The best computer forensics bachelor’s degree program will help you develop in-demand skills that make you stand out when applying for computer forensics-related roles. Earning your Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics validates your proficiency and ability to get the job done.
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, computer forensics bachelor’s degree jobs comprise some of the fastest-growing occupations. Below, we will explore how you can tap into this increased demand and why attending the computer forensics bachelor’s degree programs is beneficial.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics at Arizona State University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, University of Central Oklahoma, Utah Valley University, and Waynesburg University, among many others.
What Schools Offer the Best Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Utah Valley University
- Waynesburg University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
The admission requirements for a computer forensics bachelor’s degree are a high school diploma or GED. Most universities require you to submit your official high school transcripts or GED results. Some schools will require you to submit SAT/ACT scores, and a personal statement.
Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Offical academic records
- SAT/ACT scores
- Personal statement
- Minimum GPA score (determined by the school)
How to Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree
You get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree by fulfilling the program’s graduation requirements. To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics, you need to complete 120 credits and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
You need 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics. Some universities may require you to complete up to 126 credits to graduate. The school divides the credits into major courses, general education courses, electives, and capstone projects.
Computer Forensics Degree Requirements
- Major courses
- General education courses
- Electives
- Capstone project
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
Best Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Computational Forensics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Christian Brothers University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida State University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Criminology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Bachelor of Science Forensic Science – Digital Forensics | Higher Learning Commission |
| Utah Valley University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Computer Forensics and Security Emphasis | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Waynesburg University | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Forensics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Computer Forensics: Top Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best computer forensics bachelor’s degrees offer a combination of affordability, value, and quality. They prepare students for a forensics career by equipping them with critical thinking and analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of digital forensics tools. Below are some of the best schools that include those qualities.
What Is a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
A computer forensics bachelor’s degree is a four-year credential that attests to your knowledge of the intersection of criminology, science, and technology. It covers topics such as criminal justice, digital forensics, data structures and algorithms, systems programming, calculus, statistics, cyber security, management information system, and system design. Professionals with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree can become digital forensics analysts, computer forensics technicians, and information security analysts.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
A bachelor’s degree in computer forensics is very important. It is usually the minimum requirement for jobs in computer forensics-related fields. You will want to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics if you are interested in acquiring the fundamental skills for a career as a computer forensics specialist.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Computer Forensics?
The types of bachelor’s degrees you can get in computer forensics are a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts. Of these, the bachelor of science is the more common option.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science Degree or Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Forensics?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics because it offers better employability after graduation. According to PayScale, someone with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics earns $68,000, on average, per year.
What Is the Difference Between a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree and a Computer Forensics Certificate?
The difference between a computer forensics bachelor’s degree and a computer forensics certificate is the amount of content covered, duration, and level of education. A degree of this type usually requires you to complete 120 credits over four years, while a certificate takes a couple of months.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
It costs around $28,775 to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics. This figure might be higher or lower depending on whether you attend a public or private university. It costs around $21,035 to attend a public university, $48,965 to attend a non-profit private university, and $27,696 to attend a for-profit university.
The cost may also vary depending on whether you live on or off-campus. You will spend around $35,331 with an on-campus living arrangement and between $24,575 to $35,306 with an off-campus living arrangement.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree. The minimum graduation requirement for most Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Forensics is 120 credits. You will have to take 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
It is hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics because it requires a significant technical and analytical aptitude. Most computer forensics programs cover statistics, calculus, data structures and algorithms, forensic analysis, and programming. These are very demanding courses.
Why Should You Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree if you want to gain skills in evidence collection and digital evidence analysis to help solve criminal investigations. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics offers a career path to roles such as security analyst, forensic investigator, forensic computer examiner, systems analyst, and forensics analyst in private companies and government agencies.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Computer Forensics?
Courses you need to take in a bachelor’s degree program in computer forensics include database management, data structures and algorithms, digital forensics, network security, and programming fundamentals. You will also learn calculus, statistics, and other mathematics courses.
Database Management
This course develops students’ understanding of databases. They learn how to design, implement, and maintain databases using database reports and create tables and forms. Students will have the skills to develop multiple table systems with screens, reports, and updates.
Data Structures and Algorithms
This course teaches students about designing and analyzing efficient algorithms and data structures. It covers randomized algorithms, approximation algorithms, graph algorithms, and algorithm design methods.
Digital Forensics
This course helps students gain in-depth knowledge in identifying, collecting, and preserving digital evidence. You will learn essential scientific principles used in digital forensics, understand concepts such as file hashing, grep, report writing, and keyword lists, and explore legal considerations in digital forensics.
