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Computer Forensics Colleges: List of Colleges that Offer Computer Forensics Degree Programs

Published Nov 27, 2009

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Computer forensics uses electronic data from digital media for criminal investigation. Universities and colleges across the country offer various levels of computer forensics degrees. Some colleges offering computer forensics programs include George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, Florida Community College at Jacksonville and Community College of Philadelphia.

Computer Forensics Degree Program Details

Computer Forensics Specialist Certificate

This program trains students to work as computer forensics specialists, uncovering data that was at one time stored on any kind of digital device. Students study legal concepts of digital forensics and procedures for criminal investigations. This certificate program focuses on computer hardware, digital storage and rules for chain-of-custody (to be followed during investigations). Some schools use this program to prepare students for the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CompTIA Security+ certification exams.

Associate in Applied Science in Computer Forensics

This degree program provides students with basic knowledge of computer crime, investigation and evidence. Students graduating from an A.A.S. program in computer forensics know about surveillance tools, investigation techniques and computer forensic basics. Skills learned include detecting criminal activity through evidence found in digital media, analyzing such media and following proper investigative techniques as they relate to computer forensics.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics

Few U.S. universities offer a B.S. in Computer Forensics. Under this degree program, students learn about networks and computer security, criminal law and criminal investigations. Graduates are prepared for positions like computer forensics specialist. Holders of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics may work for law enforcement, private investigation companies and even law firms. Other schools offer a B.S. in Computer Information Systems with a Computer Forensics concentration. Students learn about computer security and collecting digital evidence. This computer science degree option is another way to start a career in computer forensics.

Master of Science in Computer Forensics

This master's degree program is composed of core requirements and elective requirements. Core course requirements for this program may include network forensics, information technology ethics, information security and digital media investigation. Elective courses or specialty areas available within the program include microprocessors, fraud and forensics, cryptography and criminology. The program concludes with a capstone or thesis project.

Ph.D. in Computer Science with Digital Forensic Research

A Ph.D. program in computer science can be taken at some colleges with an emphasis on digital forensic research. Students complete required courses for the computer science Ph.D. with an additional focus on digital forensics. The Ph.D. is a research program. Students study computer architecture, algorithms, software design, computer systems and programming. As part of a concentration on digital forensics, students will also delve into network forensics, computer forensics and general operating systems. A research paper or thesis may be required.

Public and Private Non-Profit Schools with Computer Forensics Degree Programs

School Name Institution Type Enrollment Mailing Address Phone Number
George Mason University 4-year, Public 30,613 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 993-1000
Florida Community College at Jacksonville 4-year, Public 25,903 501 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 632-3000
Community College of Philadelphia 2-year, Public 17,327 1700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19130 (215) 751-8000
College of Lake County 2-year, Public 16,359 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 543-2000
University of Alabama at Birmingham 4-year, Public 16,149 Administration Bldg., Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL 35294 (205) 934-4011
Richland College 2-year, Public 15,917 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75243 (972) 238-6106
University of Rhode Island 4-year, Public 15,904 Kingston, RI 02881 (401) 874-1000
Marshall University 4-year, Public 13,573 1 John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755 (800) 642-3463
Minneapolis Community & Technical College 2-year, Public 9,571 1501 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 659-6000
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 4-year, Public 8,855 400 E. Second St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (570) 389-4000
Southern Utah University 4-year, Public 7,516 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 586-7700
Quinsigamond Community College 2-year, Public 7,227 670 W. Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 853-2300
Lehigh Carbon Community College 2-year, Public 6,985 4525 Education Park Dr., Schnecksville, PA 18078 (610) 799-2121
Missouri Southern State University 4-year, Public 5,264 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 625-9300
Stevenson University 4-year, Private not-for-profit 3,409 1525 Greenspring Valley Rd., Stevenson, MD 21153 (410) 486-7000
Edison Community College 4-year, Public 3,343 1973 Edison Dr., Piqua, OH 45356 (937) 778-8600
Tompkins Cortland Community College 2-year, Public 3,269 170 North St., Dryden, NY 13053 (607) 844-8211
Champlain College 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2,891 163 S. Willard St., Burlington, VT 05401 (802) 860-2700
Columbia-Greene Community College 2-year, Public 1,839 4400 Rte. 23, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-4181

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