Computer Forensics Degree Online

From mission-critical business systems to e-commerce and the Internet, IT is not only an industry in its own right, it’s a fundamental building block of all other industries. AIU offers an industry-relevant Computer Forensics Degree Online program that’s designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop real-world knowledge to help prepare for the next step. Areas covered include examining techniques for collection, preservation, analysis and reporting of digital-network evidence.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree with a specialization in Digital Investigations is designed to provide students industry-relevant knowledge and experience in conducting investigations as a digital-crime professional.

Digital Investigations programs can help you learn how to:

• Summarize details of essential computer concepts
• Use an operating system interface to access, add, troubleshoot and configure hardware and manage files
• Implement a relational database management system utilizing the concepts of database design and data modeling
• Develop business applications using programming languages, tools and software development methodologies
• Collect and evaluate digital crime evidence while maintaining evidence integrity and usefulness by following proper procedures

Download program detail PDF

By studying key topics in Digital Investigations, you have an opportunity to work to develop a fundamental understanding of digital and network investigations as you pursue your interest in opportunities involving the detection and prevention of computer crime.

For a Computer Forensics Degree Online, your classes may include:

Introduction to Cyber Crime and Digital Investigations

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the concepts and systems involved in digital investigations and cyber crime. The course explores recognized incident response policies and procedures for collecting, preserving, analyzing, and reporting digital evidence, cyber crime history, and current and future threats.

Digital Investigations I

This course will examine digital investigation tools, threats, and techniques. Topics may include procedures, steganography, operating systems, tool validation plans, and open source software.

Principles in Electronic Discovery

This course is designed to provide students with essential information related to electronic discovery. Discussions will focus on organizational electronic discovery needs and how digital investigators can fulfill those needs. Topics may include finding data collection, media restoration, file and email conversion, keyword and metadata searching, filtering, and classification and presentation of data.

Network Investigations

During this course, students will examine forensic techniques for collection, preservation, analysis, and reporting of digital network evidence. Topics may include network traffic analysis, electronic mail, and Internet investigations.

Global Investigations

This course discusses advanced topics in digital forensics related to the globalization of electronic data. International organization regulations, language barrier, rogue providers, and other topics will be covered in this course.

Digital Investigations II

During this course, students will examine digital investigation techniques for applications running for network operating systems.

Applications of Discrete Mathematics and Statistics in IT

In this course, students will examine the essential mathematics and logic skills required in Information Technology areas such as networking, systems administration, security, programming, database management, and computer hardware. Students will work to build on their mathematical ability to prepare for the challenges they are likely to encounter as an IT professional. This course discusses the importance of discrete mathematics, probability and statistics in IT. Students in this course will also study discrete mathematics and statistics necessary for application development and systems analysis. Students will also examine how to apply statistical techniques to improve the performance of IT systems. Real-world scenarios and problems from the IT industry are included throughout this course.

System Architecture and Integration

In this course, students will analyze the system integration requirements and apply appropriate frameworks, methodologies, and techniques that are used to manage, administer, acquire, develop, implement, and integrate enterprise systems.

Comprehensive IT Project

In this lower division capstone course, students will examine IT project management and systems architecture. Topics covered include project management concepts of time, scope, and costs, as well as systems architecture, sourcing, acquisition, development, and deployment processes.

Information Technology Security

This survey course covers information security concepts and mechanisms. Information security concepts reviewed may include data protection techniques, software security, information assurance process, enterprise network security, and attack types/countermeasures.

Data Structures and Implementation

This course will introduce students to basic data structures and algorithms which are to be used as tools in designing solutions to real-life problems. Students will become familiar with the specification, usage, implementation and analysis of basic data structures and algorithms.

Program Capstone for IT

This course offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their level of understanding regarding the application of information technology concepts, technologies, and methodologies. Students are expected to employ their knowledge about hardware, systems, applications, and security management. 

View the Course Catalog.

Course content subject to change.

From grants to military service to transfer credits, see the variety of ways you can save time and money on your Computer Forensics Degree Online at AIU:

• Scholarships & Grants - AIU offers a number of institutional scholarships and grants that can help eligible students offset the program cost and help reduce out of pocket costs
• Reduced Military Tuition Rate – AIU Online offers a 45% tuition reduction to active military undergraduate students and a 20% tuition reduction to active military graduate students, including members of the Reserves and National Guard
• Transfer Credit – AIU’s transfer-friendly credit policy lets you transfer in up to 75% of the qualifying credits needed toward your degree
• Prior Learning Credit – You can receive credits for past college courses, qualifying military service, or eligible work experience

For more information, review the AIU guides below:

• Financial Aid Guide: Our guide to financial aid can answer your initial questions and help you prepare to apply for financial aid
• Scholarships and Grants Guide: Learn about the scholarships and grants offered by AIU along with details about eligibility
• Transfer Credit Guide: This guide explores how to transfer your credits from other schools—and earn college credit for your eligible past work and qualifying military experience