Digital Forensics Online Degree Program Overview
Digital Forensics involves aspects of criminal justice, cybersecurity and technology. ECPI’s new Digital Forensics concentration is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a professional environment focused on interpreting electronic data to solve crimes.
What skills do you need to succeed in the world of digital forensics?
- An in-depth understanding of technology and cybersecurity
- Computer science skills
- Investigative and analytical talents
- Communication and teamwork abilities
When most people hear the words digital forensics, they might think about crime scenes and T.V. shows like C.S.I. and Law & Order. However, these types of crime scenes leave behind digital footprints instead of physical ones.
As a digital expert, IBM’s CEO Ginni Rommety, states “Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world.” Workers in the field of digital forensics are important, and their responsibilities will only increase as the number of cyber related crimes increase.
The goal of digital forensics is to analyze electronic data in order to gather evidence and determine when a cybercrime began. Next, you will have to decide the appropriate steps to resolve it. If you want a career that combines your investigative spirit with your love of digital technology, consider prosecuting cybercrimes with a degree in Digital Forensics. This program provides hands-on experience that mirrors real world cyber, investigative scenarios.
Through ECPI University Online's year-round schedule, you could earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics in as little as 2.5 years.
Digital Forensics Online Degree Curriculum
Program Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJ100 | CJ100 Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.00 |
| CJ106 | CJ106 Criminal Law I | 3.00 |
| CJ325 | CJ325 CJ Special Populations | 3.00 |
| CJ110 | CJ110 Law Enforcement Operations | 3.00 |
| CJ125 | CJ125 Criminal Procedure | 3.00 |
| CJ130 | CJ130 Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3.00 |
| CJ135 | CJ135 Corrections | 3.00 |
| CJ200 | CJ200 Criminal Investigations | 3.00 |
| CJ225 | CJ225 Crime Scene Management | 3.00 |
| CJ229 | CJ229 Cybercrime Investigation | 3.00 |
| CJ230 | CJ230 Introduction to Terrorism | 3.00 |
| CJ235 | CJ235 Criminology | 3.00 |
| CJ340 | CJ340 Organized Crime | 3.00 |
| CJ350 | CJ350 Criminal Justice Documentation | 3.00 |
| CJ380 | CJ380 Private Security I | 3.00 |
| CJ430 | CJ430 Conflict Management | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 48.00 | |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAP480 | CAP480 Arts and Sciences Capstone | 3.00 |
| COM115 | COM115 Principles of Communication | 3.00 |
| ECO201 | ECO201 Macroeconomics | 3.00 |
| ENG110 | ENG110 College Composition | 3.00 |
| ENG120 | ENG120 Advanced Composition | 3.00 |
| HUM205 | HUM205 Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3.00 |
| MTH131 | MTH131 College Algebra | 3.00 |
| MTH140 | MTH140 Statistics | 3.00 |
| PHY120 | PHY120 Physics | 3.00 |
| PHY120L | PHY120L Physics LAB | 1.00 |
| PSY105 | PSY105 Introduction to Psychology | 3.00 |
| PSY220 | PSY220 Positive Psychology | 3.00 |
Concentration Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJ310 | CJ310 Digital Forensic Analysis | 3.00 |
| CJ315 | CJ315 Mobile Device Forensics | 3.00 |
| CJ400 | CJ400 Fraud Examination | 3.00 |
| CIS106 | CIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems | 3.00 |
| CIS126 | CIS126 Introduction to Programming | 3.00 |
| CIS150 | CIS150 Introduction to Networking | 3.00 |
| CIS212 | CIS212 Principles of Cybersecurity | 3.00 |
| CIS225 | CIS225 Network Protocols and Services | 3.00 |
| CIS403 | CIS403 Ethical Hacking | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 27.00 | |
Various Electives--9
Visit the ECPI University Catalog for the most current program information.
Digital Forensics Online Degree Program Description
The Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree provides a practice-based approach to learning through an overview of law enforcement, corrections, the court system and private security in the United States. Crime and other threats affect the stability of both local communities and the nation’s security. Members of the criminal justice system and certain related emergency management sectors work to identify and eliminate these threats.
Graduates of this degree program have many career opportunities. These career paths may lead students to positions within or related law enforcement, the courts, emergency management and private security, all important sectors in criminal justice. Criminal justice positions generally are located within federal, state and local government agencies but can also be found in the military and private corporations inside the United States and beyond. With digital Forensics, Students will have the opportunity to investigate cyber events in a computer science environment.
Course topics will cover:
- Mobile Device Forensics
- Fraud Examinations
- Introduction to Operating Systems
- Introduction to Programming
- Introduction to Networking
- Principles of Cybersecurity
- Network Protocols and Services
- Ethical Hacking
Digital Forensics Online Degree Possible Career Track
Graduates of the 100% Online B.S. degree program in Criminal Justice with the Digital Forensics concentration are positioned to compete for employment primarily in law enforcement fields that focus on the security of United States citizens, security and control of U.S. borders and protection of domestic critical infrastructure sectors including transportation. These agencies are looking for skilled employees who can assist in the fight to bring cyber criminals to justice and stop the current rise in cyber-attacks and computer crimes. Graduates are also positioned to compete for employment in private digital forensic companies and private security firms.
Top career choices in this field include:
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Crime Analyst
- Computer Forensic Examiner/Investigator
- Digital Forensic Examiner
- Cyber Risk Manager
- Cybersecurity Officer
- Information Security Analyst
- Intelligence Investigator
Digital Forensics Online Degree Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the 100% Online program, graduates are able to:
- Execute ethical standards across professional and personal settings.
- Critically evaluate the quality and sufficiency of evidence to support a criminal justice argument (case or proposal).
- Integrate scientific inquiry into the analysis of criminal justice issues.
- Analyze human behavior and the impact on crime.
- Ethically apply digital forensic investigative techniques and cybercrime prevention.
Students in the Digital Forensics concentration will gain the following additional outcomes:
- Apply digital forensic techniques to digital devices and platforms.
- Demonstrate proper evidence collection and storage.
- Evaluate ethical issues surrounding cybercrime investigations and the use of digital forensic technologies.
- Apply evidentiary law to real and hypothetical fact situations.
- Demonstrate an ongoing investigation into the dynamic changes in and scope of homeland security.
- Analyze cybersecurity vulnerabilities and strategies for maintaining a secure environment.
- Apply network security fundamentals to computer crime to identify threats and vulnerabilities.