Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism?

Computer forensics and counterterrorism is a field of study emphasizing the use of software applications and computing power to investigate, analyze, and understand data.  Computer forensics is a discipline within digital forensic science dealing with evidence residing on digital storage devices and computers.

The primary object of computer forensics is to capture and examine digital media in an effort to better understand, analyze, preserve, recover, and identify salient aspects of the digital media.

Counterterrorism is a field of study that incorporates tactics, techniques, policies, and strategies used to prevent and combat terrorism.  Depending on employment arrangements and contractual duties, a counterterrorism professional will be directed to take action by a government agency, business, military, law enforcement or other authorized intelligence agency to help fight terrorism.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$116,320

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

68.13%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

26,580

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism Degree

Florida State University (FSU) is a public educational institution that offers a comprehensive and premier education. FSU ranks 19th in the Top 20 Bes National Public Universities by the U.S. News and World Reports.

The university offers a degree in Cyber Criminology, a program designed to advance the students in facilitating the study of crimes and how crimes are done using computers. Students enrolled in this program will experience extensive learning in criminology, computer science, and mathematics. On the other hand, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program is a university's certificate academic program. The curriculum offers a world-class education and comprehensive topics designed to prepare students for real-world experience. This program will allow students to experience thorough coursework on emergency management, emergency policy development and planning, homeland security policy, terrorism, public health, public information, technology, and disaster management.

If you want to know more about the programs offered in FSU, you may check Cyber Criminology's website or the Emergency Management and Homeland Security's internet site.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

George Washington University is a private school located in downtown Washington D.C. GWU is the largest higher institution in the District of Columbia. The university offers 11,000 plus internship programs and 25 000 jobs available annually. GWU is one of the premier universities across the nation at the frontiers of innovation, science and technology, healthcare, and more.

GWU's Counterterrorism Bachelor's Degree is under the supervision of the College of Professional Studies. This program offers a comprehensive education that aims to explain the process of threats, analysis, and response in the most logical manner. Classes are held online, which is suitable for those who have a busy lifestyle. This program's Admissions require the following: online application, transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and an application fee of around eighty dollars.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of San Diego is a Catholic, private, and coeducational institution in San Diego, CA, that welcomes all students regardless of their religious beliefs. The institution was founded in 1949, and it first started its classes in 1952 catering only to women students, but later on, it became coeducational with students, both men, and women.

The Engineering Department at the University of San Diego offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering. The degree is designed to provide necessary skills and knowledge for information security practitioners both in private and public institutions. Cybersecurity Engineering students at the University of San Diego will have extensive coursework in software-hardware security. Discussions of the curriculum revolve around digital and network forensics and the technical aspect of the discipline. The program runs for twenty (20) months with on-campus and virtual choices students may choose from. Furthermore,  the University of San Diego offers a Cyber Investigation and Digital Forensics program. It is a week-long summer camp provided to high school students that focuses on cybersecurity investigations and digital forensics' technical features from a law enforcement viewpoint.

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Sacred Heart University is a Catholic and private school located in Fairfield, Connecticut. SHU offers a small class size with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The university has also gained various national recognitions.

The BS Cybersecurity program in SHU offers exceptional learning through its hands-on, backed by traditional lecture-based teaching. Students enrolled in this program will learn the foundation in mathematics and computer science courses, which applies to comprehensive cybersecurity specializations. In this curriculum, students will experience working in their modern cybersecurity laboratory to monitor cyber threats and other technology risks. SHU’s Cybersecurity Faculty are experienced in several sectors within the discipline.

Acceptance Rate

63.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SUNY College at Plattsburgh is part of the State University of New York educational system that offers various programs to assist the students in their career goals and personal development. It is a public institution in Plattsburgh, New York, that caters to an annual enrollment of about six thousand.

The Computer Science Department at Plattsburgh offers a BS/BA degree in Computer Security. The designed program integrates the fields of computer science, information technology, and computer security. Computer Security majors will advance their knowledge of computer security through the rigorous activities that the department will provide them. Plattsburgh provides students with internship programs to round their real-world experience and technical abilities and expand their network for future employment.

