Best Computer Forensics Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Computer Forensics Programs

Champlain College was founded in 1878 and is a private college located in Vermont. It was named after Samuel de Champlain, who survived more than 20 trips over the ocean between Europe and North America 400 years ago. Champlain is one of the most innovative educational institutions in the US, and has 2,100 undergraduate students enrolled.

Champlain College Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 62%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate
• US News Ranking: #62
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Champlain College Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations. This undergraduate course requires a competition of 120 credits and offers an online learning format. It can be completed in four years.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity. This cyber security undergraduate program offers a 100 percent online learning format. It is 120 credits and can be completed in four years.
• Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals. This is a fully online undergraduate certificate program that requires 18 credit hours. It is a stand-alone program that can be used towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity.
• Undergraduate Certificate in Advanced Cybersecurity. This undergraduate certificate requires the completion of 18 credit hours through a fully online learning format. Credits from this certificate can be transferred to a Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity.
• Master's Degree in Digital Forensic Science. This is an online master's degree program that requires students to complete 30 to 36 credit hours. There is a partner program that offers an online graduate certificate with the same focus.

Champlain College Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Champlain College is a top-ranked, award-winning, computer forensics and cyber security institution recognized by leading security agencies.

This school was founded in 1912 as the New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island, which was a school of applied agriculture. Farmingdale State College is now a private institution with 10,070 enrollees. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs with focuses that range from aviation to dental hygiene.

Farmingdale State College Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree
• US News Ranking: #15
• Times Higher Education Ranking: > #600

Best Farmingdale State College Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Technology. This bachelor’s degree program is in-person and requires the completion of 122 credits over four years. It covers topics in crime prevention, technology, and cyber security.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Security Technology. To earn this undergraduate degree in computer security technology, students must complete a total of 121 credits. The program doesn’t offer an online learning format.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Security Systems. This is an on-campus program that must be completed in four years. It covers computer forensics and network and personal security, and will require the completion of 122 credits.

Farmingdale State College Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Farmingdale State College is a good school for computer forensics, as it prepares students to combat security issues with cyber forensics in a digital environment.

Florida State University was established in Tallahassee, Florida. It is one of the most respected research institutions in the US. It has a total of 43,999 students enrolled on the main campus and offers different kinds of undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology, finance, criminal, marketing, justice, and safety studies.

Florida State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, post-master's certificate, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #55
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #251-#300

Best Florida State University Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Criminology. This cyber criminology program requires students to complete 52 hours of credits and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students can complete this undergraduate program in four years. This in-person interdisciplinary program teaches students to use computers to combat cyber crime.

Florida State University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Florida State University’s forensic science program has one of the highest placement rates among all majors.

George Mason University was established in Fairfax County, Virginia in 1949. It is a public research institution that offers 78 bachelor’s, 94 master's, and 38 doctoral degree programs. The school has 39,143 students enrolled. It is a multidisciplinary university with a large focus on engineering and information technology.

George Mason University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, master's degree, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #148
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #251-#300

Best George Mason University Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Applied Studies in Applied Science - Cybersecurity Concentration. This degree offers an online learning option. It can be acquired in two years with the completion of 63 to 66 credits. It is a continuation of an Associate of Applied Science degree. Students need to have earned an AAS degree to enroll in this program.
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security Engineering. This is a four-year program that must be taken on campus. Students need to complete 126 credits to graduate from this cyber security engineering program.
• Master of Science in Digital Forensics. This on-campus master's degree requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits throughout the program. The Master's in Digital Forensics can be acquired in two years and will prepare students to work in law enforcement and digital forensics.
• Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering. This program requires the completion of a minimum of 30 credits over two years. Graduate students will need to complete a thesis project to graduate. After completion students will have adequate knowledge of how to design and implement security software.
• Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Assurance. This graduate certificate consists of 12 credits that can be completed alongside another program. It provides students with in-depth knowledge of information security and network systems.

George Mason University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

George Mason University's department of computer forensics offers accelerated master's degree courses and some online bachelor's degree courses.

George Washington University was founded in 1821 by the United States Congress. The university has comprehensive programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the most popular programs are in the fields of business, management, marketing, biology, and journalism.

George Washington University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, master's degree, post-master's certificate
• US News Ranking: #63
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #201-#250

Best George Washington University Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This cyber security bachelor’s degree program requires students to complete 60 credits in two years. Students must already have an associate degree in a related field to enroll in this program.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity in Computer Science. Students need to complete 30 credit hours in two to three years to earn this Master's Degree in Cybersecurity in Computer Science. This program is only offered in person.
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics. This master's degree program offers a fully online learning format. Students will complete 30 credits taken from core and elective classes over the two-year program. Students will need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field to enroll in this program.
• Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance. This program requires students to complete 30 credits in two years. It is also a fully online master's degree option that covers cryptography, algorithms, and software paradigms.
• Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics. This online doctoral program requires the completion of 30 credits over two years. It is an accelerated program that will require a research phase with an advisor to successfully complete.

George Washington University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

George Washington University has a wide variety of computer forensics-related degree programs that offer online learning.

