Review the career benefits to earning an associate's degree in computer forensics. Explore the typical curriculum for these programs, and learn what training you'll gain through a 2-year computer forensics program.
What Does a Computer Forensics Associate's Degree Program Include?
A program can lead to an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in computer forensics, criminal justice, or cybersecurity. Schools may offer you the opportunity to complete a program either entirely or partially online. In addition to a computer with high-speed Internet access, you may need specific software and hardware, as determined by the individual school.
Typical courses include firewall security, computer forensics, programming, networking technologies, evidence, criminal justice, cyber crime and Linux operating system. Certain programs may give you the opportunity to complete an internship at a school-approved facility during your final semester.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Programming, networking technologies, criminal justice, computer forensics, Linux operating system</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Responsibilities</b></td><td>Gather evidence stored on electronic devices, analyze computer evidence, extract and preserve evidence for later use</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td>Forensics investigator, consultant for a law firm or private business, position with a government agency</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $60,590 (<i>for all forensic science technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 14% growth (<i>for all forensic science technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAmITrainedToDo">What Am I Trained To Do?</h3><p>An associate's degree program in computer forensics trains you to work with law enforcement to help gather evidence stored on computers and electronic devices for the purpose of criminal investigation. You develop the skills necessary to collect, identify and analyze computer evidence. You learn how to extract, preserve, interpret and document the evidence for later use in prosecution.
</p><h3 id="section---WhyPursueAComputerForensicsAssociateSDegree">Why Pursue a Computer Forensics Associate's Degree?</h3><p>Investigation of cyber crime is a new field in law enforcement and demand for employees who are trained in this field is growing faster than students can graduate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a computer science degree will better qualify you to work in computer forensics compared to a degree in criminal justice (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).
</p><p>Though you can learn a great deal about the investigative techniques of computer forensics through on-the-job training, there are a number of colleges that offer certificate and degree programs in the field. An associate's degree might qualify you for a position as a forensics investigator in law enforcement or as a consultant with a private business or law firm. You may also be eligible for an entry-level position with a government agency to combat cyber terrorism or fraud. If you decide to continue your education, some schools have articulation agreements with 4-year colleges that allow you to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree.</p>