Acceptance Rate

58.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Duquesne University ranks among the Best Value Schools across the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports. DU is a private, co-educational, and Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the campus inhabits an urban setting. DU has a yearly enrollment of about nine thousand students.

The BA in Cybersecurity Studies at DU is structured combining policy studies and technological literacy. Cybersecurity Studies majors will learn how to assess and risk management policies to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of an organization’s assets and information. At DU, students who enroll in the program will have broad coursework in Computer Programming, Discrete Mathematics, Operating Systems, Computer Security, and more. Additionally, DU provides limitless opportunities to the students, especially in collaborative research together with faculty nationally and internationally.

Acceptance Rate

74.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1934, Salve Regina University is a private, co-educational and Catholic institution in Newport, Rhode Island. SRU ranks among the Best Value Schools and Best Undergraduate Teaching by the U.S. News and World Reports.  The Digital Forensics degree at SRU is a certificate program undergraduate studies. The program provides students a solid grounding in the fundamental principles and systems of computer network architecture, proper evidence storage collection, and federal rules and criminal codes. SRU’s state-of-the-art laboratory facility provides digital forensics students a cutting-edge first-hand experience in instruction. On the other hand, SRU also offers a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security. The program is structured to prepare experts in security solutions like intelligence and law enforcers. Students may complete both programs on-campus with evening classes or entirely online.

Acceptance Rate

73.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is a residential campus located in Arizona. The school offers a comprehensive education, and it prepares future leaders for aviation, aerospace, security, and intelligence.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Intelligence and Security. This program aims to address and deal with possible threats against those who attempt to manipulate the world’s rising reliance on technology. Students in this program undergo extensive training and real-world experience with key institutions like the FBI< DHS, and DPS through programs and activities. To solidly shape their educational experience in the discipline, students have access to specialized laboratories, like the Forensic Science Lab and the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). This degree in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott is accredited to various nation accreditation agencies such as the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Acceptance Rate

65.7

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Hampton University is historically a black research institution in Hampton, Virginia. It is a not-for-profit private institution established after the civil war to provide the newly-freed African Americans with academic opportunities.

The Computer Science Department at Hampton offers a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security, a program in collaboration with the Department of Sociology and Department of Computer Science. At HU, the Cyber Security majors will understand theories, concepts, and strategies to combat issues relating to cybercrimes. Additionally, the Master of Science in Cyber Security at Hampton University is an interdisciplinary program that prepares graduates to design, implement, protect, defend, and maintain secure information and information systems.  The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET recognizes the Cyber Security program at Hampton University.

Interested students who wish to get more information about the Cyber Security program at HU may check the department’s website.

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Established in 1916, St. Joseph College is a non-profit, private, and Catholic institution in Patchogue, New York. It was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, providing value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Master of Science in Cyber Security is an interdisciplinary diploma program integrating Criminal Justice, Mathematics/CIT/Computer Science, and Accounting studies. The degree is structured for practitioners in Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Information Technology and for students who wish to pursue the discipline’s field. At SJCN, the MS in Cyber Security majors will learn about cybersecurity, forensic accounting, network security, and the criminal justice process. The MS in Cyber Security is a 33-credit-hour program, including the internship.

Acceptance Rate

72.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Indiana University-Bloomington is renowned for its individualized major programs that empower the students to tackle multidisciplinary studies. It is a public research university in Bloomington, IN. It is the largest university and the Indiana University educational system's principal institution, ranking among the Top 100 Best Universities across the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Providing students the technical and policy expertise has been the core of the mission of Indiana University-Bloomington's B.S. in Cybersecurity and Global Policy.  It is a collaborative effort between the School of Informatics, Computing, Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Global and International Studies. The degree provides rigorous insights into the technology behind networked and cyber systems and their implications to global social policy. Graduates from this degree program will be at the frontiers of fighting for data security, confidentiality, and financial transactions from malicious hackers.

