Objectives
The purpose of this program is to help graduates prepare for entry-level positions in computer forensics. The curriculum of the program focuses on technical, criminal justice and general education cores of study. The technical core covers knowledge and skills in the collection, identification, preservation, extraction, interpretation and documentation of computer evidence. Courses in the criminal justice core will introduce students to the legal and regulatory aspects of computer forensics including an understanding of the judicial system, investigative processes, the importance of maintaining the chain of evidence and incident reporting. The general education core will offer studies in the humanities, mathematics, sciences and social sciences

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program may begin their careers in a variety of entry-level positions involving the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital forensic evidence. Entry-level positions may include computer forensics specialists, forensic laboratory technicians, cyber-squad professionals and technicians, security telecommunications technicians or security administrators.

Admission Requirements
Refer to the Admission section of this catalog for information relating to Admission Requirements and Procedures for this program.

Equipment
The student is responsible, at his or her expense, for providing all supplies and equipment for the student's use in the online courses in the program, including, without limitation, a computer (and the associated accessories and peripheral equipment, including without limitation, a monitor, keyboard and printer), software and Internet service.

Online Courses
All of the courses offered at the school in this program are distance education courses and are taught online over the Internet, rather than in residence at the school. Each course will be taught over a period of either (a) six weeks or (b) 12 weeks, as determined by the school from time to time in its discretion. Courses are delivered through an asynchronous learning network. There is a prescribed completion schedule for the activities in each course. Support materials for each course will be sent to the student. These materials may include a course syllabus, a textbook(s), a CD-ROM(s) and other printed documents required for the course. Students will be assigned to a class for each course. Students in each course will interact with their classmates and the instructor through discussion board and e-mail systems.

Online Student Preparation - Prior to starting any of the online courses in this program, the student is encouraged to complete the online course student preparation, which describes the protocols that the student must follow when taking an online course.

Computer, Software Requirements and Specifications and Internet Service
The student must have access to a computer (and the associated accessories and peripheral equipment), software and Internet service that satisfies the following specifications:

Minimum Requirements for Computer: Personal computer capable of running Windows XP or greater. 1GB of RAM (2GB recommended), 7GB of available hard-drive space (additional free space required during installation),1,024x768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card, and DVD-RW drive.

Minimum Requirements for Software: Microsoft Office Professional 2003 (or higher), Internet Browser, and functional e-mail address with file attachment capabilities. The student will be required to obtain any software tools, plug-ins and/or applications identified in the course syllabus for any course in the program of study.

Minimum Requirements for Internet Service: Broadband connection such as cable or DSL.

The student is obligated for any expense associated with obtaining access to the above specified computer equipment, software and Internet service. No school-owned computer equipment, software or Internet service will be accessible to the student.

Class Size
Classes generally range in size from 15 to 25 students. Depending on the course subject matter, certain classes may contain a greater or lesser number of students.

Program Outline

To view a list of the course descriptions, please click here.