Online Computer Forensics Degree Programs

The online computer forensics degree is a rapidly growing area within the field of computer science. The role of computer forensics agents is to analyze computer systems so as recover data, learn about computer and data attacks, and gather evidence.

With computer crimes being on the rise, the goal of cyber security training is to gain information about computer systems for performance, and debugging, threats to data and information, etc. A major responsibility of computer forensics investigators is to track clues and cues that cyber criminals leave behind when they commit cyber crimes such as hacking, and identity theft. While computer forensics program vary by individual college, the computer forensics online degree program also teaches students you document evidence, trace hackers, and coordinate with law enforcement professionals. Computer forensics education requirements also focus on using the current computer hardware and software and network systems. The technical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity degree programs give graduates the advantage of being eligible to work in law enforcement, security or software and hardware design.

Are you looking for an education in the Criminal Justice field? Choose from the following programs:
~Computer Security
~Corrections
~Crime Scene
~Law Enforcement
~Homeland Security

Search Online Computer Forensics Degree

Locate Computer Forensics Schools in your area

Selected Online Computer Forensics Degree Programs

Strayer University

• Bachelor Computer Security and Forensics

Devry University

• Bachelors in Computer Forensics
• Bachelor in Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics

Kaplan University

• Bachelor in Information Security and Forensics

• Bachelor of Information Technology - Computer Forensics

Utica College

• Bachelor Computer Security and Forensics

• Bachelor in Systems Security

• Masters in Cyber Crime

Virginia College

• Masters in Cyber Security

ITT Technical Institute

• Associate of Applied Science in Computer Forensics
• BS - Criminal Justice - Cyber Security

Computer Forensics Education and Training

With computer crimes being on the rise, the goal of cyber security training is to gain information about computer systems for performance, and debugging, threats to data and information, etc. A major responsibility of computer forensics investigators is to track clues and cues that cyber criminals leave behind when they commit cyber crimes such as hacking, and identity theft.

While computer forensics program vary by individual college, the computer forensics online degree program also teaches students you document evidence, trace hackers, and coordinate with law enforcement professionals. Computer forensics education requirements also focus on using the current computer hardware and software and network systems. The technical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity degree programs give graduates the advantage of being eligible to work in law enforcement, security or software and hardware design.

Online computer forensics degree programs are exciting, challenging, and innovative. Computer forensics careers requires at least a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics or related program of study, for example criminal justice, criminology, computer engineering, computer science, etc. Computer forensics classes are therefore a blend between the technical and legal aspects of information security. These computer forensics courses may include courses in homeland security, criminal justice, and criminology. Computer forensics scientists must therefore have a solid knowledge of computer architecture, computer systems, information systems, computer software and hardware, as well as knowledge of the law.

Several computer forensics courses may be required in your online computer forensics degree program of study, especially at the computer forensics masters degree level. These include storage devices, computer programming languages operating systems, and software applications. Particular computer forensics classes would include technical writing, computer networking, network security, file formats, encoding, cryptology, password protection, software drivers, email systems, database management, reverse software engineering, and investigative techniques. Computer forensics schools may also require students to courses in business and criminal law.

Computer forensics certifications are offered for computer forensics investigators via various organizations such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE). While these are voluntary credentials they are helpful in career entry and advancement.

Computer Forensics Careers

Computer forensics professionals go by various titles including digital media analysts, computer forensics investigators, and digital forensics detectives. The major tasks often involve analysis and investigation of electronic and digital data and information. Solid comprehension of the law is important in order to be effective in handing legal evidence as well as various methods for evidence discovery and retrieval. In addition they must have detailed knowledge and skills in computer systems and programs, and the ability to retrieve data and information from these systems. Computer forensics agents and investigators work as computer and systems analysts, consultants, researchers, digital forensics specialists.

There are many employers of graduates with a computer forensics degree or cyber security degree including:

• Law Enforcement: Police department and other law enforcement agencies.
• Companies: Financial institutions for example banks, credit card companies, securities and commodities etc Businesses are constantly on the look out for talented computer forensics degree holders to help protect their computer systems from outside attacks.
• Private Organizations: All private organization that need to protect their information and computer network in order to maintain surveillance on their systems for example retail and manufacturing companies.
• Software Development Companies: For example working as a programmer for anti-virus, malware, and spyware software development companies.
• Intelligence Agencies: For example the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Private Security Companies: Private companies that specialize in cyber security may have contracts with other private businesses that require their services.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The average salary for computer forensics is about $61,000. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the income ranges from $32,000 to $88,000 per year depending on the specialization, level of education and skill level. New forensic examiners in private consulting firms can earn between $50,000 and $60,000. Those in senior management make anywhere from mid $100,000 to $200,000 while partners at consulting firms, and owners of forensic firms, can make even more per year. Having an online computer forensics degree is a plus as the cyber security field continues to experience growth based on the need to protect electronic data and information.