Acceptance Rate

77.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a secluded Catholic university administered by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Memphis, Tennessee. 97% of their graduates are employed within two years after graduation or pursuing graduate studies. CBU also offers a small class size at an 11:1 student to faculty ratio.

CBU BS in Cybersecurity offers extensive skills training to protect data and catch cyber criminals integrating business, computer science, electrical engineering, and management information systems. The university takes pride in its state-of-the-art digital forensics laboratory and its internship program with one of the institution’s corporate partners. This program has a total of 123 credit hours.

You may explore their website for more information about CBU’s BS in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program.

Acceptance Rate

50.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)-Daytona Beach is a non-profit institution offering courses on aviation, aerospace, engineering, business, and arts and sciences. The campus is located in Daytona Beach, Florida; it is ideal for residential, studying, and flying, which the university takes pride in.

ERAU offers BS in Counterterrorism which is a degree program that exposes students to the different models that help guarantee our nation's security benefits. This curriculum offers learning areas in emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, risk analysis, industrial security, environmental security, cybersecurity, intelligence, criminal justice, terrorism, and law and policy. This program offers extensive hands-on experiences through class activities, internships, and a senior capstone research project. What's more, this degree permits the students to exploit move credits and electives to investigate broadness in related regions of study.

Interested students may check their website and may check Homeland Security's website for more information.

Acceptance Rate

60.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is a private Baptist-affiliated and a co-educational institution. Mississippi College comprises over 80 undergraduate studies, more than 50 graduate programs, and doctorates in jurisprudence, professional counseling, and educational leadership.

The Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at MC offers two programs, the Certificate, and Master’s degrees. The program is structured for professionals who seek more profound knowledge of cybersecurity. Students in the certificate sequence will learn about Computer Security, Cryptography and Network Security, Computer and Network Forensics, and more; students may finish this degree in a year. Meanwhile, the M.S. track students will most likely have the same courses as the Certificate students have, but the M.S. students will have additional units related to the discipline; students who enroll in this track may finish this for five semesters. Also, Mississippi College offers a degree in counterterrorism. The program is designed to provide students a comprehensive knowledge of anti-terrorism and homeland security issues.

Acceptance Rate

42.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

DeSales University operates as a Catholic private university in Center Valley, PA, and it provides an array of programs to assist students in their education and career goals. The U.S. News and World Report rank DeSales among the Best 100 National Universities across the nation. It has an annual enrollment of over 3,000.  The Counterterrorism Digital Forensics is an online Master of Criminal Justice program intended to prepare students to excel in the homeland security field. The curriculum highlights digital forensics investigation practices and techniques. Students entered in this program will learn about Advanced Criminology, Ethics in Criminal Justice, Issues in Criminal Law, Digital Investigation and Evidence Collection, Forensic Acquisition and Analysis, Advanced Counterterrorism, and more. On the other hand, DeSales also offers an Online Graduate Certificate on Counterterrorism Digital Forensics. The curriculum is designed to provide students academic and realistic capabilities in homeland security-related incidents and the investigation of terrorism; embedded in the curriculum are courses in digital forensics investigation techniques and practices.

Acceptance Rate

78.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public college located in New York City. John Jay's education is focused on criminal justice. In CUNY John Jay, the topic of justice is at the core of each program, running across arts, sciences, and humanities.

John Jay offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Security. This program provides a vast foundation in computing required to foil manhandle and abuse of computers, information systems, data frameworks, and information foundations within the environment of ever-progressing advanced innovation. Students who enroll in this program will experience evaluative, logical, and quantitative expertise to develop the practice of digital forensics and cybersecurity. Furthermore, this curriculum develops students for the real-world profession that relies on computing and quantitative methods, especially in the fields related to digital forensics and cybersecurity. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an experiential learning opportunity for students to participate in actual work experience across the discipline to hone the student's learning.

