Are you one of those who love crime stories and aspire to become a detective one day? And you’ve got a knack for information technology and are a pro at anything to do with computers? Then a career in Computer Forensics is just the perfect one for you. What Computer Forensics do Computer forensics detect and resolve online crime cases, and also cases related to hacking of local company networks …
Are you one of those who love crime stories and aspire to become a detective one day? And you’ve got a knack for information technology and are a pro at anything to do with computers? Then a career in Computer Forensics is just the perfect one for you.
What Computer Forensics do
Computer forensics detect and resolve online crime cases, and also cases related to hacking of local company networks to access confidential information They help protect information that has been preserved on computers, detect and investigate cyber crimes, and search computer and electronic records to discover and maintain digital evidence.
Degree Levels Available
Online Degrees in Computer Forensics can be found at all levels. The options and the time taken for completion include:
Undergraduate Certificate
(6 months to 1 year)
Associate Degree
(2 years)
Bachelor’s Degree
(4 years)
Master’s Degree
(1-2 years)
PhD Degree
(3-5 years)
How To Get Into A Computer Forensics Degree Program
Admission requirements will be different for the individual college and degree you apply for. However, in general, transcripts of the predecessor degree, as in high school diploma for bachelor’s degree applications and bachelor’s degree transcripts for master’s degree programs, are required. Standardized test scores – such as SAT for bachelor’s degrees, GRE for master’s degrees – will be needed, as will letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Courses Taught in a Computer Forensics Degree Program
The number and type of courses taught will be different depending on the college and program you are enrolled in.
In general though, the following can be expected to be taught:
Forensic Analysis of Computers and Networks
Criminal Law
Cyber Crime
Laboratory Forensic Science
Introduction to Networking and Security
Criminal Investigation Protocol
Operating Systems
Software Design
Computer Architecture
Criminal Procedure
Forensic Accounting
Occupations for Computer Forensics Students
There are many different occupations for students of computer forensics in many different industries. At the entry level, the most basic position one can go for is that of a System Administrator. Other prominent roles in this field include Information Security Analyst, Network Security Administrator, Cyber Crime Investigator and Computer Forensic Investigator.
Salary for Computer Forensics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 2010 median annual pay of $69,160 for network and computer systems administrators, and a range of $ $89,000-$121,500 and $85,000-$117,750 for data security analysts and network security administrator, respectively. Payscale.com estimates a salary range of $57,492 to $88,637 for Forensic Computer Analysts.
So, are you interested in a Degree in Computer Forensics?
