Analyzing Evidence in a Digital World
Our Computer Forensics program will teach you how to recover evidence in civil and criminal investigations. You will learn the characteristics of networks, routers and various operating systems; principles of networking and intrusion prevention; techniques for adapting to new computer forensics software; guidelines for discovering and preserving forensic evidence; and legal and ethical aspects of computer investigation. Further, you will work with faculty experienced in the field, experience courses on investigating civil and criminal matters and information science, and participate in hands-on problem solving activities related to real-life scenarios.
Careers
Find your path.
Computer Operations – est. salary $51,892
Computer Systems Analysts – est. salary $95,095
Forensic Science Technicians – est. salary $53,466*
Information Security Analyst – est. salary $92,618
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Videos & Multimedia
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | Complete ENGL 098/099 or place into ENGL 101 | ENGL 101 |
| JUS 101 - