Online Computer Forensic Degree Programs - Majors in Computer and Digital Forensics
Computer Forensic and cybercrime are the 3 terms; interconnected and of them complementing each other. In this age of ever advancing technology computer forensics has made its mark. It has proved to be the fastest growing sector or profession when it comes to computer security, law enforcement or cybercrime. Eventually each and every criminal investigation is based on the fact that any computer related to the investigation is detained and investigated. In recent past an observation was published that probably 90 percent and more of sounds, words, images of human recordings are stored in digital format making the computer storage an inevitable aspect of investigation; leading to very bright career prospects for computer forensics graduates. The skills required for conducting such investigations can range from knowledge about file formats, commercial software, and disk structures to investigation modus operandi and expert suggestions. One can acquire such talent or skills through either online computer forensics degree programs or with the help of a career in computer and digital forensics majors.
A better understanding of the changing trend can be had with the table below:
| Crime | Paper Based (Old Scenario) | Electronic Counterpart |
|---|---|---|
| Forgery | Photocopy | E-Mail Spoofing |
| Data Manipulations | False Accounting | Data Diddling |
| Unauthorized Access | Breaking and Entering | Password Sniffing |
| Theft to Intellectual Assets | Dumpster Diving | Software Piracy |
| Damage | Arson | Virus/Denial of Service |
A few forensic experts have irregular income, especially for those who are self employed or work on call or case to case basis. Specialist witness might only be remunerated when they work on a particular case. This remuneration is often on hourly basis, which again has varsity of specialty, geographic location, and other factors. Prediction would be judgemental whereas we have tried to list below the common positions with average income for your reference:
| Forensic Science Technician: | $55,040 |
| Medical Examiner: | $45,000 |
| Criminalist: | $47,940 |
| Forensic Anthropologist: | $56,450 |
| Forensic Chemist: | $66,000 |
| Forensic Pathologist: | $51,000 |
| Toxicologist: | $67,835 |
| Forensic Psychologist: | $57,000 |
Field of computer forensics is very young and upcoming as compared to other forensic sciences. Though the pace of growth is tremendous the actual meaning of the term computer forensics is not yet clear to a lot many. People get confused between data analysis and data extraction and also the fitment of these processes in Computer Forensic. Foreign Governments, Foreign Corporations, Independent hackers, U.S competitors, disgruntled employees any one of these; can commit a cyber crime. United States Department of Justice Executive Office for United States Attorneys Washington, DC quoted "The complete definition of computer forensics is as follows: "The use of scientifically derived and proven methods toward the Analysis, Collection, Documentation, Identification, interpretation, preservation, validation and presentation of digital evidence derived from digital sources for the purpose of facilitating or furthering the reconstruction of events found to be criminal." Read More...
The key roles and responsibilities of certified computer forensic technicians are listed below:
- Use of evolving and latest scientific methods for better results
- Collection and preservation of data facts and figures
- Validation of data
- Identification of appropriate data
- Analysis and interpretation of the digital data
- Documentation and presentation of the final outcome or results as requireds
If one has done computer forensic software applications specialization or he has accomplished his/her Diploma in computer forensics, students who have done computer and digital forensics bachelors degree program or an masters degree in computer forensics, students carrying postgraduate Diploma in computer security and forensics science or degree of master of science in digital forensics and cyber investigations or phd in computer forensics they are either self employed or they work in different places such as:
- Government agencies
- Police departments
- Prosecutors' offices
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Hospitals and consulting firms
- Computer forensic investigators are supposed to acquire and investigate computers and electronic records as evidence related to a particular case. Recovering deleted files from a victim’s computer for evidence of fraud.
- Crime scene photographers capture photographs of particulars related to a crime. Taking pictures at the crime scene, victim’s injuries, and many more objects on the crime scene.
- Firearm and tool mark examiners are involved in studying the bullet striations, spent bullet casings, guns used and other annotations to assess the type of firearm used. These experts can also identify the tools utilised at crime scene, such as tools used at windows for forced entry in the house, office or building.
- Forensic accountants are the experts who examine financial transactions associated to a lawful case or issue; to help to spot deceptive or unlawful action.
- Forensic anthropologists are the ones who have that eye for human bones and use their knowledge in helping to conclude information related to age, height, and sex of a skeletal or any other remains. Anthropologists can also help to find or recover these remains.
- Forensic artists are responsible for preparing art related works to help resolve a case. Classic examples are sketches of suspects as described by the witness or images generated with the help of computers of missing persons’ age progression.
- Forensic biologists are the ones who minutely examine organic substances for performing DNA analysis of samples of hair or blood collected from the crime scene.
- Forensic chemists as the name states are responsible for doing chemical analyses of evidence for substances like drugs, soil, and shards of glass.
- Forensic document examiners basically deal in documentation related analysis of Printing, Inks and handwriting related types of proofs to verify the correctness of documents.
