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Computer Information Systems

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 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
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Why DeVry?

Why Choose Computer Forensics at 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 for our admissions team?
Request Info about Computer Forensics Specialization Program now.
Scholars Program

Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program

Take your ambition to the next level with a cybersecurity scholars program that helps you build your network, boost your skills and pursue the career you want.
  • 01 Knowledge & Skills
  • 02 Embedded Programs
  • 03 Career
  • 04 Curriculum
  • 05 Program Courses
  • 06 FAQs
  • 07 Catalog Download
Minimum Completion Time*
2 year
8 months
OR
Normal Completion Time
4 years

ACCELERATE AT YOUR PACE

Choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. You can earn your Bachelor's Degree in as few as 2 year 8 months*.

Or, follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 4 years.**

*Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 3 semesters, enrollment in 12-19 credit hours per semester and continuous, full-time year-round enrollment with no breaks.
**Per 12-month period, assumes completion of 2 semesters and full-time enrollment in 12-19 credit hours per semester.

Knowledge & Skills

What You'll Learn

The Computer Forensics Degree Specialization covers the following:

  • 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
    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
    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 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
    Apply critical and analytical thinking to identify complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • 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
    Use computers and computer systems to program hardware, write software, set up functions, enter data or process information. This essential skill will make you a better technology user, and will inform the way you set up networks.
  • 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
    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

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.*

*The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.

Bachelor's
124
Credit Hours
Associate
60
Credit Hours
Certificate
22
Credit Hours
Career

Career Opportunities in Computer Forensics

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.

Learn more about
Careers in Digital Forensics
Curriculum

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.

Program Courses

Computer Forensics Specialization

General Education Courses
Communication Skills
ENGL1123
Composition
ENGL135
Advanced Composition
ENGL216
Technical Writing


+ Choose one below:

SPCH275
Public Speaking
SPCH276
Intercultural Communication
Humanities4,5
LAS432
Technology, Society, and Culture


+ Choose one below:

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


+ Choose one below:

SOCS3256
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 Systems 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
CEIS298
Introduction to Technical Project Management
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
SEC305
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
SEC440
Information Systems Security Planning and Audit

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 requirement.

FAQs: 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.

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.

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
2023 - 2024 Academic Catalog
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Program Guides
Program Overview
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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 requirement.

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.