Students who desire to know more about CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice's Computer and Information Security program can visit the computer forensic department's site.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Located in Brooklyn, NY, is the main campus of the Saint Joseph College educational system. It is an autonomous private, not-for-profit, and Catholic institution with majors for students to select from. With an acceptance rate of 71.2%, Saint Joseph College is selective in its admissions.

The BS in Criminal Justice and M.S. in Cyber Security at Saint John’s College Brooklyn is a five-year plan double degree and accelerated program combining computer science and criminal justice, preparing graduates for a profession in information security. Students enrolled in this track will have rigorous coursework on criminal justice and technology. Additionally, students are provided with rich opportunities to conduct collaborative research and internships in New York City and across the nation. Saint Joseph’s College Main Campus also offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security, a program combining network security, forensic accounting, cybersecurity, and the criminal justice process.

Acceptance Rate

71.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public institution founded in 1969. It provides various choices of programs for students to choose from, and it is located in an urban setting with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 13,000 students.

The BS in Digital Forensics degree is a multidisciplinary program combining criminal justice and computer science courses. At UAB, students taking the degree will learn about processes and procedures to analyze, recover, discover, and present in court evidence used in cybercrime. Additionally, students who opt to take this track will be prepared for entry-level and advanced positions in discipline and prepare graduates for masters and doctoral-level in the related-areas or the area. Part of the curriculum is the internship program, and before the internship, students are required to have a solid cumulative GPA.

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Missouri University of Science and Technology follows a semester-based academic calendar, and it offers an array of degree programs for students to choose from. It is a public institution that resides in a rural setting, and it is a member of the University of Missouri System.

The BS in Computer Forensics and Technology at Missouri S&T is a 120-credit-hour undergrad program. The program is structured to provide students with skills in information science and technology in utilizing it for business and excel in the discipline’s field. Missouri S&T also offers a Master’s Degree in Information Science and Technology. It is a distance-learning certificate design to produce professionals who will maintain, administer, and support computer systems and networks. 

Acceptance Rate

79.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1895, the Eastern Illinois University is publicly-funded in Charleston, IL. It has various program selections for students to aid them in their personal growth and career development. The U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as Best Value School, Best Regional School Midwest, and Best Colleges for Veterans.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at EIU is offered to working professionals in cybersecurity or other related fields. Students in the program will engage in coursework on hardware and physical systems, networking and advanced data communications, network defense, systems security, and more. EIU empowers its students by giving them a chance to join, present, and publish their particular projects in research to some renowned research colloquium. The coursework of the M.S. in Cybersecurity at EIU is delivered online.

Acceptance Rate

52.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Located in East Farmingdale, New York, Farmingdale State University is a public technology institution of the State University of New York. Farmingdale offers an average class size of 25 students per class and a minimum student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

Farmingdale offers a degree in BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Enforcement Technology. This program is a technical program that aims to train students for professions in law enforcement on the local, state, and federal levels. This Law Enforcement Technology program combines computer, crime prevention, and technology courses to provide students with the essential skills in conducting crime-related investigations committed virtually or at a crime scene. Moreover, students in this program will be given legal basics in studying digital evidence, a vital cyber investigation component.

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Founded in 1924, Chestnut Hill College is a not-for-profit and private Catholic college located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school started as an all-women school since its inception, and in 2001, the CHC opened its door to all genders.

The CHC Digital Forensics degree program prepares learners for the world of technology by introducing them to diverse current hardware and software tools. Students enrolling in the program gain an exceptional hands-on experience with software used by practiced forensic examiners and discover the discipline's legal facets. To round the student's education, they will experience internship programs that will enable them to apply their acquired knowledge from the four corners of the classroom. Also, the activities for this track make ready the students for the ACE accreditation in Digital Forensics.

