Digital Forensics

The bachelor of science in digital forensics (BSDF) is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares graduates for a professional career in the field of digital forensics and cyber security. The focus of the program is an understanding of the procedures and processes necessary to discover, recover, analyze, and present in court information that has been stored on digital devices, including mainframe and personal computers, cellular telephones, tablets, gaming and other devices used during illegal activities. Students graduating with the BSDF degree will be prepared to fill entry- and advanced-level positions with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; with public and private sector non-profit companies; and with private sector for-profit companies. Students completing the program will also be prepared to pursue graduate studies (master’s and doctoral-level) in computer science, criminal justice, information systems, and information technology or pursue law school. 

The courses in the BSDF are a mixture of criminal justice and computer science. The goal is to provide graduates with the tools they need in computer programming and operations to work effectively within a computer environment, and also the skills needed to understand the behavior of those who may be a threat to computer systems and/or engage in cybercrime. Additionally, graduates will have an understanding of the legal systems and processes necessary to gather digital evidence and support a computer investigation in court if necessary.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Digital Forensics

The BSDF requires 39 hours in the major beyond the University of College core requirements. The courses required in the program are listed below.

RequirementsHours
Criminal Justice Courses
CJ 210Introduction to Digital Forensics3
CJ 402Computer Forensics 3
CJ 410Criminal Justice Ethics 3
CJ 419Investigating Online Crimes3
CJ 437
437L
Digital Media Forensics
and Digital Media Forensics Lab
3
CJ 454Financial Crimes and Investigations3
Computer Science Courses
CS 103
103L
Introduction to Computer Science in Python
and Introduction to Computer Science in Python Lab
4
CS 203
203L
Object-Oriented Programming in Java
and Object-Oriented Programming Lab
4
CS 250Discrete Structures3
CS 330Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming3
CS 332Systems Programming3
CS 332LSystems Programming Laboratory0
CS 334Networking3
Capstone
CJ 494Digital Forensics Capstone1
Elective3
Investigations of Malicious Attacks
Digital Forensics Internship and Capstone
Total Hours42

A grade of C or better is required in all courses. Students must have a 2.3 cumulative GPA prior to applying for their Internship. Students must take general electives to reach the 120 semester hour requirement.