Keiser University is a private university located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was founded in 1977 by Evelyn Keiser and Dr. Arthur Keiser. It offers more than 100 doctorate and associate degrees in sectors such as business, computer technology, health care, legal studies, and education.

Keiser University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 96%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, post-master's certificate, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #299-#391
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Keiser University Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics/Information Security. This is an accelerated bachelor's program that requires students to have Associate of Science degrees before enrollment. The on-campus or online program can be completed in two years with 60 credit hours. Students will learn about cyber crimes, digital media forensics, systems security, network defense, and countermeasures.
• Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics and Incident Response. This fully online bachelor’s program requires students to complete 120 credit hours over three to four years. Students in this program will learn about criminal evidence and computer system forensic analysis.
• Master of Arts in Homeland Security. The Master of Arts in Homeland Security degree program has an online learning option and requires students to complete 33 credit hours.

Keiser University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Keiser University has broad undergraduate courses in computer forensics, specifically in cyber forensics and counterterrorism.

Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855 as the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania. It is a top-ranked research school with a total of 88,914 students enrolled. It offers 200 minors, 160 majors, and 100 undergraduate certificates. Some of the most popular programs are in the fields of marketing, business, management, engineering, computer and information sciences, etc.

Pennsylvania State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Certificates, associate degree, bachelor's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, master's degree, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #63
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #119

Best Pennsylvania State University Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. To complete a  cyber security analytics and operations bachelor's degree, students need to complete a minimum of 123 credits in the four-year online program. This undergraduate degree prepares students to anticipate and identify vulnerabilities, properly communicate possible dangers to clients, and protect the security of digital information.
• Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Information Security and Forensics . This program is 33 credits and teaches students about intelligence analysis, cyber threat defense, and forensics. It can be completed in two years and requires a capstone project.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. This cyber security analytics and operations master’s program lasts two years and teaches students about information technology, cyber security, and network management. It is a 33-credit undergraduate program that offers an online learning format.
• Master of Science in Cyber Threat Analytics and Prevention. In this program, students can learn about policies and programs of homeland security administration, understand cyber laws, and focus on preventing cyber attacks. This master’s program must be completed in two years with a total of 33 credit hours and a final capstone project.
• Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity. Penn State's online interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Cybersecurity requires the completion of 15 credits that may be transferred to a degree.

Pennsylvania State University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Pennsylvania State University is a good place for people with an interest in business and organizational security who are motivated to protect digital information, data stores, or computer networks from threats.

Purdue University Global is a branch of the prestigious Purdue University System. It is an online university that offers over 175 graduate and undergraduate degrees. It is known for its advanced discoveries in math, science, engineering, and technology.

Purdue University Global Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Certificates, associate degree, bachelor's degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #53
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #105

Best University Global Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. This is a fully online course that provides students with a foundational knowledge of digital forensics. It also offers Python programming and six cyber security concentrations. The cyber security bachelor’s program can be completed in four years and is a total of 180 credits.
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - ExcelTrack™. This is an online accelerated cyber security course that can be completed in 10 weeks. Each ExcelTrack™ course is a single credit. You progress based on what you already know and spend your time learning what you need to learn.
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Computer Forensics. This post-baccalaureate certificate can be obtained in eight months and requires students to complete a total of 28 credits. This online computer forensics degree covers topics such as practicing IT trends, designing information systems, and analyzing users’ technical issues.
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Information Security. This program can be completed in eight months and has a total of 21 credits. It is an online course where students can learn about network security, network security concepts, and security breaches.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management. This master's program requires two years of study and 60 credits to graduate. It offers an online learning format that will give students in-depth knowledge of computer systems and networking technology. It also covers topics like ethical hacking and data security.

Purdue University Global Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Purdue University Global has a wide range of undergraduate computer forensics programs that can help you prepare for entry-level positions in computer forensics.

Stevenson University was established in 1947 as Villa Julie College. It has since been changed to Stevenson University. It offers a variety of academic opportunities at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. It has a rich campus life and offers the majority of its students financial aid options.

Stevenson University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate degree, bachelor's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, master's degree, doctoral degree
• US News Ranking: #82
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #501- #600

Best Stevenson University Computer Forensics Programs

• Associate of Applied Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity: Digital Forensics . This associate degree program requires the completion of 61 credits over two years. Students can learn about criminal justice, cyber essentials, network intrusion detection, and penetration testing digital forensics.
• Bachelor Of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. This is a four-year bachelor's degree program that offers an online learning format. Students need to complete 120 credits to graduate with this bachelor’s degree. The program covers topics in network forensics and security, digital forensics, cyber security, and legal aspects of cyber security.

Stevenson University Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Stevenson University offers computer forensics degrees that cover a wide range of skills, including detection, prevention, and mitigation of cyber crime.

Utica College was established in 1946 and is a private university in Utica, New York. It offers 40 undergraduate programs, including 16 of the top 20 most popular majors. Some of the most common programs are developmental and child psychology, construction management corrections, and criminal justice. Utica College has a total of 4,613 enrolled students.

