition, she serves on the College’s Student Council, is a Townsend Leadership Fellow , and is a Scholarship for Service recipient.

“There are always open doors in front of you, but you have to walk through them to give yourself the opportunity,” Henry said. “I try to take every opportunity.”

Henry reflected on her time and experiences at Texas A&M.

What initially brought you to Texas A&M?

I decided to come to Texas A&M because they had the No. 1-ranked forensic science program . I, like many students, was also attracted to the spirit of the students and the rich traditions of the school.

Coming from a little town more than 1,500 miles away and going to a state where I knew no one to attend such a huge university felt overwhelming at first. But, within two weeks, I had made so many friends. And although Texas A&M is huge, the College and departments seem smaller as you’ll see the same faces around your classes and building. Texas A&M is unique in that I feel like it really has something for everyone. I think all students can find a home here.

What opportunities has attending Texas A&M provided for you?

I’ve been very blessed with the opportunities. My first internship was working crime scenes, and that came about because a former Aggie from the program reached out hoping to have an Aggie intern. I spent the summer of 2022 interning with Jeremy Arnold ’18 with the Carrollton Police Department Crime Scene Unit.

It was also during that internship that I got to experience the digital side of evidence. I had grown up with a dad in information technology and had sworn up and down that I would never, ever, ever do anything with tech because I thought it was so boring. But when I was exposed to how it is involved in solving crimes, like using an Apple watch on a victim to determine the time of death or dumping phone data for evidence, I added a minor in cybersecurity.

What is one of your favorite memories of attending Texas A&M?

I worked as a student ambassador for the College and one Saturday I met with a prospective student and her mother on campus. The mother asked me question after question, and I was worried when I couldn’t answer all of them, but I spent a lot of time with them and shared my passion and enthusiasm for the College and my major.

Later that day, they came by again and the daughter told me she’d committed to A&M because, by answering their questions and really speaking with them, I’d convinced her and her mom that this was the right place for her to be. That was so exciting to know I had made such an impact on someone and their academic trajectory. I’ve also traveled around with other college students to visit high schools across Texas to talk about being an Aggie. Those will always be some of my favorite memories.

Was there a class or professor that really impacted or influenced your career path?

Dr. Ashleigh Faris is no longer here at Texas A&M, but she was one of those professors who really, really cared about her students and wanted them to succeed. I could call her at any time and she would be there for me. Having a professor like that was super meaningful in my degree because I always knew I had someone in my corner.

Once she left, it was Dr. Craig Coates who kept me on track and helped me finish my capstone. He was instrumental to my success and was always there for me. He also taught one of my favorite courses, Biotechnology and Forensics, which was discussion-based with no power point — which was unlike any class I’d had before.

What are your plans after graduation?

I was fortunate enough to receive an offer from a federal agency, so I will be moving to Washington, D.C., and working there when I graduate. Essentially I will be doing forensics and crime scene investigations at the federal level.

Advice to younger self

I would tell myself you are more capable than you think you are. I would also tell myself to stand firm in who I am and not to doubt myself.

For example, when the first round of applications to be an ambassador came out, I didn’t apply because I didn’t feel I was qualified enough. I thought, they’re not going to want me, I have no ag background. But I ended up getting the ambassador position when they opened the second round of applications – because I actually applied. There’s always an opportunity, but you can’t seize the opportunity if you don’t go out for it.

Advice to future students interested in studying forensics

The broad definition of forensic science to me is the application of scientific principles and methods to assist in criminal investigations and then in a court of law as well. It’s using science and technology – research and the scientific knowledge you have — and then applying that to problems or mysteries you have to figure out. It is really important that you have a complete understanding of all sciences because you never know when you’re going to need chemistry, biology, physics, etc. — all things that can come up at a crime scene.

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