- Forensic economists are the ones who smartly use aspects of economy based on theories and models to assess and calculate financial flaws in legal cases.
- Forensic engineers are expert at interpreting physical evidences using their engineering skills. Reconstructing any mishap to decide its reasons in order to try to help and set up the parties responsible for legal and illegal acts.
- Forensic nurses mainly are involved in providing nursing care to attacked victims to collect substantial evidences related to the incident. The aim is also to prevent future mishaps with the help of educational outreach programs.
- Forensic pathologists are the medical doctors responsible for performing autopsies or conduct other investigations which in turn help to assess the cause of death.
- Forensic psychologists work on logics of applied knowledge of human behaviour and thought processes; with regards to various legal contexts. It ranges from determining a defendant’s intellectual capability, developing the suspect’s psychological profile and assessing a witness’s trustworthiness.
- Forensic social workers cater to the internal clients; i.e. they try to improve the lives of professionals and their families occupied in the legal system. Meeting a child and to make recommendation in the custody case linked to him or her or helping the evaluation to provide social services to criminal defendants.
- Forensic toxicologists study fluids in a body and other evidence as well in order to help and decide whether any toxic substances such as drugs or alcohol were concerned in a crime or death. They are also found conducting drug tests for employers.
- Latent print examiners work mainly on identifying and studying fingerprints, footprints, and related clues from a crime scene of the suspect.
| Faculty | Tenure | Degree/ Program | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyber crime | At least 2 but less than 4 years | Computer Forensics WIA | Bachelor's |
| Computer Forensics WIA | Associate's | ||
| At least 4 or more years | Cyber Security WIA | Bachelor's | |
| Forensic | 1 term (15 weeks) or less | Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) Program WIA | Certificate |
| At least 1 but less than 2 years | Forensics WIA | Master's | |
| Engineering Technology WIA | Associate's | ||
| Criminology and Forensic Technology | Associate's | ||
| Criminal Justice | Associate's | ||
| Computer Forensics WIA | Associate's | ||
| Chemistry WIA | Associate's | ||
| Chemistry | Associate's | ||
| Accountant WIA | Associate's | ||
| Psychology | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Forensics WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Chemistry WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Biochemistry | Bachelor's | ||
| At least 4 or more years | Justice Administration | Bachelor's | |
| Information Technology - Computer Security & Forensics | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Information Systems | Bachelor's | ||
| Communication Studies | Bachelor's | ||
| Chemistry | Bachelor's | ||
| B.S. in Information Technology | Bachelor's | ||
| B.S. in Forensic Psychology | Bachelor's | ||
| Area of Concentration B A | Bachelor's | ||
| Anthropology B A | Bachelor's | ||
| M.S. in Forensic Psychology | Master's | ||
| Forensic Psychology | Master's | ||
| Pathologists Assistant Internship | Graduate | ||
| Interdisciplinary Forensics | Graduate | ||
| More than 1 term but less than 1 year | Post Master's Forensic Counseling Specialty | Certificate | |
| Network Security and ForensicsWIA | Certificate | ||
| Network Security WIA | Certificate | ||
| Information Security Administration WIA | Certificate | ||
| Fundamentals of Network Security WIA | Certificate | ||
| Forensic Sciences | Certificate | ||
| Data Recovery and Video Forensics | Certificate | ||
| Computer Forensics WIA | Certificate | ||
| Computers | 1 term (15 weeks) or less | A+ Certification Program WIA | Certificate |
| A+ Certification WIA | Certificate | ||
| Banking & Financial Skills Training WIA | Certificate | ||
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) WIA | Certificate | ||
| Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): .NET Framework 3.5, Win Forms Application Program WIA | Certificate | ||
| At least 1 but less than 2 years | Architectural Technology and Design WIA | Certificate | |
| Automation Systems IntegrationWIA | Certificate | ||
| Computer and Network Technology | Certificate | ||
| Computer Assistant WIA | Certificate | ||
| Mechatronics Technology WIA | Certificate | ||
| Network Administration WIA | Certificate | ||
| Network Support and Administration WIA | Certificate | ||
| PC Support Specialist WIA | Certificate | ||
| PC Technician WIA | Certificate | ||
| A+ Personal Computer Support Technician | Dilpoma | ||
| Accounting Clerk WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Accounting Technician WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Administrative Assistant WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Administrative Support-Legal Secretary WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Computer Support Specialist WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Cosmetology | Dilpoma | ||
| Esthetician | Dilpoma | ||
| Mechanical Drafting and Design - CAD Drafter WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Nail Technician | Dilpoma | ||
| Network Systems AdministrationWIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Nursing Station Technician WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Nursing Station Technician WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| PC Specialist | Dilpoma | ||
| Pharmacy Technology WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Practical Nursing WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Professional Sales WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Sustainable Greenhouse Production | Dilpoma | ||
| Sustainable Greenhouse Production WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Mechanical Engineering WIA | Master's | ||