Utica College Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Certificates, associate degree, bachelor's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, master's degree, doctorate
• US News Ranking: #90
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Utica College Computer Forensics Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The cyber security bachelor’s program is 120 credits and four-year studies. This undergraduate degree program has an online learning format that teaches students topics like forensics, cyber security, information assurance, and counter-terrorism.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity: Computer Forensics. This is a computer forensics specialization of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree. It is a two-year degree that requires the completion of 30 credit hours. This is an online degree that covers topics in cyber intelligence, critical national infrastructures, national security, cyber conflict, and cyber data fusion.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This is an online master's degree that covers topics in international terrorism, cyber counterintelligence, network forensics, and data mining. It requires 30 credit hours and two years to complete.
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity: Cyber Policy. This Master's Degree in Cyber Policy is 30 credits and takes two years to complete. It has an online learning option and covers topics in machine learning, data visualization, malware practicum, fraud management, and fraud analysis.

Utica College Computer Forensics Key Takeaway

Utica College is a great college that offers programs where students can learn to detect and investigate cyber threats and learn in cutting-edge laboratories.

A typical community college usually offers associate degrees and postsecondary certificates. A computer forensics community college certificate is a certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma. It may take one to two semesters to complete a community college computer forensics certificate.

Students in this kind of program learn to gather digital artifacts and deliver them as digital evidence to relevant parties. Students will learn how to process cases from beginning to end, as well as how to use software forensic tools.

An Associate Degree in Computer Forensics is a two years program that introduces students to programming languages and subjects in criminal justice, networking technologies, electronic crimes, and digital forensics.

An associate degree helps students learn how to collect and evaluate evidence on computers to solve cyber crimes. With an Associate Degree in Computer Forensics, you can get an entry-level position in government agencies, private security, law enforcement agencies, or security. Credits can usually be transferred from this degree to an accelerated bachelor’s.

A computer forensics bachelor's degree can be obtained typically in four years. Typically, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics is the most common degree type. Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Forensics have a good understanding of predictive modeling, alias identification, and data mining. They are better equipped to conduct independent research and use new approaches in computer forensics.

Master’s degree programs are a level higher than bachelor’s degree programs and require a more focused approach to the field of study. Usually, there is a thesis or capstone project that will need to be completed in a specialized area. Typically a Master's Degree in Computer Forensics takes two years to complete.

Students enrolled in a master's degree program will learn how to manage and analyze cyber security threats, identify security breaches, and store legal records. They can also learn about information security analysis, computer systems analysis, and digital investigation. There are various computer forensics master’s degree programs to choose from.

A graduate certificate is awarded to graduate students to demonstrate completion of specialized study at a college or university level. It does not lead to a degree but provides practical skills and information on the subject area at a more basic level.

It will take roughly a year to earn a computer forensics graduate certificate. Students in these kinds of courses learn to investigate network intrusions, data breaches, insider threats, and forensic analysis of digital evidence.

A computer forensics doctorate is a terminal degree that can be acquired after four to five years of studies. When students complete a Doctorate in Computer Forensics, they receive the highest level of education with a PhD. Students typically learn about the advanced level of methodological, conceptual, and theoretical approaches to the digital and cyber forensic fields.

The best computer forensics associate degree jobs are cyber security analyst, network engineer, and network administrator. An associate degree will qualify you for entry-level jobs in an IT department. Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required for most jobs, but an entry-level position will allow you to develop your skillset and progress in your career.

Top Computer Forensics Careers With an Associate Degree

• Cyber Security Analyst: $77,235
• Network Engineer: $76,431
• Network Administrator: $61,285

With a bachelor’s degree, you can work in the most common computer forensic positions. Some of the best computer forensics bachelor’s degree jobs are information security analysts, computer systems analysts, and malware analysts. They require good analytical skills and good knowledge of computer forensics.

Top Computer Forensics Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Information Security Analysts: $102,600
• Computer Systems Analysts: $99,270
• Malware Analyst: $92,880

The best computer forensics master’s degree jobs are computer and information research scientists, cyber security engineers, and ethical hackers. A master's degree provides in-depth knowledge of IT infrastructures, operating systems, and computer forensics.

Some job positions mentioned can be obtained with only a bachelor’s degree but will require specialized training and experience. In most cases, the level of knowledge and skills can only be obtained through a Master's Degree in Computer Forensics program.

Top Computer Forensics Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Computer and Information Research Scientists: $131,490
• Cyber Security Engineer: $97,836
• Ethical Hacker: $79,618

Obtaining a PhD in Computer Forensics creates exciting and dynamic career alternatives such as a cyber crime investigator, security consultant, and information technology auditor. While a PhD is not necessarily required for these positions, it will give you a competitive edge in the field and a higher salary potential.

Top Computer Forensics Careers With a PhD

• Cyber Crime Investigator: $98,000
• Security Consultant: $83,219
• Information Technology Auditor: $70,884

Some of the best internships for computer forensics students can be found with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Tencent, and the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance (NCFTA). Most internships begin in the fall and require applicants to apply on the official websites.

Top Computer Forensics Internships

• Tencent CyberSecurity Intern: $99,718
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Honors Program Intern: $59,249
• National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance Intern: $42,823