Acceptance Rate

64.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Holy Family University operates as a not-for-profit, private, Catholic, and liberal arts university in Philadelphia, PA. The institution resides in an urban setting, with an annual enrollment of approximately 3,300.  Holy Family University is less selective in its admissions, with an entrance rate of 72%.  The School of Business Administration and Extended Learning at Holy Family University offers a Degree in Computer Forensics. It is an interdisciplinary program integrating the fields of computer science and business administration. The Computer Information Systems majors at Holy Family University will have in-depth learning about how systems work, how to create and manage them. Since this is an interdisciplinary study, students are also required to take courses in the liberal arts. Holy Family University takes pride in that their students can establish a vast network and widen their career-related experiences after an internship.  Students may download the program information sheet to get additional details about the program.

Acceptance Rate

72.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The George Mason University, or GMU, is Virginia’s largest public research university, established in 1972. The institution prepares students who are holistic academic scholars, well-aware of its community, and ready to serve.

GMU offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, a program that is more concentrated on cybersecurity engineering. Students enrolled in the program will have rigorous training based on the foundations of mathematics and science. Students in this program are mandated to finish all mathematics, science, and engineering courses with a grade of C. GMU’s BS Cybersecurity Engineering program also offers a Master’s Degree.

Acceptance Rate

86.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Roger Williams University or RWU is a private institution that was established in 1956. The university is associated with Roger Williams, a leader in the 17th Century who founded a community in Rhode Island and whose principles are based on freedom of conscience and social justice. RWU offers state-of-the-art courses to deliver an educational experience that make students be ultimate learners, experts, and universal citizens.

RWU’s Cybersecurity and Networking degree aims to train students in technology, security, and networking skills. This program allows students to choose a concentration that will serve as a major. Moreover, this program provides a common-add on a certificate in Digital Forensics where students are being prepared to elevate their career by acquiring necessary knowledge in digital forensics.  RWU’s Cybersecurity and Networking program takes delight with its flexible learning schedule; they offer online classes, on-campus, or a mixture of both, so students may choose what schedule would fit for them. The university is also offering and undergraduate certificate or a degree  in Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. The program runs for 12 months with affordable rates.

Acceptance Rate

85.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What Do Computer Forensic Specialists Do?

Computer forensics technicians leverage their knowledge of specialized software and computer applications to perform understand data. They can be responsible for any number of tasks that can include: data configuration, installation, data analysis, database design, performance monitoring, security, migration, back-up, diagnostic, and data recovery.

A computer forensic major will have deep knowledge in software systems, data modeling, system design, system connectivity, network design, database management, software design, computer programming, information technology, and computer science. In addition, this knowledge will be applicable across various network systems, applications, and devices in an organization.

Digital Forensics Degree

Digital and computer forensics in an ever-growing field of study that changes by the month. A computer forensics degree may tilt towards software and devices while others dive into policy administration and data modeling. Regardless of the areas of specialty, computer forensic majors will possess knowledge of various data models, operating systems, software applications, and network tools.

Top Computer Forensics Degrees

A computer forensics degree or digital forensics degree can help prepare students for a number of careers in the field. Graduates from a digital forensics program should have a solid understanding of a variety of key principles that include the ability to:

  • Recognize and mitigate cyber breaches
  • Systematically protect data and systems from hackers
  • Audit computers, cell phones, and electronic devices for threats
  • Scrutinize internet activity, hidden information on hard drives, and recover pertinent documents
  • Discover network weaknesses through testing and analysis
  • Understand and minimize network vulnerabilities
  • Perform a variety of security tests on networks and computer systems

Degree programs in computer forensics, digital forensics, and counterterrorism prepare students for a number of career opportunities. Many graduates work with Homeland Security, National Security Agency, private organizations, law firms, public high-tech companies, and private start-up corporations.

Programs will vary from college to college with the most popular programs including certificate programs, bachelor degrees, and graduate degrees. A summary of each can be found below to help you determine the line of best fit for your career.

Computer Forensic Certificates

Online digital forensics certificate programs can come in two different modes: undergraduate and graduate. An undergraduate computer forensics degree is a foundational course that provides students with the essentials to start in the field.

Upon completion, students earning a computer forensics degree will be equipped to find employment in an entry-level capacity and grow from there. Graduate certificates are effectively a set of upper level courses that focus on a defined aspect of digital forensics.

