Secure a rewarding career with one of the nation's best computer forensics degrees.
Are you passionate about computer systems and architectures? Can you envision yourself securing important digital networks for big companies? Do you love problem-solving, investigation, and puzzles? Then a degree in computer forensics may be the next best step for you!
What kind of Computer Forensics degree should you get?
While it's true that each of these 10 programs ensure a solid foundation in computer forensic fundamentals, each program varies in emphasis and structure.
For example, Boston University offe3rs a broader MS in computer science degree that allows you to specialize in cyber security. Meanwhile, UAB offers an MS in computer forensics and security management degree.
Whether you want a specialized program or one with broader applications, just be sure to find one that best suits your career goals. You may also want to consider online education, which can often be earned at a fraction of the cost of an on-campus degree.
Check out College Choice's Best Online Master's in Computer Forensics!
How much money do people make with a computer forensics degree?
A job in high-stakes security is a notably secure career move! Cyber crime is on the rise; so is the employment outlook for digital forensics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the market to grow another 28 percent in just the next few years!
A career in digital forensics is also lucrative. BLS provides salary averages for information security analysts at $95,000 annually. But depending on training and experience level, which you will earn with one of these degrees, that salary can jump up to over $115,000 annually, according to PayScale.
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What can you do with a computer forensics degree?
With an advanced degree in computer forensics you will be equipped to work in a range of industries and settings. From government agencies to healthcare providers, from the corporate office to Silicon Valley, a program that blends information technology with security, such as an MS in Computer Forensics degree, will serve you well.
Many of the graduates from the programs below have secured rewarding careers as:
Crime Analysts
Business Intelligence Analysts
Homeland Security Officials
Computer Forensic Investigators
Digital Fraud Specialists
What are the requirements for a master's in computer forensics?
Most of these programs are two-year master's degrees. You'll allocate your first year or term to building a foundation in computer forensic fundamentals. This will include classes such as:
Modern Cryptography
Network Security
Media Forensics
Digital Forensics I and II
Then, in your second year you will be able to specialize through either a formal concentration or through an arrangement of electives. Some schools will also require a capstone project, a written thesis, or an internship. We've been sure to note those.
What are the best computer forensics degrees?
Though some of these programs are offered by smaller tech-focused schools and others are offered through sprawling research universities, they all share one thing in common: they offer the nation's best computer forensics programs.
To find the best graduate degrees in computer forensics we first looked exhaustively at all the schools around the country offering such a program. From there we considered critical key factors such as academic reputation and retention rate, the latter being a reflection of student satisfaction. Then we examined tuition rates and graduates' salaries to figure out the return on investment.
After such extensive research we determined the country's 10 Best computer forensic degrees.
Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and the National Center for Education Statistics
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