Network Security
Students learn to develop preventative measures in securing both the physical and digital aspects of a network. You will learn how to protect sensitive information that may be harmful to an organization when in the wrong hands.
Programming Fundamentals
Learning programming fundamentals will help you become a better programmer using languages such as Python, C, C++, and JavaScript. It will help you understand how computers and other digital devices work, which is essential for computer forensics professionals.
Continuing Education Paths for Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Computer forensics graduates can earn a certification or Master’s Degree in Computer Forensics to expand job opportunities, improve their resume, or advance their careers. The most common professional certifications for computer forensics include Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE), Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE), Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), Certified Forensic Analyst (GIAC), and Cybersecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA).
Related Computer Forensics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best computer forensics bachelor’s degree programs are accreditation, career services, cost, graduation rate, and student-to-faculty ratio.
Accreditation
Attending an accredited computer forensics bachelor’s degree program ensures that you get an education that meets acceptable quality standards. It also allows you to apply for federal student aid.
Career Services
You should consider whether the program offers career services such as job placement, job interview prep, resume and cover letter writing, networking, and internships. This will help your transition into the computer forensics job market.
Cost
The cost of various computer forensics programs will inform the decision of which ones are within your budget. You may consider a public institution over a private institution for affordability. Living off-campus with your family generally costs less than living on campus.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates predict how likely a student is to graduate after enrollment. You should look for a program or institution with high graduation rates.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
This ratio measures the number of students enrolled in a school in comparison to the number of faculty members. Programs with a low student-to-faculty ratio are more personalized, which allows for better education, connections, and participation.
What Is the Most Affordable Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable computer forensics bachelor’s degree for in-state students is Utah Valley University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Computer Forensics and Security Emphasis, with a total cost of about $23,624. University of Central Oklahoma’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science – Digital Forensics is the most affordable option for out-of-state students, with a tuition cost of approximately $45,000.
Salary and Job Outlook for Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The salary and job outlook for computer forensics bachelor’s degree graduates are bright, with some computer forensics occupations projected to grow by 33 percent. Students who graduate from a degree program of this type can apply to various jobs in the public and private sectors as cyber security analysts, computer forensic analysts, security architects, and information security analysts.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree. These degree programs prepare students for employment after graduation through career services such as job placement, job interview prep, resume and cover letter writing, and networking. Some programs offer internships with the FBI and NSA, which can be a great resume builder.
What’s the Average Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree is $68,000. Your actual salary will depend on your specific job role. For example, working as a cyber security analyst will make you an average annual salary of $61,115, while a senior systems engineer role will make you $120,851 per year on average.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
Jobs you can get with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree are in both government agencies and private for-profit and non-profit organizations. Some of the positions include cyber security analyst, digital forensic analyst, information security analyst, malware analyst, and security architect.
Computer Forensics Degree Jobs
- Cyber security analyst
- Digital forensic analyst
- Information security analyst
- Malware analyst
- Security architect
Potential Careers With a Computer Forensics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
You can make between $61,930 and $159,010 per year with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree. Most of the highest-paying computer forensic jobs require a high standard of demonstrated analytical and technical skills and experience. They range from a digital forensics analyst to an IT security manager.
Highest-Paying Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| IT Security Manager | $159,010 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,600 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,270 |
| FBI Agent | $66,020 |
| Digital Forensics Analyst | $61,930 |
Best Jobs for Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best computer forensics bachelor’s degree jobs pay between $61,930 and $159,010. They include an IT security manager, information security analyst, computer systems analyst, FBI agent, and a digital forensics analyst.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics is worth it. With tuition costs of as little as $23,624, and salaries as high as $159,010, a computer forensics bachelor’s degree offers value and investment return. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that computer occupations will grow by 13 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is above the national average of eight percent for all occupations.
The demand for information security analysts should grow by 33 percent during this period, while that for digital forensic analysts and IT security managers is not far behind. Therefore, getting a computer forensics bachelor’s degree is a worthwhile investment for the future.
Additional Reading About Computer Forensics
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Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, you can earn a computer forensics bachelor’s degree online. Some of the best online computer forensics schools include Southern New Hampshire University, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Keiser University-Fort Lauderdale.
Yes, computer forensics is a good career. The average salary of this occupation is decent and its high job growth guarantees that computer forensics graduates will have an easy time finding jobs.
You will need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics for a career in computer forensics. Other common career paths include a degree in cyber security, computer science, and cyber criminology.
No, you don’t need a computer forensics master’s degree to get a job in computer forensics. However, you will need to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics or a related field, which is the minimum requirement for most jobs.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
