Online Master’s In Computer Forensics

According to a University of Maryland study, a hacking attempt occurs every 39 seconds. Cybercrime threatens the digital security of individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide. Examples include identity theft, system-crashing malware, email fraud, and cryptojacking. Systems security experts and computer forensics professionals identify, address, and mitigate cybercrimes' occurrence and impact.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 14% growth for jobs in this sector, much faster than the projected 4% growth for all occupations. More and more U.S. institutions offer a computer forensics degree online to attract more enrollees and meet the demand for experts in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Forensics

What can I do with a degree in computer forensics?

Computer forensics degree-holders become information systems security professionals, forensic computer analysts, IT auditors, and cryptographers.

What do you study in computer forensics?

Students learn how to conduct digital investigations and to detect and prevent cybercrimes. Topics often include intellectual property laws, evidence preservation, and enterprise security.

Is computer forensics in demand?

Yes. The BLS projects a 14% growth rate for jobs in this sector.

Why Get a Degree in Computer Forensics?

Computer forensics degree-holders can expect to enter a robust professional arena with ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. Forensics practitioners also earn higher median salaries, across the board. The median annual salary for all occupations is $41,950, while forensic science technicians earn $60,590 and information security analysts earn $103,590.

Virtually every type and size of a company or organization can benefit from a digital forensics expert's services. An accredited computer forensics degree opens career paths in diverse industries including aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

How Much Does a Computer Forensics Degree Cost?

National Center for Education Statistics data shows postgraduate students at in-state schools paid an average of $12,170 in 2018-2019. Postgraduate enrollees at private nonprofit institutions paid an average of $27,780 for one year of enrollment. The yearly cost of a master's computer forensics degree will likely approximate these amounts.

Colleges and universities support postgraduate enrollees through various fellowships and grant programs. Some of these opportunities require recipients to take on undergraduate teaching or advanced research duties. Financial assistance for STEM students, including computer forensics degree-seekers, often covers full tuition, fees, and books. Some programs also offer a living stipend.

Financial aid can significantly lower the costs of earning a computer forensics degree online. Students should always inquire about such opportunities from every prospective school.

Additional Online Student Fees for Computer Forensics

Some schools require online enrollees to pay a technology fee that on-campus students do not pay. The fee varies among schools, with some charging a flat fee per semester and others calculating it per credit. The technology fee may result in a higher attendance cost. Students should find out this information before deciding on a school or program.

Some online computer forensics programs require on-campus components, including orientation sessions, lab work, or in-person thesis or capstone project presentations. Online enrollees far from schools with these requirements should consider these expenses when they calculate attendance costs.

How Much Do Computer Forensics Majors Make?

Top Salaries

The top-paying sectors for computer forensics experts include the federal executive branch; general medical and surgical hospitals; and companies offering architectural, engineering, and related services. Computer forensics experts earn salaries of $120,790, $75,720, and $66,040, respectively, in these arenas.

Master's Degree

BLS data shows master's degree-holders typically earn higher salaries than workers with a bachelor's or associate degree. Computer forensics experts with a master's can expect to earn even higher salaries than those above, which reference bachelor's degree-holder salaries.

States hiring the most professionals in specific arenas often offer better career options in those fields. The following states employ the most computer forensics experts: California with 2,270 positions, Florida with 1,730, and Texas with 1,580.

Courses in Computer Forensics

Colleges and universities usually offer similar foundation coursework for computer forensics degrees. A typical curriculum includes classes in incident response and network forensics, operating systems analysis, legal principles of digital investigations, and the three courses described below.

Students often follow the same curriculum whether they pursue a computer forensics degree online or on campus. Most programs require 30-36 credits and a culminating experience of a thesis, capstone research project, or comprehensive exam. Some computer forensics programs allow specialization in fields including cyber operations, electronic crime, and data analytics.

• Information Technology and Security

  Students examine security issues that impact different IT components, including operating systems, applications and development, and computer hardware. The course familiarizes enrollees with topics such as topologies, protocols, and various network systems. The knowledge gained helps them analyze fundamental enterprise communications in different workplace settings and diverse industries.

• Malware Analysis

  The course introduces tools commonly used in detecting and mitigating the presence of malware in a network system: Interactive Disassembler Professional, Pescanner, and Mandiant IOC Editor. Students explore typical malware behavior and characteristics by understanding concepts such as persistence mechanisms and infection vectors and propagation.

• Forensics Investigation for Civil Litigation

  The course covers computer forensics issues more commonly associated with civil litigation, including data recovery and restoration, electronic discovery, and media erasure. Enrollees become familiar with the same tools and techniques that computer forensics experts often use in public sector criminal investigations. These tools include NetworkMiner, Volatility Framework, and Wireshark.

Certifications and Licensure for Computer Forensics

Some states require digital or computer forensics professionals to possess licensure as a private security services provider. Requirements vary by state, so practitioners should research specific licensure criteria before beginning their practice. An industry-recognized certification presents the holder as a trained and knowledgeable professional with expertise in a specific area.

GIAC Certification

The Global Information Assurance Certification administers several programs for computer forensics practitioners. GIAC offers certifications for network security analysts, malware specialists, cyberware intelligence experts, and forensic analysts. The educational and professional experience requirements for each certification differ. Candidates must pass an exam on their specific area of expertise.

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Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification

The certification requires a five-day course on analytical strategies, forensic instruments, procedures, and several other topics relevant to computer forensics or cybercrime investigation. At the end of the course, candidates must pass a four-hour, 150-item multiple choice exam to earn the CHFI credential.

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Certified Forensic Computer Examiner

The program consists of two stages, a peer review and an examination. The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists administers the credential, which enjoys worldwide recognition. During the peer review, candidates complete four problems for which they must submit reports and supporting documentation. The final exam includes a practical exercise and a written test.

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Online Master's Programs in Computer Forensics