Computer Forensics Bachelor's Degree

Computer and digital forensics is a fairly new field of study that will teach you how to analyze a computer or other digital forms of storage. Individuals who work in computer forensics work to analyze technological devices to find signs of fraud, forgery, or other illegal goings-on. Remember, before you can begin working on a Bachelor's degree in computer forensics you must have completed your high school diploma and have a solid score on your ACT.

As you begin working towards your degree in computer forensics, you will be receiving a solid skills and knowledge base in relation to computer systems and digital forensics. Depending upon which institution of higher learning that you choose to attend, you may be required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification before you can continue the course work in the computer forensics degree program. This certification will qualify you as a technician in computer support. Computer forensics degree programs that some schools offer require that their students earn at least one nationally recognized computer forensics certification.

Typically, students are allowed to choose the type of certification that best suits their career goals. Many bachelor's degree programs in computer forensics require prospective graduates to complete an internship. This allows students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in a real world setting. In addition, successful completion of this internship will be a great addition to your resume; potential employers will view this internship as proof that you can perform in the work force.

As you work to complete the course work required for your bachelor's degree in computer forensics, there are many courses that are more general education related that you must successfully complete. For instance, this Bachelor's degree in computer forensics dictates that you have numerous accounting courses, some criminal justice classes, and a wide range of computer related classes. Sample classes that you may take towards this degree program are: investigations interviewing, computer networks and security, types of cybercrime, examination of digital evidence, criminal law, computer operating, computer file systems, advanced forensic methods, detecting intrusion, digital data analysis and recovery, and data mining.

Remember, these are considered concentration courses, so the grades you receive in these courses are very important to your future career path. Furthermore, this field of study is a growing area for job fulfillment. Your bachelor's degree in this area is sure to make finding satisfying employment much easier! Also, since this career area is thriving, it will naturally have a competitive nature for specific job positions. Here's where your areas of certification, your transcript, and the experience level you received through an internship will possibly help to give you an extra edge against fellow job seekers.

It is important to realize that the technological nature of this profession will require that you stay abreast of current trends. It will be necessary for you to work to learn new software programs and ways you can improve upon your techniques. Often, vendors and colleges in your area may offer workshops that will help you continue your learning.

How to Find a Computer Forensics College

The industry is always looking for top candidates in the field of computer forensics analysts. It is recommended that you earn a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree to successfully be employed. Before you enroll in a program you first need to decide if the college you want to attend is right for you. Follow the below steps to find the best computer forensics college.

Careers – Every school is different in terms of how they teach their programs. For you the most important aspect is what is the career outcomes that you’ll have upon graduation. You’ll need to know what type of forensics career you want. Does the school train you to become any of the following: forensic engineer, DNA analyst, criminal profiler or forensic pathologists? Make sure you are enrolling in a Bachelor’s program that targets your career.

Campus Location – Check out any of the computer training schools that are listed on the page as we indicate the city and state of where they have campus locations. If you don’t find one close to you find one that offers an online computer forensics degree. Taking an online degree isn’t any different than a campus and the end results are the same. Online training gives you more flexibility for those who work during the day as you can study on your own pace, at night or on the weekends.

 

My Life in Computer Forensics

My name is Denton Rich and I’m a forensic analyst for the DC police department. I’ve been in computer forensics for over 18 years. When I first started out I was in law enforcement for 6 years before being injured and being forced do a desk job. My 6 years in uniform exposed me to a wide variety of crime mostly that dealt with drug abuse and domestic violence. The more I worked the more I thought I could really help out by not being the cop that beat the street each night but be smarter in how I helped with cases. My early adult life I spent loving technology and become a really good programmer. When a spot opened up in the office that allowed me to still hunt the bad guys but without using my gun I jumped on the opportunity.

Being a computer forensic analyst I get exposed to a lot of different projects. Most of the time I decode computers from individuals that were arrested. I attempt to reverse engineer their laptop and extract as much evidence as possible. I recently started doing the same with cell phones as drug dealers and child predators use them more often now than laptops. It is a very satisfying career when I get a chance to do something that can help save a child’s life or further catch someone from doing something to harmful to others.

One of the most disturbing aspects of my job is dealing with child predators. Their laptops and phones are packed full of things normal people should never have to hear or look at. I have to separate myself from the real world when I work these cases. I spend most of my day collecting and extracting data so that other investigators can take over and perhaps even build a stronger case on the individual who owns the device. Often what we find will lead us to other individuals.

 

What makes my job satisfying is I feel I’m really helping out by doing the work that some won’t do. Sorting data and investigating all possibilities on a computer can be a long task. Some computers or even hard drives I’m given contain 1000’s of files, some hidden and some encrypted. I use special software that allow me to crack these encryptions. Computer and cyber forensics is a great career and if you have the desire to help solve crimes and make the world a safer place then I’d recommend this career. I received my Bachelor’s degree in computer forensics from a 4 year state college and it was one of the best things I’ve ever did.

Resources
Magnet Forensics - https://www.magnetforensics.com/
Access Data - http://accessdata.com/
ADF Solutions - http://www.adfsolutions.com/
MSAB - https://www.msab.com/