Computer Forensics Degree - Requirements and Curriculum

As data security and confidentiality become anfocus on the technology and legal aspects of the
increasingly important element of corporate andcareer, requiring the development of a broad base of
government communications, the demand forknowledge. Students are required to gain expertise in
computer forensic scientists is rapidly increasing. Inthe criminal justice and law enforcement system, as
order to enter the field, you should strongly considerwell as a core set of skills in both computer science
enrolling in a program that allows you to earn awith a focus on hardware and computer security.
bachelor or master computer forensics degree.At leading universities course offerings include
Careers in digital forensics requires a broad set of skillsForensics and Crime Scene Investigation, Cyber Crime
to allow you to analyze computer data and security,Analysis, Police Investigation Techniques, Essentials of
including network technologies and traffic. ComputerComputer Security, Computer Forensic Analysis and
forensics degrees allow you to develop a wide rangeCryptology and Computer Security. Each of these
of knowledge in computer science, criminal justice andcourses builds upon a foundation in criminal justice and
engineering, all of which is important for a future careercomputer science. As one of the fastest growing
in forensics. In particularly, you will develop skills toprofessions, the requirements for computer forensics
understand file formats, networking protocols,training require a working knowledge of a range of
cryptology, software engineering and data analysis.technology from networking equipment to wireless
Computer forensic degrees are often available asprotocols.
associates or bachelors degrees, as well as throughImportantly, leading computer forensics schools will
professional, specialist degree training. A number ofprovide you with an opportunity to gain hands on work
well known universities such as California State offerexperience through internships and work study
degree programs focused on digital forensics. Theseopportunities within the field. Both private companies as
degrees are structured to enable you to earn becomewell as government agencies are actively recruiting
a Certified Information System Security Professional,computer forensics experts to aid in investigations, so
the highest level of certification for forensicsdemand remains high for new entrants into the field. By
professionals. In addition to in-person training, a numberearning a well qualified computer forensics degree, you
of schools offer online distance training in forensics,can put yourself in a good position to become a
including ITT Technical Institute.working professional upon graduation.
Courses within a computer forensics degree generally