Computer & Digital Forensics Major Curriculum

Our award-winning program allows you to begin taking your Computer & Digital Forensics classes in your first semester. As part of the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by interning at the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity. You'll learn the skills needed to succeed in your field right on campus while working on real live cases and investigations.

You will develop expertise in:

  • computer and digital forensics
  • android/iPhone/tablet mobile device forensics
  • the digital forensic tools used by government/private companies
  • cybersecurity
  • operating system, file system, and network forensics

Interested in studying abroad for a semester? Our Computer & Digital Forensics faculty built the curriculum so you can spend the fall semester of your third year studying abroad without getting behind on the requirements for your major.

Computer & Digital Forensics Curriculum 2020–2021

First Year

First Semester

Introduction to Cybercrime & Digital Forensics
(FOR 100)

Systems Fundamentals
(SYS 140)

Criminal Law
(CRJ 120)

Navigating Higher Education in a Global Context
(COR 101)

FYI: Reading, Writing, & ____
(COR 102)

Second Semester

Network Fundamentals
(NET 150)

Navigating Your Information Landscape
(COR 103)

FYI: Making, Doing, & ____
(COR 104)

Computer & Network Security
(SEC 250)

Introduction to Statistics
(MTH 180) or
Calculus I
(MTH 230) or
Discrete Mathematics
(MTH 270)

Second Year

First Semester

Introduction to Digital Forensic Analysis
(FOR 240)

Python Programming
(CSI 160)

System Admin & Network Services I
(SYS 255)

200-level COR course
(COR 2XX)

200-level COR course
(COR 2XX)

Second Semester

The Law of Searching, Seizing & Using Digital Evidence
(CRJ 225)

Advanced Python
(CSI 260)

Network Protocols
(NET 215)

200-level COR course
(COR 2XX)

200-level COR course
(COR 2XX)

Talk to your Advisor and/or the Office of International Education about possible curriculum adjustments in order to create a semester abroad in your third year.

Third Year

In the third year, students must take COR 310, COR 320, and two COR 330 courses. COR 310 and COR 320 must be taken together, and the two COR 330 courses must be taken together. Either pair may be taken in either semester.

First Semester* (semester can be spent abroad)

Mobile Device Forensics
(FOR 310)

The Global Condition
(COR 310)

Human Rights & Responsibilities
(COR 320)

Concentration or minor course

Introduction to Forensic Science with Lab
(SCI 170)

Second Semester

File System Forensics
(FOR 320)

Operating System Forensics
(FOR 340)

Concentration or minor course

Choose a Local Contexts, Global Connections course
(COR 330)

Choose a Local Contexts, Global Connections course
(COR 330)

Fourth Year

First Semester

ITS Capstone Design
(CCC 410ITS)

Technical Writing
(WRT 231)

Malware Analysis & Incident Response
(FOR 430)

Concentration or minor course

Digital Forensic Practicum
(FOR 480)

Second Semester

ITS Capstone Senior Project
(CCC 412)

Concentration or minor course

General elective

General elective

Network Forensics & Threat Hunting
(FOR 440) or 
Technical elective