Computer Forensics Degrees
According to the Los Angeles Times, computer hackers broke into Sony's PlayStation Network on April 19, 2011, causing the company to shut down the service. The paper quoted a spokesman who explained that Sony immediately undertook "forensic analysis [to determine] the nature and scope of the incident." The scope turned out to be huge: the hackers had been able to access names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and possibly credit card numbers of a number of the 77 million users of the PlayStation service.
The PlayStation hack is a dramatic example of the kind of cyber crime that has been on the rise for years. The New York Times reports that between 2003 and 2008 the volume of computer-related crimes investigated by the FBI more than quintupled. As these crimes become more common, demand will rise for graduates of computer forensics (also known as digital forensics) programs. These grads do the kind of analysis companies like Sony need in times of crisis, examining hard drives and other computer components, as well as sifting through software programs and e-mail folders for evidence of tampering or other criminal activity.
Computer forensics degree programs in depth
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network classifies forensic science as a field best-suited for people who enjoy digging for information, are good at thinking through problems and working with tools and machines, and who are very detail-oriented and skilled at marshalling data. Verbal communications skills are also important, since computer forensics professionals are sometimes called to provide testimony at trials.
The College Board reports that most computer forensics programs lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree, and include courses such as:
- Computer and network security
- Criminal law and procedure
- Analysis of digital media
The organization also recommends programs that involve computer forensics training as well as classes in general information technology and criminal justice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in addition to degree programs, certificate programs in computer forensics are becoming common. These programs often provide valuable computer forensics training to those who are already engaged in investigative work, such as law enforcement officers or paralegals.
It's possible to earn a computer forensics degree or certificate through traditional and online programs. Hands-on lab work and an internship are often part of a traditional program and might be sacrificed by those who pursue this degree online. However, it may be possible to arrange an internship even through an online program. Also, because computer forensics software can be used and mastered on home computers, online computer forensics training is not hampered by the limitations of e-learning to the extent of some other sciences, which require more in-depth lab work.
Careers for grads of computer forensics degree programs
Depending on the employer, computer forensics experts are hired to investigate crimes aimed at computers and computer networks, such as the PlayStation hack, or to comb computers and digital devices for evidence related to non-cyber crimes, including murder and extortion. Some grads of computer forensics degree programs go on to develop software related to the field.
Demand for computer forensics specialists is being driven by the proliferation of computer-related technologies. In 2008, the New York Times profiled a digital forensics specialist who focuses on handheld devices like smartphones. The paper described this as a "booming specialty in the fast-growing field of digital forensics," and specified that as of 2008, law enforcement agencies, government, corporate information security firms and law firms were the field's largest employers. New York, Chicago, L.A., Washington, Dallas and Houston were singled out as hubs for the profession.
The BLS does not provide data specifically about computer forensics experts, but considers the career under the category of private detectives and investigators. For the category as a whole, the BLS projects very healthy growth between 2008 and 2018 with 22 percent more jobs expected. Additionally, the BLS says that "qualified computer forensics investigators" can expect favorable conditions for employment.
The BLS-reported 2010 mean annual wage for private detectives and investigators was $47,830. According to the New York Times, as of December 2008, the starting salary for digital forensic examiners was $50,000. Private-sector earnings could range between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on seniority and qualifications such as security clearances and foreign language fluency, as well as level of education. So in the computer forensics field as in most others, it definitely pays to pursue a degree.
Computer Forensics Degrees Schools
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University of Phoenix
- Sacramento, CA
- 3 miles
- Other Locations:
- Palm Desert, CA
- Roseville, CA
- San Diego, CA
- More...
DeVry University
- Anaheim, CA
- 23 miles
- Other Locations:
- Alhambra, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Oakland, CA
- More...
Heald College
- San Francisco, CA
- 7 miles
- Other Locations:
- Rancho Cordova, CA
- Concord, CA
- Roseville, CA
- More...
- Programs:
- Network Security
- More...
Charter College
- Oxnard, CA
- 10 miles
- Programs:
- Certificate - Network Security
- More...
ABCO Technology
- Los Angeles, CA
- 16 miles
NetCom Learning
- Los Angeles, CA
- 65 miles
- Programs:
- CompTIA - Security+
- (ISC)2 - CISSP
- More...
Golden Gate University
- Santa Clara, CA
- 88 miles
- Other Locations:
- San Francisco, CA
- San Francisco, CA
Additional Computer Forensics Degrees Training Schools & Courses
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OHwww.uakron.edu
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MIwww.msu.edu
University of California-Davis
Davis, CAwww.ucdavis.edu
Long Island University-C W Post Campus
Brookville, NYwww.liu.edu
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OHwww.ysu.edu
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZwww.mc.maricopa.edu
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CAwww.ccsf.edu
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CAwww.lbcc.edu
Palomar College
San Marcos, CAWWW.PALOMAR.EDU
Florida International University
Miami, FLwww.fiu.edu