Qualifying graduate students leverage certificate programs from accredited colleges and universities to upskill, remain competitive in their career, prepare for a career transition, and/or help achieve a satisfactory bump in pay.

Bachelor Computer Forensics Degrees

A bachelor degree in computer forensics online or in class can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS). Bachelor degrees can typically be completed in 4-years. The first portion of the program blends liberal arts studies with core classes.

General education courses may include classes such as communications, philosophy, history, statistics, psychology, and math. Core classes in digital forensics and counterterrorism will vary from school to school. However, principles taught across computer forensics degree programs will be similar including classes such as:

  • Cybercrime
  • File System Forensics
  • Digital Forensics
  • Networking & Security
  • Operating System Forensics
  • TCP/IP
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Malware Analysis
  • Digital Forensic Analysis
  • System Administration
  • Advanced Python
  • Computer Security & Networking
  • Mobile Device Forensics

The culmination of the Bachelor of Science program will often include a capstone course and an internship at an approved organization. The combination of both programs ties together lower-level courses plus provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to marry theory with practical applications.

Master Computer Forensics Degrees

Computer forensics programs at the graduate degree level is designed to provide deep insight into the field of study for qualifying students. Masters degrees in counterterrorism and digital forensics are most often conferred as a Master of Science (MS).

To qualify for a masters degree program, students will need to meet all academic requirements and requisite professional work experience thresholds. Many colleges and universities provide students the ability to select an area of emphasis in digital forensics and build coursework around an approved area of emphasis. Building classes that fit you best will take place with a schools academic advisor to customize a curricular program that fits you best.

Employment in Computer Forensics

Counterterrorism and computer forensic specialists will be highly trained and well-paid professionals. Balancing speed and accuracy, these professionals will work under pressure to solve an array of thorny quandaries. Students seeking to utilize these unique skills in similar vocations may be interested in alternative careers. Examples of similar careers include information security analyst, research scientist, database administrator, information research scientist, network administrator, computer network architect, computer systems analyst, computer programmer, and software developer.

Digital Computer Forensics Career Programs

Earning a degree in computer forensics can afford student’s the ability to specialize in a number of adjacent fields of study.  In fact, the ever-expanding field of computer forensics and digital forensics has created new jobs within sub-industries across the job market.  Having the right skills and eagerness to learn can help propel students towards careers in the digital forensics field with a concentration in the following areas:

  • Digital Forensic Science
  • Cyber Investigations
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Security
  • Math
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Criminology
Top Job Duties of a Computer Forensic Specialist

In a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor, digital forensic professionals from around the country provided key insights.  As an example of valuable data, we can glean from the survey, a list of job duties was illuminated by the respondents.  The top job responsibilities of a computer forensic professional include the following:

  1. Studying computer systems and network activities to develop a set of heuristics that can be utilized in a variety of situations
  2. Preparing comprehensive presentations, charts, and reports to make sense of data and imminent threats
  3. Validating intelligence with data from internal and external sources
  4. Managing network security and information after analyzing, gathering, filtering, evaluating, and correlating data
  5. Cross-collaborating with team members and executives to develop strategy to benefit the organization short-term and long-term

Featured Computer Forensics Schools: Devry University & UW

The University of Washington and Devry University have build solid academic programs in digital computer forensics. Their academic prowess and industry leading reputations in the field have garnered national attention. Invest the time to learn more about each program today by using our search tools.

Computer Forensics Job Growth

Jobs in computer forensics and counterterrorism is projected to be exceptional in the coming decade. In fact, the DOL estimates a job acceleration of 15% for forensic scientists and computer forensic technicians. Likewise, adjacent careers in computer systems analyst and database administration is forecast to jump 21% and 11% respectively.

With a median annual income of $88,270, computer systems analysts are poised to capitalize on industry growth with highly technical skills. The largest employers of systems analysts and forensic specialists are technology-based companies, private corporations, government entities, insurance companies, and consulting firms.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com