Digital Forensics Courses

The University of Rhode Island offers the following undergraduate and graduate level courses in the area of digital forensics:

HPR 108b - Intro to Computer Forensics

This in-person course is an honors level course for students interested in Digital Forensics. This course offers an introduction to digital forensic tools and procedures, computer and networking concepts and legal and ethical issues involving computer forensics. No Computer Science background is required to take this course. 4 credits; Prerequisite: Acceptance into the honors program at URI.


CSC 218 - Computer System Fundamentals

This online course is designed to give students a foundation in the fundamentals of computer concepts and basic networking. By learning about computers and networks at the operating level, students will better understand the advanced issues that come into play when performing forensic acquisition and analysis. This course also places a strong emphasis on learning and understanding the A+ certification material (computer hardware). 4 credits.


CSC 485 - Digital Forensics 1

This online course places a strong emphasis on digital forensic procedures, digital forensic tools, and legal issues relating to digital forensics. This course uses advanced forensic tools and hands-on exercises to emphasize the procedures that students will use in the field as forensic investigators. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 218 or equivalent experience.


CSC 486 - Digital Forensics 2

This online course is a continuation of the material taught in CSC 485. The focus is on examining specific types of data artifacts that a digital forensics examiner would come across during the course of a standard investigation. This course uses advanced forensic tools and hands-on exercises to emphasize the procedures that students will use in the field as forensic investigators. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 485.


CSC 487 - File System Analysis

This online course teaches advanced analysis of the FAT, NTFS, EXT, and HFS file systems. This course uses advanced forensic tools and hands-on exercises to help students understand how data is stored at the file system level. A focus is placed on specific artifacts that would be of value to a forensic examiner. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 486.


CSC 488 - Digital Forensics Analysis

This online course teaches students how to use the two industry leading tools, FTK and EnCase, to perform digital forensics investigations. While learning these tools, student's will also be applying concepts from previous courses to get a better feel for completing basic investigations from start to finish. After completing this course student's will be eligible to take their ACE certification test through AccessData and their EnCE certification test through Guidance Software.4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 486.


CSC 490 - Digital Forensics Practicum

Coming Soon!

This online course covers different aspects of the most cutting-edge areas in digital forensics. Currently, this includes looking at how to perform investigations on cell phones and other mobile devices. Student's will start by learning about cellular networks and how they work, and progress to performing analysis on phones using industry leading tools. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 487.


CSC 499 - Internship

This is an internship with a practicing digital forensics organization. It is supervised by both Dr. Fay-Wolfe and a mentor at the practicing organization. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 486.


CSC 585 - Advanced Topics in Digital Forensics 1

This online course places a strong emphasis on digital forensic procedures, digital forensic tools, and legal issues relating to digital forensics. This course uses advanced forensic tools and hands-on exercises to emphasize the procedures that students will use in the field as forensic investigators. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 218 or equivalent experience.


CSC 586 - Advanced Topics in Digital Forensics 2

This online course is a continuation of the material taught in CSC 485. The focus is on examining specific types of data artifacts that a digital forensics examiner would come across during the course of a standard investigation. This course uses advanced forensic tools and hands-on exercises to emphasize the procedures that students will use in the field as forensic investigators. 4 credits; Prerequisite: CSC 585.


CSC 599 - Master's Thesis Research

This is a Master's thesis research project, in the area of digital forensics, that is completed under the supervision of a URI faculty member. This course is for students pursuing a Masters in Computer Science with a concentration in Digital Forensics. 4 credits.


CSC 699 - Doctoral Dissertation Research

This is a Doctoral dissertation research project, in the area of digital forensics, that is completed under the supervision of a URI faculty member. This course is for students pursuing a PhD in Computer Science with a concentration in Digital Forensics. 4 credits.


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Our programs start May 23, 2012. The deadline for applications is May 15th, 2012.

Undergraduate Minors

Professional Certificates

Graduate Certificates


Industry Tools

Our courses teach students how to use the leading industry tools such as: FTK and EnCase!


Industry Certifications

Our courses will help you prepare for standard industry certifications such as: A+, CCE, ACE, EnCE!