Computer & Digital Forensics Major

What are authorities finding on confiscated computers, flash drives, and cell phones? How do you investigate the Cloud for data breaches? What happens when a hacker compromises a multi-national network? How are drug traffickers using game systems to communicate illicit activities? Digital devices and data are often the smoking guns in today's most ingenious crimes.

Unlocking these secrets, preserving the evidence, and upholding the laws of compliance are the province of those who go into the digital forensics field. 

Champlain's award-winning Computer & Digital Forensics Bachelor of Science program is the premier destination in the country for those who want to go into this exciting field. You'll spend all four years developing a deep skill set in digital forensics, starting in your first semester.

Why Study Computer & Digital Forensics at Champlain?

The early experience you gain through our Upside-Down Curriculum gives you opportunities to take on internships and professional work that most undergraduates wouldn't be qualified for. 

From day one at Champlain, you're taught by industry experts who are currently working in the field of Computer & Digital Forensics, and you use the same tools and techniques that businesses and government agencies are using for their investigations.

Over your four years in the Computer & Digital Forensics program, you'll gain unparalleled experience working on real live cases and technologies in the Senator Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, Champlain's fully-equipped, state-of-the-art, digital forensics laboratory. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside professional investigators and law enforcement officials conducting actual investigations. For example, our students involved in the Leahy Center were some of the first people in the country working on the digital forensics of Google Glass.

Employers are looking for people with highly developed skill sets in the field of digital forensics, and our students master content that they would not otherwise gain outside of a graduate program. In fact, you can opt for a specialization that will allow you to graduate with a master's degree in Digital Forensics with just one additional year. 

National Recognition

• The National Institute of Justice named Champlain's bachelor's and master's degrees as Model Electronic Crime and Digital Investigation programs.
• The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Champlain College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
• Champlain was the first school in the Northeast designated as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center.

Academic Experience

Our specialized courses are small, highly technical, and pragmatic, allowing our graduates to gain hands-on experience in the most cutting-edge digital forensics technologies.

A concentration or a minor is a required part of your Computer & Digital Forensics education. Your faculty advisor will help you map out the best path to reach your desired career or graduate studies goals. You can choose to specialize in Computer Science, Cyber Investigation, Cybersecurity: Threats & Mitigation, or Digital Forensic Science (a BS/MS five-year program), or choose to minor in one of our many options.

Champlain has many existing relationships with companies throughout Burlington and Vermont, giving you access to jobs and internships in the area in addition to opportunities with the Leahy Center.