Bachelor's Degree Specialization in Computer Forensics

Explore the Exciting World of Computer Forensics

Are you interested in learning how to gather evidence and catch cyber thieves? Get started with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a Specialization in Computer Forensics from DeVry University. Unlock your inner tech detective as you develop stronger deductive and inductive reasoning skills to formulate and test theories about how cybercrimes were committed.

Our Computer Forensics Degree Specialization is anchored with our unique Tech Core curriculum, which is geared toward helping you build an understanding of technology and how it functions within today’s workplaces. Learning with Tech Core, you’ll have the opportunity to develop skills related to software and information systems, information technology, engineering technology and more. These concepts will supplement those you’ll learn from computer forensics classes, and help you build a broader skillset that you can quickly put to work in the field.

Get to Know Our Computer Forensics Degree Specialization

Part of our Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems program, the r Bachelor’s Degree with a Computer Forensics Specialization is designed to help you build your understanding of computer forensics software applications, relevant laws, ethics and how to recover lost data and unencrypt files in order to provide court-ready evidence. A computer forensics degree can help you prepare to pursue a career as a computer forensics investigator. These investigators identify, track and assist in the prosecution of cybercriminals and to help solve cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even help law enforcement by uncovering lost data from cyberattacks and suspect’s devices.

In our Bachelor’s Degree with a Computer Forensics Specialization program, you’ll gain an understanding of leading computer forensic software applications and the laws and ethics that affect digital evidence.
The computer forensics specialization will also teach you how to recover and gather evidence from viruses and information security breaches that could be encrypted or destroyed—such as erased files and emails—and use them to prepare reports that may be submitted in court.


Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Earn your Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems with Computer Forensics Specialization in as little as 2 years + 8 months*—or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.

*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.

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Availability

Why DeVry?

Complimentary Laptop

You’ll get a complimentary laptop as part of your technology program1. It’s our way of investing in your education—and you.

Work With IoT Technologies & Systems

Immerse yourself in the Internet of Things (IoT) world and obtain hands-on experience with IoT, cloud, software and security technologies and systems.

Certification Exam Reimbursement

Several of our tech programs are designed with industry-recognized certifications in mind. Qualified students may receive up to a $300 reimbursement for the cost of one exam attempt across a wide range of certifications:

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Cloud+


Other certifications may also be eligible for reimbursement. Speak to your Student Support Advisor for additional information.

Questions? We can help!

What You'll Learn

The Computer Forensics Degree Specialization covers the following:

  • digital crime evidence and procedure icon

    Digital Crime Evidence and Procedure

    Study basic legal concepts and evidentiary procedures for investigating criminal activity involving computers and computer-based systems; Explore practical application of the law and legal procedures in the digital age.
  • computer ethics icon

    Computer Ethics

    Explore the nature and social impact of computer technology, and the corresponding formulation and justification of governmental and organizational policies for ethical uses of such technology.
  • digital forensics icon

    Digital Forensics

    Apply basic forensic techniques used to investigate illegal and unethical activity within a PC or local area network (LAN) environment and resolve related issues.
  • information system security icon

    Information Systems Security Planning and Audit

    Understand the risk factor analysis that must be performed in order to design a flexible and comprehensive security plan.
  • complex problem solving icon

    Complex Problem Solving

    Apply critical and analytical thinking to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • information ordering icon

    Information Ordering

    Identify new ways to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures or mathematical operations).
  • interacting with computers icon

    Interacting with Computers

    Improve your ability to use computers and computer systems to program hardware, write software, set up functions, enter data and process information.
  • logic and design icon

    Logic and Design

    Study basic programming logic and algorithm design, including control structures for sequential, iterative and decision-based processing. Learn how computers think in order to set up complex patterns and controls.
  • structured analysis and design icon

    Structured Analysis and Design

    Explore the systems analysis and design process using information systems methodologies and techniques to analyze business activities and solve problems. Learn how to identify, define and document business problems, and then develop information system models to solve them.

Embedded Programs - Demonstrate Skills at Every Step

Want to show some credentials on your resume? With our unique 3-in-1 design, you can earn two additional credentials while acquiring your Computer Information Systems degree with a specialization in Computer Forensics. All courses in our Programming Essentials certificate program and Information Technology and Networking associate degree are embedded within this program. So you can earn a certificate and an associate degree on the way to your bachelor's degree at DeVry.2

Computer forensics specialist works on a program on his laptop

Career Opportunities

Graduates with our Computer Forensics Degree Specialization may consider the following careers:

  • Computer Digital Forensic Investigator†,††
    Computer digital forensic investigators use a combination of technology and detective-like skills to uncover evidence of criminal activity in computers. They are experts at data recovery and work with law enforcement agencies to locate and extract evidence in a way that allows it to be presented in a court of law.
  • Computer Programmer
    Computer programmers use software and hardware knowledge to program the applications and systems that enable computers to function.

Applicants for jobs in the justice administration field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, drug and/or alcohol testing, physical and/or psychological examinations and credit checks. Unsatisfactory screening results may disqualify an applicant for a position in the justice administration field. Additional government-required training programs may be necessary to obtain employment in this field.
††Employment in this occupation may require years of relevant experience.

