Computer Forensics Specialization
Focused area of study for Criminal Justice Majors
Why Choose a Computer Forensics Specialization?
Today's laws of search and seizure differ greatly from those of even ten years ago. In fact, these types of laws and procedures are evolving faster than any other area of criminal law. Students of computer forensics must be constantly aware of a legal landscape that can change at any moment, and must be sufficiently trained to apply the correct rules when collecting digital evidence that will be admissible in a court trial.
Computer forensics specialists are extremely valuable to prospective employers who face challenges in keeping up with increasingly technological crimes. The best career opportunities will go to only the most highly-trained professionals in the collection, and management, of digital forensics used in prosecuting cyber criminals.
Students will be required to be aware of codes of conduct both explicit, and implicit, in the rules for searching and seizing digital evidence in order to insure that those who review their work will have confidence in them, and their work. They will also be required to research relevant court decisions and summarize the court's analysis. Additionally, students will learn to:
- Find and collect evidence on many digital devices including, but not limited to, computers, mobile devices, removable media, game consoles, among others
- Study digital forensic examinations of many types of file systems, operating systems and hardware devices
- Draft search warrants and subpoenas for digital evidence that meet the standards for "probable cause" and "particularity" that have been set by the courts
- Authenticate digital evidence, recognize hearsay evidence and understand which additional steps must be taken in order to make this evidence admissible.
Courses in this specialization currently include:
- CRJ 225 - Law of Searching, Seizing and Admitting Computer Evidence
- NET 140 - Operating Systems
- FOR 270 - Anti-Forensics and Network Forensics
- FOR 340 - Computer Forensics II
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Game Art and Animation work created by student Michael Butcher