Academics
Digital Forensics
Cyber Security
Digital Forensics Graduate Certificates
A Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics is a university-issued graduate degree. It involves acceptance to the University of Rhode Island graduate program, graded course work, and typically a paper or project. It is designed for professionals who wish to obtain a focused graduate degree, but cannot commit to a full Master's degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics is designed to be done completely online so that professionals may fulfill the requirements for this degree from anywhere.
Available Concentrations
Digital Forensics is a quickly growing field, with a number of different specialty areas within it. In order to provide student's with options that are geared towards meeting their specific career goals, the DFCSC's Graduate Certificate Program offers different concentration areas. Students completing a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics will take the same set of core course, but then take additional courses that are geared towards the concentration of their choice.
The DFCSC currently offers the following Concentrations for the Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics:
- Windows Investigations
- Windows and Mobile Phone Investigations
- Incident Response Investigations
Typical Course Sequences
In the first year of completing the Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics, all students take the same set of core courses, regardless of the concentration being pursued. After completing the core courses, students then complete their second year of the program by taking an additional 2-3 courses that are geared towards their chosen concentration.
| Year 1: Core Courses | |
|---|---|
| Summer | Computer System Fundamentals* |
| Fall | Advanced Topics in Digital Forensics 1 |
| Spring | Advanced Topics in Digital Forensics 2 |
| Year 2: Concentration Courses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Investigations | Windows and Mobile Phone Investigations | Incident Response Investigations | |
| Summer | Off | Digital Forensics Practicum - Mobile Phone Analysis | Network System Fundamentals* |
| Fall | File System Analysis | File System Analysis | Introduction to Information Assurance |
| Spring | Digital Forensics Analysis | Digital Forensics Analysis | Live Forensics and Incident Response |
* Prerequisites
Computer System Fundamentals and Network System Fundamentals are prerequisite classes whose credits can not be counted towards the certificate programs. They are designed to provide students with the background information necessary to succeed in the programs. Student's who can show that they have the appropriate background, do not need to take the prerequisite courses.
- Computer System Fundamentals - Student's who can show proof of 2 years in an Information Technology related field and A+ certification obtained within the last two years, do not need to take Computer System Fundamentals.
- Network System Fundamentals - Student's who can show proof of 2 years in a Network Technology related field and Net+ certification obtained within the last two years, do not need to take Network System Fundamentals.
Completion Time
For students who meet the prerequisite requirement for Computer System Fundamentals, the Graduate Certificate can be completed in a 20 month period. For students who do not meet the prerequisite requirement for Computer System Fundamentals, the Graduate Certificate can be completed in a 24 month period.
Required Background
The Graduate Certificate does not assume that applicants have any experience in the field, aside from what is outlined in the prerequisites. The courses sequence includes instruction ranging from basic fundamentals to advanced topics. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree.
Program Requirements
Read more about the program requirements for the Digital Forensics Graduate Certificates.
Apply Now!
Our programs start May 23, 2012. The deadline for applications is May 15th, 2012.
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!
