Katie LeClerc, MSDFM

The Education I Wanted, The Schedule I Needed

Directly out of college, I went to work in the Criminal Bureau at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. I was exposed to extremely exciting cases, in particular those of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit. I found these cases fascinating, but I always felt a step behind. I understood the nature of Internet crimes and their legal side, but I felt like my work was only half complete, like I was missing a major part of the process.

I was told by the ICAC prosecutor about the new MSDFM program that was being offered at Champlain College. I immediately inquired and found that it was exactly what I had been looking for, and it was offered online—a luxury that made a big difference to someone not looking to relocate.

I applied immediately, and I didn’t even have to register for my own classes! I had a wonderful advisor reach out to me, who has been wonderful about checking in, making sure I’m enjoying classes and offering assistance if needed. This personal interaction is not what I expected from an online class, and it has made me feel that I’m not a stranger behind a keyboard, but rather a student who’s part of the larger Champlain community, where success and understanding are shared goals.

I’m thrilled with the experience thus far. My professor is constantly available, updating us daily and even hourly. The class is extremely flexible, so those of us with full-time jobs, families and extracurricular lives can actually live them without being tied down to strict class times and meetings.

I am constantly challenged. It’s been a wonderful experience. I had been searching for certification programs in Digital Forensics when I discovered Champlain’s Master of Science in Digital Forensic Management. After digging a little deeper into the program’s structure and timing, I decided it was a better fit for me than a simple certification. I applied and was accepted.

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