Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the different programs?

Full-time matriculated students can take the Fall and Spring semester courses as part of their full-time tuition. Summer courses are typically not covered by full-time tuition. The courses cost $625 per credit for all in-state and out-of-state students. Using the fixed rate, the cost for a 4 credit course (CSC414, CSC485, CSC485, CSC585, CSC586, CSC590, CSC592) is $2,500.

What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate and the Professional Certificate?

To be accepted to the Graduate Certificate program, students must have completed a 4 year undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Students who are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate Program will be expected to complete additional course work, including a research paper or project in each of CSC585 and CSC586.

Students who do not have a 4 year undergraduate degree are eligible to complete the Professional Certificate program. Students in this program will still learn the same major concepts and be just as prepared to take available professional certificate programs such as CCE, A+, Net+, ACE, and EnCase Certification. However, students in this program will not be required to complete the additional research papers or projects that are required of those students who are in the Graduate Certificate Program.

Can I start the course sequence at any time?

No. The digital forensics courses are in sequences that build on each other. All programs start with CSC414. CSC414 is currently offered in the summer only. Thus, students must start the program in the Summer. Students may not take any course without the prerequisite course(s).

Is it required that I take the courses in a specific order?

Yes. The more advanced courses are taught with the important assumption that students have a complete understanding of what was taught in the beginner and intermediate level courses.

Students should plan on taking the core courses in the following sequence:

Course Semester
CSC414 Summer
CSC485/585 Fall
CSC486/586 Spring
CSC590 - FTK
or
CSC592 - EnCase		 Summer

Fall

Once students have completed CSC485/585 they can take additional non-core course, such as CSC499, CSC599/699, or CSC492/592 at any time that they are offered.

What makes URI's program better than other online programs in Digital Forensics?

Most other online programs require students to complete readings in place of lectures and write summary papers instead of working with hands-on assignments. URI's program is composed of online video lectures that students watch at times of their choosing. These video lectures allow students to learn material at their own pace, and students can review any portions that they may find challenging. To complement these online lectures, URI's program supplies a hands-on homework assignment for each week. This allows students to gain practical experience with the latest tools that are being used by investigators in the field. Finally, URI's program makes use of a discussion board that acts similar to a professional list-serve. Here, students are able to post interesting discussion points about relevant news in the industry and ask for assistance with problems that they may be having pertaining to assignments.

The format combines the best aspects of being self-paced in that students do lectures, readings and assignments at the time of their choosing during the week, and of collaborative learning where all students and instruction are focused on the week's topic.

Do I get college credits for the courses that I complete?

Yes. All of the courses are offered through the University of Rhode Island and you will receive URI credit for all course work that you complete. This means that if you decide to continue on towards a full academic degree, such as a B.A., B.S., M.S., or PhD, your credits can be put towards that degree.

Are the courses self paced?

The courses are self paced within the week, which typically runs on a Friday to Friday schedule (i.e. new material is released on Friday and due the following Friday). Each week students will receive a new reading assignment, lecture, and hands-on assignment. Students will have one week to complete each of these. Within each weekly module students can work at their own pace, however, students are expected to complete the weekly modules on time in order to not fall behind.

How many hours a week should I plan on spending on course work?

In general, the University policy is that for each course credit you should expect to do a minimum of 4 hours worth of work a week. For a 4–credit course then, you should expect to complete between 14~18 hours worth of coursework each week. Typically, this will consist of 2~3 hours a week of watching video lectures, and an additional 12~14 hours a week completing reading assignments, homework assignments, and studying. Depending on the topic being covered during the week and a student's previous knowledge or experience in an area, some weeks will require students to put in more time, while other weeks will require students to put in less time. Students in the Graduate Certificate program will also need to allow extra time to complete additional research projects.

What kind of professional certificates will I be eligible to receive after having completed the course series?

Our courses, in addition to an academic treatment, are designed to provide background for most of the important professional certifications digital forensics practitioners have. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC414 students are prepared to take their A+ Certification test if they desire. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC485/585 and CSC492/592, students can prepare to take their Certified Computer Examiner(CCE) test and EnCase Certified Examiner(EnCE) test if they choose to. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC486/586, students can prepare to take their Net+ Certification test, too.

All of these Certifications are looked for by employers, clients, and opposing counsel, as credentials that qualified digital forensic examiners hold. We strongly recommend that students take these additional certificate tests soon after each of our courses; our teaching staff provides information to additional study material and details on how to take the certification examinations.