Solve crimes by following digital footprints and uncovering vital evidence.

Do you have a knack for technology and love solving mysteries? University of the Cumberlands’ master’s program in digital forensics offers the best of both interests. Learn about crimes like electronic fraud, online scams, identity theft, and more. Digital forensics handles all forms of cybercrime, making it one of the most essential careers in the modern world. This degree instills the critical thinking and application skills needed to address growing cyber security concerns in IT. With careers like forensic technicians and security analysts, experts in digital forensics play a vital role in the future of IT. As the world becomes more digital, the more related crimes will spike, and the more digital forensics will become essential.

Anchor: Stats
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Master's in Digital Forensics

If you’re looking for the technical skills to begin (or advance) your career in fighting cybercrime, we have the answer. Intended for those who have earned a baccalaureate degree and are working in the field, the online master’s degree program in digital forensics at University of the Cumberlands will help you enhance your credentials and accomplish your professional goals.

You will use forensics technology best practices to: 

  • Investigate data lost to illegal activities 
  • Take an active role in recovering lost data 
  • Build the skills necessary for cyber forensics 
  • Explore leadership roles in IT across many fields and industries 

Course Requirements

Core Courses - 30 Hours Required

  • MSDF 530 – Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques 
  • MSDF 531 – Windows Digital Forensics 
  • MSDF 532 – Windows Registry Forensics 
  • MSDF 534 - Wireless Security and Forensics 
  • MSDF 535 - Network Forensics 
  • MSDF 630 – Digital Forensics Evidence 
  • MSDF 631 – Malware Analysis and Mitigation 
  • MSDF 632 – INFOSEC Leadership and Communications 
  • MSDF 633 – Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics 
  • MSDF 634 – Web Browser Forensics 

Applied Learning Practicum - 1 Hour Required

MSDF 699 – Digital Forensics Capstone (1hr) OR INTR 599 – Applied Practical Learning approved substitution 

Core Courses – 18 Hours Required 

MSDF 530 – Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques 

MSDF 531 – Windows Digital Forensics 

MSDF 534 - Wireless Security and Forensics 

MSDF 630 – Digital Forensics Evidence 

MSDF 633 – Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics 

MSDF 634 – Web Browser Forensics 

 

Students are required to complete 12 credit hours from the following approved blocks by selecting two of the three blocks listed:  

Block One  

CROL 532 Criminological Theories in Justice Administration 

CROL 537 Leadership Fundamentals 

Block Two

CROL 635 Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security 

CROL 636 Critical Issues in Homeland Security 

Block Three

CROL 540 Sex Crimes: Myths & Motives 

CROL 641 Violent Offenders: Crimes & Psychology 

 

Applied Learning Practicum - 1 hour Required

MSDF 699 – Digital Forensics Capstone (1hr) OR INTR 599 – Applied Practical Learning approved substitution 

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

UC’s digital forensics program strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in IT through comprehensive educational programs, research, dissemination, and service to professional societies, communities, states, and the nation.

Knowledge to properly secure facilities, equipment, and software.
Ability to create and implement a plan to provide for disaster prevention and recovery.
Practice with proper techniques for implementing security plans that ensure compliance with various laws.
Practice identifying and investigating breaches in compliance.
Confidence to address specific needs and challenges in the field of information security.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Digital Forensics Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Digital Forensics Technician: $61,930

Digital Forensics Technician: $61,930

Digital forensics technicians aid investigators by collecting and analyzing evidence from digital attacks and electronic resources. 

Information Security Analyst: $102,600

Information Security Analyst: $102,600

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect from cyber-attacks and reduce risk of loss of data.  

Forensic Science Technician: $61,930

Forensic Science Technician: $61,930

Forensic science technicians aid in investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence to find the culprit.  

Information Research Scientist: $131,490

Information Research Scientist: $131,490

Computer and information research scientists research new and existing technology, design and test new technology, and create innovative use for new and existing technology.

Information Systems Manager: $159,010

Information Systems Manager: $159,010

Computer and information systems managers manage teams of other computer specialists in various roles to fulfill the needs of a company. They often organize, direct, and present projects.  

Quality Assurance Analyzer: $109,020

Quality Assurance Analyzer: $109,020

Quality assurance analyzers identify issues with software applications in order to ensure safety and functionality of a given product.  

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that handles cybercrimes. Whereas traditional forensic science focuses on physical evidence, digital forensics involves recovering and investigating evidence left behind on digital devices. In order for evidence to be used in a court of law, investigators must follow a strict process. After an incident takes place, digital forensics experts must: 

  1. Identify evidence of a cybercrime and where it is stored 
  2. Preserve the digital data and ensure no one tampers with it 
  3. Analyze the evidence and draw conclusions about the crime 
  4. Document the data and recreate the cybercrime scene 
  5. Summarize the data and present it along with a conclusion 

Earning a degree in digital forensics could prepare you to uncover evidence of cyber threats and criminal activity across many settings and career paths. Consider the role of information security analyst, which stands to grow 33 percent between 2021 and 2030. Security analysts conduct testing and document security breaches after an incident occurs. Just as importantly, they try to keep businesses’ IT systems safe in the first place. Earning a digital forensics degree at the master’s level could be one way to take your previous IT knowledge and experience in a new direction.  

Also consider a forensic science technician career path. Technicians who work on computer crimes are known as forensic computer examiners or digital forensics analysts. Like their counterparts who analyze physical evidence such as DNA, digital forensics analysts uncover evidence at crime scenes—in the digital landscape, of course. As a whole, this profession should grow 16 percent between 2021 and 2030. That’s much faster than average for all occupations. 

Many who pursue a forensic science technician career path earn a master’s degree. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that candidates who earn a master’s should have the best job opportunities. In a master’s in Digital Forensics degree program such as ours at University of the Cumberlands, you could build the skills you need to make an impact in the world of digital crime solving—or other fields that require expertise in this domain. 

This degree is a 31-credit-hour degree, and each class is worth 3 hours, except for the final project, which is worth 1 hour. Each class is offered in an 8-week term format, and you will be able to take classes at your own pace. If you take 12 hours per semester (2 classes each bi-term – two bi-terms equals one full semester), you could be able to finish this degree in as little as 3 semesters!  

No, you will not need to come to campus for this degree. This degree is offered in a 100 percent online format, so you can earn your degree without ever coming to campus. Though, of course, you are always welcome to come visit! 

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn more about your future MSDF professors.

Melissa Bundy

Melissa Bundy

Assistant Professor
Criminal Justice

Melissa Bundy

Contact Information

melissa.bundy [at] ucumberlands.edu
Faulkner Building
Dr. Harry Webster

Dr. Harry Webster

Adjunct Professor
Criminal Justice

Dr. Harry Webster

Contact Information

harry.webster [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Elizabeth S. Marsal

Dr. Elizabeth S. Marsal

Adjunct Professor
Criminal Justice
Master in Criminal Justice

Dr. Elizabeth S. Marsal

Contact Information

elizabeth.marsal [at] ucumberlands.edu

Request Information

Ask us about our digital forensics degree program today!

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