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.
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.
What You'll Learn
The Computer Forensics Degree Specialization covers the following:
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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.
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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
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
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 - 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
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.
Learn more about Careers in Digital Forensics
†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.
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.
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?
What is Computer Forensics?
Academic Catalog
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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 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.
