Factors to Consider when Selecting a School with a Master’s Degree Program in Computer Forensics
Higher Education Articles July 8, 2015Commercial digital forensics or government jobs are available to students who have a master’s degree in computer forensics or computer science with a computer forensics concentration. Students will be ready to work with cyber crime, electronic data, and digital evidence.
Selecting a College with a Master’s Degree Program in Computer Forensics
Master’s degree programs are available at various universities and colleges across the United States. In this article, we take a look at important factors to consider when you select a college with a master’s degree program in computer forensics:
Coursework
Programs involving the exploration of aspects of forensic science related to the legal system, computer technology, government intelligence and police departments would best suit the needs of students interested in the pursuit of careers in computer forensics. Students will be ready for jobs in these fields with the skills necessary for converting digital information into evidence that can stand scrutiny in a court of law.
Infrastructure
Up-to-date practical experience is available to students who choose schools with the necessary technological resources including modern software and investigation laboratories, among others. Students may also do a comparison as to the level of training offered in collecting evidence from cell phones, computers, fax machines, personal electronic organizers, and voicemail systems offered at each school.
Funding
Many schools have programs that offer tuition support in the form of assistantships and fellowships, among others. Federal funding is available for some programs with digital forensics research; these may suit the needs of computer forensic students. Students can gain useful hands-on field experience at schools that offer ample research opportunities and partnership possibilities within commercial organizations and government.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Computer Forensics
Students will learn how to access evidence through the Internet, and computer hard drives, in addition to other electronic sources. They become adept at collecting, analyzing and processing evidence. The extant relationships between computers and crime are examined by students, in addition to modes of taking legal action aimed at the seizure and storage of digital evidence. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Data
•Cyber crime
•Interactive imaging
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Computer Science – Computer Forensics
Computer science programs focusing on computer forensics combine data management with computer technology. Core coursework involves the examination of digital technology’s uses in the digital forensics field through skills such as:
•Automated searches
•Stenography
•Software Blocking
•Networking
