Computer forensics degree programs (Types, requirements & career paths)

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the means and methods of committing cybercrime. Cyber security professionals that specialize in computer forensics are essential to solving cybercrime, recovering any lost or stolen data and preventing future attacks.

Earning a degree in computer forensics is a great way to gain foundational knowledge of cyber security with an emphasis on computer or digital forensics, and it could set you up for an important career as a computer forensic investigator or similar occupation.

What is computer forensics?

Computer forensics, also known as digital or cyber forensics, is the process of collecting and analyzing digital evidence of cybercrime. Much like forensic scientists who gather physical evidence such as hair samples, bullet casings, fingerprints and the like for a criminal investigation, computer forensic investigators find and investigate digital crime.

They detect and evaluate evidence from computer hacks, damage to computer systems, overrides to networks and much more. Breached and destroyed networks need their help to break down how it happened, recover lost or stolen data and help law enforcement personnel solve the crime—as well as prevent it from happening again.

Computer forensics degree requirements

Computer forensics degrees are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, though it's even more common for schools to offer digital forensics as a concentration within another degree such as computer science or cyber security, or as a minor.  

In general, a bachelor's degree in digital forensics, cyber security, computer science or a related subject is considered the minimum degree needed to enter the field. A master's degree could give you that extra boost of knowledge to make you a more competitive candidate, but the education you need to have is going to depend on individual employers. Explore these degree options below to determine which is best for you.

Work experience needed to be a computer forensic examiner

As important as education is, it can only get you so far. Experience can be just as important to your success as a cyber security professional, and some skills must simply be acquired on the job. When starting as a junior or entry-level computer forensic analyst, some employers may only require one to two years of experience, but usually an average of three years is the norm. So how do you get that experience in the first place? It's true that you can't usually jump straight into digital forensic investigations after getting a degree, so you may need to gain experience as a cyber security analyst, incident responder, security auditor or a related position for a few years first.

Experience can be just as important to your success as a cyber security professional as education.

Senior or management roles typically require at least five years on the job to be considered for advancement. Internships and employers that offer in-house training are excellent ways to build up your work experience. 

Skills needed for working in digital forensics

Successful computer forensic investigators possess a variety of technical and analytic skills. Many of these hard skills can be learned in a computer forensic degree program or a related degree, while soft skills tend to be based more on an individual's aptitudes and personality.

Cyber security and forensic-related certifications

Obtaining a professional certification in cyber security and/or digital forensics can be a fantastic way to demonstrate a level of expertise to future employers and open up the number of jobs available to you, since some may require that you hold a certain certification. Having these credentials on your resume may even lead to higher-paying jobs. Some relevant certifications that you might want to pursue include:

• Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner (CAWFE) from the IACIS
• Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) from the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council
• Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) from EC-Council
• GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)
• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware Certification (GREM)

Some employers may help you pay for the education to earn a certification, so it's worth asking about employer reimbursement for education if you are currently working.

Career paths for computer forensics degree holders

Computer forensics professionals have a lot of options when it comes to the career paths they can take. There are two primary routes: working in government (public sector) or for corporations and other private companies (private sector). 

No matter which route you choose to pursue, a digital forensics degree can be incredibly helpful in landing a job and gaining the skills necessary to excel in either of these sectors.

Typical job titles for digital forensics degree holders

As with most computer science and cyber security positions, there are several different specific job titles that may have the same—or extremely similar—responsibilities to each other. When you begin to job hunt, carefully read the responsibilities and requirements in the job description to determine if you qualify.

Computer forensics degree holders may find jobs that go by any of these titles:

• Computer forensics specialist
• Computer forensics engineer
• Computer forensics examiner
• Computer forensics technician
• Computer forensics investigator
• Information security crime investigator
• Digital/computer crime specialist

Additional career paths with a computer forensics degree

A computer forensics degree is versatile and may be applied to numerous other cyber security roles besides just computer or digital forensics. These are just some of the potential other career paths available to people with a computer forensics degree:

Ethical considerations in computer forensics

The information gathered by computer forensics professionals is often used in legal proceedings. As people who collect and analyze digital evidence of cybercrime, terrorism or other threats, computer forensics investigators may also have to testify in court. This means that there are unique ethical considerations that computer forensics professionals must be aware of. Honesty and integrity, therefore, are especially important in this field.

Although there are no universal ethical standards in the field of digital forensics, several professional organizations have curated their own ethical standards and/or codes of conduct to act as necessary guidelines for digital forensics professionals. People who hold certifications from these organizations must abide by their standards.

One example is the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility from the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE). They list the following as some of the ethical responsibilities of a Certified Computer Examiner (CCE):

• Maintain objectivity in all examinations and report findings accurately
• Never withhold relevant evidence
• Testify truthfully in court or any other proceeding
• Comply with all legal orders of the courts
• Never express bias or opinions in legal proceedings
• Never reveal confidential information without a court order or permission from a client

Taking the first step toward a computer forensics degree

Obtaining either a bachelor's or master's degree in computer forensics may be well worth the investment so that you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct digital forensics investigations. Whether you have your sights set on working with local law enforcement, a government security agency or a private company, earning your computer forensics degree may be the first step toward making that goal become a reality. 

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Updated: June 2, 2023