No matter which country you live in, computer forensics university study programs are available to help you get started in your new career. Programs include certifications, two year degrees, four year degrees and post graduate degrees such as masters and PhDs. Depending on your citizenship status, you may have access to some programs but not others. For example, the Edith Cowan University in Australia limits its Masters of Digital Forensics program eligibility to Australian citizens. On the other hand the University of Capetown in South Africa will consider extranational applicants if they meet the academic requirements.
The list of university programs here is hardly comprehensive; there are many other universities in countries around the world that offer different levels of computer forensics training for interested students. We compiled this short list to give you a taste of the choices available to you if you’re interested in studying computer forensics at home or abroad.
Edith Cowan University, Australia – Master of Digital Forensics
The Master of Digital Forensics program at Edith Cowan University in Australia is designed to teach computer forensics skills to help IT or security professionals branch into this field. The courses include computer and network forensics, along with security training for computer, network and wireless environments. Evidence collection and presentation is also covered. This program does a good job of adding computer forensics skills for an existing computer specialist.
Metropolitan State University, U.S.A. – Bachelor’s of Science, Computer Forensics
The Metropolitan State University has one of the most comprehensive Computer Forensics programs in the U.S. Core curriculum courses include digital evidence analysis, computer security, programming fundamentals, electronic discovery, criminal investigation procedures, legal process and data communications. Supporting courses include computer fundamentals, criminal justice and mathematics. The program also includes an internship to give students real-world experience with their skills. As an added incentive, Metropolitan State University has an agreement with Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), allowing students to earn their Associate’s Degree in Computer Forensics at MCTC and then complete their four-year computer forensics degree at Metropolitan State.
University of Bologna, Italy – Forensic Computer Science
Students at the University of Bologna in Italy can take a general course on computer forensics to get a basic understanding of the principles and techniques. Investigation tools and techniques are covered, along with general data structure, operating systems, caches and buffers. Students are also taught the correct evidence procedures to allow admission in Italian court, and will practice writing case studies. This computer forensics university program is a good foundation for a career in computer forensics.
University of Capetown, South Africa – Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Information Systems, Computer Forensics
The University of Capetown in South Africa provides a postgraduate diploma program in computer forensics that teaches the principles necessary to work as a computer forensics analyst. Course work includes study on legal and privacy requirements; collection, analysis and preservation of data evidence; and working with law enforcement to manage the investigation process. Students can then choose to complete a work-study project or enroll in the PT Honors program to complete their computer forensics university education.
University of Derby, U.K. – BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics and Security
The University of Derby offers an excellent Computer Forensics and Security program. The program teaches computer structure and systems, forensic investigative techniques, security analysis and troubleshooting. Ethical and social issues involved with IT surveillance and compliance and evidence presentation in a courtroom setting is covered specifically, allowing students to learn the right skills to serve as an expert witness when needed. The University of Derby’s program also includes a full year’s paid work placement, in which the school will help students find a placement position in which they can practice their new skills while earning wages. This computer forensics university program completes with a year of independent study, allowing each student to develop his or her skills fully.