| Art WIA | Master's | ||
| At least 2 but less than 4 years | Accounting WIA | Associate | |
| Administrative Assistant/Software Support WIA | Associate | ||
| Administrative Management Technology WIA | Associate | ||
| Administrative Office Management WIA | Associate | ||
| Architectural Technology and Design WIA | Associate | ||
| Architectural Technology WIA Green Program | Associate | ||
| Automation Robotics Engineering Technology WIA | Associate | ||
| Business Administration | Associate | ||
| Business Administration WIA | Associate | ||
| Business and Computer Systems Management WIA | Associate | ||
| Computer and Voice NetworkingWIA | Associate | ||
| Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technician WIA | Associate | ||
| Computer Science WIA | Associate | ||
| Computers/Information Management WIA | Associate | ||
| E-Merging Computer Technology | Associate | ||
| Fluid Power Engineering Technician WIA | Associate | ||
| Graphic Design WIA | Associate | ||
| Health Information TechnicianWIA | Associate | ||
| Hydraulic Engineering Technician WIA | Associate | ||
| Legal Administrative AssistantWIA | Associate | ||
| Marketing WIA | Associate | ||
| Mechanical Drafting and Design - CAD Drafter WIA | Associate | ||
| Mechatronics Technology WIA | Associate | ||
| Mobile Communications Technology | Associate | ||
| Network Development | Associate | ||
| Network Systems AdministrationWIA | Associate | ||
| Networking Administration WIA | Associate | ||
| Networking Services WIA | Associate | ||
| Networking Specialist WIA | Associate | ||
| Office Information Processing Specialist WIA | Associate | ||
| Pharmacy Technology WIA | Associate | ||
| Pneumatic Engineering Technician WIA | Associate | ||
| Tool and Die/Moldmaking WIA | Associate | ||
| Video Production Specialist WIA | Associate | ||
| Web Design & Interactive Media | Associate | ||
| Accounting WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Business Administration WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Engineering Technology WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Electrical Engineering WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Electronic Engineering Technology WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Mechanical Engineering WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Numerical Computation | Bachelor's | ||
| Advanced Office Specialist WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Architectural Technology and Design WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Architectural Technology WIA Green Program | Dilpoma | ||
| Automated Machinery SystemsWIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Automobile Mechanic WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Carpentry WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Technician WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Graphic Design WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Machine Tool Technologies WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Mechatronics Technology WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Microcomputer Technology WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Networking Administration WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Networking Services WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Tool and Die/Moldmaking WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| Video Production Specialist WIA | Dilpoma | ||
| At least 4 or more years | Agricultural Systems Management B S WIA Green Program | Bachelor's | |
| Business Administration WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Chemistry B A | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Engineering B Comp E | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Information Systems B S | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Science | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Science B A | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Science B S | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Science BS Comp Sc | Bachelor's | ||
| Computer Science WIA | Bachelor's | ||
| Electrical and Computer Engineering BS E C E Green Program | Bachelor's | ||
| Electrical Engineering | Bachelor's | ||
| Electrical Engineering B E E | Bachelor's | ||
| Electronics Engineering Technology | Bachelor's | ||
| Biostatistics Ph D | Doctorate | ||
| Teachers of Computer, Keyboarding, and Related Technology Applications | Master's | ||
| Computer Science M S | Master's | ||
| Biostatistics M S | Master's | ||
| More than 1 term but less than 1 year | Advanced Medical Transcriptionist Specialist WIA | Certificate | |
| Basic CAD Drafting | Certificate | ||
| Basic Electronics WIA | Certificate | ||
| Business Principles | Certificate | ||
| CISCO Network Associate WIA | Certificate | ||
| Cisco Network Technician WIA | Certificate | ||
| Cisco Networking | Certificate | ||
| Cisco Networking (Associate) | Certificate | ||
| Computer Skills WIA | Certificate | ||
| Computers/Information Management | Certificate | ||
| Electronic Technician I | Certificate | ||
| Health Care Technician WIA | Certificate | ||
| Help Desk Specialist WIA | Certificate | ||
| Information Technology Infrastructure Certificate WIA | Certificate | ||
| IT Specialist: Network Administration WIA | Certificate | ||
| Microsoft Server Administrator | Certificate | ||
| Netware Administrator WIA | Certificate | ||
| Windows Administrator WIA | Certificate |
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all types of computer forensic cybercrime experts held approximately 12,030 wage and salary jobs. The competition is tough for getting a job or making a career in forensics because of the dynamic and thrilling aspect of work leading to popularity. The demand is likely to increase with a projected growth of 31 percent over the 2006–16 decade; which happens to be much quicker than the standard for all other professions.