Skill Focused Curriculum

Elements of our curriculum are aligned to industry certifications to help you build the skill set needed to pursue such certification exams as:

  • CompTIA A+: A certification that proves your basic understanding of computers, software and networks. Computer forensics specialists may consider this a starting level credential.
  • CompTIA Linux+: A certification that verifies your capabilities with the Linux operating system. Computer forensics experts need to understand Linux as it powers the core of several operating systems and may be used on devices from which you need to extract data.
  • CompTIA Network+: A certification that covers both wired and wireless networks. It proves that you are capable of troubleshooting and configuring both types of networks, which could prove useful in certain computer forensics scenarios.
  • CompTIA Cloud+: This certification proves that you are capable of using and understanding cloud computing and storage elements. As more people start to use the cloud, this certification will increase in value for people in the computer forensics field.

General Education Courses

Communication Skills

ENGL1123 Composition
ENGL135 Advanced Composition
ENGL216 Technical Writing

One of:

SPCH275 Public Speaking
SPCH276 Intercultural Communication

Humanities4, 5

LAS432 Technology, Society, and Culture

One of:

ETHC232 Ethical and Legal Issues in the Professions
ETHC334 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Social Sciences

ECON312 Principles of Economics
SOCS185 Culture and Society

One of:

SOCS325 6 Environmental Sociology
SOCS350 Cultural Diversity in the Professions

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

MATH114 Algebra for College Students
MATH221 Statistics for Decision Making
PHYS204 Applied Physics with Lab

Personal and Professional Development

CARD405 Career Development
COLL148 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Tech Core Courses

Tech Core

CEIS101 Introduction to Technology and Information Systems
CEIS106 Introduction to Operating Systems
CEIS110 Introduction to Programming
CEIS114 Introduction to Digital Devices
NETW191 Fundamentals of Information Technology and Networking
NETW211 Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
SEC285 Fundamentals of Information Security

Program Courses

Information Systems and Programming

CEIS150 Programming with Objects
CEIS209 Intermediate Programming
CEIS236 Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals
CEIS312 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
CIS355A Business Application Programming with Lab

Application Development

CIS363B Web Interface Design with Lab
CIS407A Web Application Development with Lab
WBG310 Interactive Web Page Scripting with Lab

Career Preparation

CEIS299 Careers and Technology
CEIS499 Preparation for the Profession
MGMT404 Project Management
TECH460 Senior Project

Specialized Courses

Computer Forensics

CCSI410 Digital Forensics I with Lab
CCSI460 Digital Forensics II with Lab
SEC310 Principles and Theory of Security Management
SEC440 Information Systems Security Planning and Audit

Computer Forensics FAQs


Should I specialize in Computer Forensics?

A Computer Forensics Specialization can be an excellent choice for those who are analytically inclined and interested in law enforcement. We offer a Computer Forensics Degree Specialization as part of our Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. This exciting profession enables you to help stop cybercrime by catching criminals and recovering important data in the process. A bachelor's degree with a specialization in this subject can help you take the first steps towards a career focused on computer forensics.


What jobs can you pursue with a Computer Forensics Specialization?

Among other career opportunities, graduates with our Computer Forensics Specialization may consider careers such as a Computer Digital Forensic Investigator†, †† and a Computer Programmer.


Applicants for jobs in the justice administration field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, drug and/or alcohol testing, physical and/or psychological examinations and credit checks. Unsatisfactory screening results may disqualify an applicant for a position in the justice administration field. Additional government-required training programs may be necessary to obtain employment in this field.
††Employment in this occupation may require years of relevant experience.


What is Computer Forensics?

Computer forensics is the practice of recovering data from a device, often for the purpose of uncovering evidence of criminal activity. The practice itself is reactionary, meaning that it only takes place after an incident has occurred and is not concerned with preventing the incident itself.

Computer forensics jobs typically serve one of two purposes. They either assist with an investigation or help people and companies recover data that has been lost. In the first instance, a computer forensics specialist will be given access to a suspect's personal device, such as a laptop, desktop or smartphone. Once they have the device, they begin using a variety of skills, such as programming, hardware knowledge and software knowledge, to locate important data. In a law enforcement case, they will ideally uncover data that is of value to the prosecution and can be presented in a court of law. In order to do this, the data must be recovered in a very particular manner that does not violate the suspect's rights.


Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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Academic Catalog

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Program Overview

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Related Programs


1As part of this program, one complimentary laptop is provided to students enrolled in the Associate in Information Technology and Networking, Associate in Engineering Technology, Associate in Network Systems Administration, Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking, Bachelor’s in Software Development, Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s in Network and Communications Management and Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems. The laptop is issued during the student’s second session. Certain restrictions apply.
2 For the Programming Essentials Certificate, and the Associate Degree in Information Technology & Networking with a Specialization in Information Systems and Programming, every course counts toward the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a Specialization in Computer Forensics program. At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credits will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
3Students enrolled at a New Jersey location take ENGL108 in lieu of this course.
4Students enrolled at a Pennsylvania location must take HUMN451 as part of this requirement.
5Students enrolled at a New Jersey location must take an additional six semester-credit hours of general education coursework from among the following course areas: communication skills, humanities, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences.Courses selected in humanities or social sciences should be upper-division coursework (DeVry courses numbered 300-499).
6Students enrolled at a Nevada location must take POLI332 in lieu of this requiremen

All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some coursework online and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.