Digital Forensics Major

Release your digital investigation skills. Adopt the investigator's mindset, solve mysteries, and master artifact discovery with Digital Forensics at Champlain College.

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Nationally Recognized

Champlain College is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics.

Program Type
Major
School/Division
Division of Information Technology & Sciences 
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Investigating digital mysteries.

The digital world needs protecting, and this well-rounded and practical program prepares you for a growing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for information security analysts is expected to surge 33% from 2020 to 2030. The Digital Forensics program at Champlain College dives deep into the digital realm to equip you with the skills needed to tackle future challenges in digital investigations, computer networks, law, and cybersecurity.

  • Digital Forensics is an exciting field that involves investigating and analyzing digital devices and data to uncover evidence for legal purposes. It’s like being a digital detective, using specialized tools and techniques to solve cybercrimes, protect sensitive information, and support legal investigations. You’ll learn how to collect and examine data from computers, smartphones, networks, and even the Internet to find clues, identify digital footprints, and reconstruct events. It’s a vital skill in today’s technology-driven world, with endless job opportunities in law enforcement, cybersecurity, private investigation, and more. If you’re curious, enjoy problem-solving, and have a passion for technology, this could be a fascinating and rewarding career path.

  • Studying Digital Forensics at Champlain College offers unique advantages. Champlain is recognized as a leading institution in the field, with a curriculum designed by industry experts and tailored to the sector’s needs. You’ll receive hands-on training using the latest tools and techniques, preparing you for real-world investigations. Champlain’s strong industry connections provide opportunities for internships with government agencies, technology companies, and security firms, giving you valuable real-world experience.

    The College’s Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work on real-world cases. In addition, Champlain has been designated a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the U.S. Department of Defense, ensuring that the program meets the highest standards. By choosing Champlain, you’ll receive a comprehensive education, industry recognition, and a strong foundation for success in this dynamic field.

    • Possess in-depth knowledge of computer forensics, digital investigations, and the role of digital evidence in criminal and civil cases.
    • Develop strong skills in conducting comprehensive and professional digital investigations, following the established investigative process from identification to reporting.
    • Adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and conduct, ensuring impartiality and privacy.
    • Be able to identify and document potential security breaches and violations of legal, ethical, and social standards related to computer information.
    • Demonstrate expertise in computer networks, operating systems, file systems, hardware, and mobile devices to conduct effective digital investigations and protect computer network resources.

Sign up for more information!

a cybersecurity student checks a mobile app and the computer code

Different by Design

REAL-WORLD INVESTIGATIONS, REAL-WORLD RESULTS

Work on actual cases in our state-of-the-art forensics lab with clients including the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Secret Service. Go beyond theory with hands-on learning that employers demand.

NATIONWIDE RECOGNITION

Designated as a national Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center and as a national Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency.

THE SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Our program teaches you exactly what employers are looking for. You’ll learn to think like a digital detective, find hidden evidence, extract important data by hand, understand complex information, and use the same tools professionals use.

SUCCESS YOU CAN SEE

Our track record speaks volumes: 100% of Digital Forensics graduates from the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $73,056.

Facts & Stats

100%

of Digital Forensics majors in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months after graduation.

$73,056

Average starting salary for Champlain College Digital Forensics graduates in the Class of 2023 within 6 months of graduation.

View Career Outcomes for Champlain Grads
If you told me in high school that I would be accepted for a job with the federal government by my sophomore year, I wouldn’t have believed you. But in 2020, I signed a two-year contract with the Department of Defense for doing cybersecurity.

Nick Spanos
Nick Spanos ’22, Digital Forensics Major

National Recognition

  • National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence logo and U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center logo
    DC3 Designation

    Champlain College has been recognized as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3). As one of the first institutions to receive this distinction, Champlain meets or exceeds the standards set by the DC3 and produces highly sought-after graduates in digital forensics and cybersecurity.

  • National Security Agency logo and National Center of Academic Excellence logo
    NSA Designation

    Champlain College is a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA). With the Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, Champlain College’s cybersecurity courses, curriculum, and practices meet the criteria established by the NSA and federal partners such as the FBI and the Department of Defense.

Sample Courses in the Digital Forensics Major

Check out some of the hands-on courses in the program. Our Different by Design curriculum means you’ll be in classes in your major right away.

First Year

FOR 100 Introduction to Cybercrime & Digital Forensics
FOR 120 Introduction to Digital Forensic Analysis

Second Year

FOR 210 Operating Systems Fundamentals
FOR 230 Operating System Forensics I

Third Year

FOR 330 Operating System Forensics II
FOR 370 File System Forensics

Fourth Year

FOR 440 Network Forensics and Threat Hunting
FOR 480 Digital Forensic Practicum

See the Learning Outcomes for the Digital Forensics major.

View Full Curriculum

You might also be interested in these…

Based on your interest in the Digital Forensics major, we thought you also might like to check out these other academic programs and opportunities.

    • Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Major 

      For our digital future to be secure, information must be safe. Earn real-world experience in computer networking and cybersecurity at Champlain College, and prepare yourself for a vital role protecting society from cyber threats.

    • Computer Science & Innovation Major 

      Help create the digital future. Free your creativity, do real work right away, and fuel your passion for technology and innovation.

    • Applied Mathematics Major 

      Use math to tell stories, crack real-world issues, explore diverse applications, and gain problem-solving skills for future success in many industries.

    • Criminology & Criminal Justice Major 

      Make communities safer. Build a better and more just system. Be an agent of organizational change.

    • Computer Science Minor 

      Analyze problems, develop software systems, and use a variety of tools to evaluate computer programs and bring your innovations to realization in the Computer Science minor.

    • Criminal Justice Minor 

      Justice at all levels is a keystone of a functional society. Learn the criminal justice process at multiple levels and how your knowledge of this system can benefit your career.

    • Cybersecurity Minor 

      Learn to develop and understand the security components of technology environments. Find solutions for networking and security problems while balancing business concerns and technical issues.

    • Law Minor 

      A strong base understanding of law and the legal system is a valuable asset to any résumé. Tailor your classes to focus on the specific kind of law that applies to your chosen career and get ahead.

100%

of Champlain’s Computer and Digital Forensics majors in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation.

Your Career Outlook

Learn more about our career-focused education

You’ll find a career in fields such as:

  • Digital Forensics and Incident Response
  • Cybersecurity and Threat Analysis
  • Law Enforcement and Criminal Investigations
  • Data and Information Security
  • E-Discovery and Litigation Support
  • Fraud Detection and Prevention
  • Risk and Compliance Management
  • a cybersecurity pre-college students converses with faculty in the leahy center
    Pre-College Summer Program: Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy

    The Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Academy offers students an in-depth learning experience in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Students work together to solve real digital forensics problems faced by law enforcement agencies all over America and gain hands-on learning experience from veterans of the cybersecurity industry in this pre-college summer program.

    This program is designed for students entering grades 10–12 and recent high school graduates.

    Learn More on the Pre-College Summer Program Website
Digital Forensics

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More Inside Digital Forensics Major

  • Overview 

    Release your digital investigation skills. Adopt the investigator's mindset, solve mysteries, and master artifact discovery with Digital Forensics at Champlain College.

  • Curriculum 

    Get hands-on learning from the first semester, covering digital forensics, cybersecurity, and mobile device analysis. Study abroad options available.

  • Faculty 

    Learn from expert digital forensics instructors who have real-world experience as authors of books, software, and national and international best practices.

  • Learning Outcomes 

    A degree in Computer & Digital Forensics provides valuable learning outcomes for aspiring professionals.

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