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Digital Forensics Professional Certificate
A Professional Certificate in Digital Forensics is a department-issued certificate showing that students have completed approved coursework in Digital Forensics. It involves acceptance to the professional certificate program and graded course work. It is designed for working professionals who wish to enroll in a focused set of classes, but do not currently have a four-year undergraduate degree.
The Professional Certificate in Digital Forensics is designed to be done completely online so that professionals may fulfill the requirements for this degree from anywhere.
Necessary Background
The Professional Certificate program is not an entry level program, and is not recommended for students who do not have a strong background in working with computers. The program assumes that students have an 'A+' level of understanding of computers and how they work. However, it does not assume that students know anything about Digital Forensics, and the program is designed to teach students everything they need to know about performing digital forensics investigations from the ground up. For more information on whether or not you meet the background requirements, or how to prepare for starting the program please visit this page.
Course Requirements
In order to complete a Professional Certificate in Digital Forensics, students must complete 4 courses. Available courses are sorted into three course groups: Starting Core Courses, Mandatory Core Courses, and Concentration Courses.
Starting Core Course
The Starting Core course must be taken before students can take any additional courses. This courses can not be taken in conjunction with any other courses.
- CSF 410 - Digital Forensics (Fall; 4 credits)
Mandatory Core Courses
All courses in the 'Mandatory Core' must be taken towards completion of the certificate program. These courses must be taken after completion of the Starting Core Course, but can be taken in any order. Students can choose to take these courses before, after, or in conjunction with courses from the Concentration Courses.
- CSF 412 - Topics in Digital Forensics (Spring; 4 credits)
- CSF 516 - File System Analysis (Summer; 4 credits)
Concentration Courses
Students must take one additional course from the Concentration Courses to complete their certificate program. These courses must be taken after completion of the Starting Core Courses, however can be taken in any order. Students can choose to take these courses before, after, or in conjunction with courses from the Mandatory Courses.
- CSF 414 - Digital Forensics Analysis (Spring; 4 credits)
- CSF 524 - Advanced Incident Response (Fall; 4 credits)
Sample Options and Completion Times
There are many options available for students to complete the Professional Certificate in Digital Forensics, below are some sample options and how long they take to complete.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | CSF 410 | CSF 412 & 414 | CSF 516 | 12 months | ||
| Option 2 | CSF 410 | CSF 412 | CSF 516 | CSF 524 | 16 months | |
| Option 3 | CSF 410 | CSF 412 | CSF 516 | CSF 414 | 20 months | |
| Option 4 | CSF 410 | CSF 516 | CSF 524 | CSF 412 | 20 months | |
| Option 5 | CSF 410 | CSF 414 | CSF 516 | CSF 412 | 20 months | |
Program Requirements
Read more about the program requirements for the Digital Forensics Professional Certificate.
Apply Now!
Our Graduate and Professional programs start in September. The deadline for applications is July 1st.
Industry Tools
Our courses teach students how to use the leading industry tools such as: FTK and WinHex!
Industry Certifications
Our courses will help you prepare for standard industry certifications such as: CCE and ACE!
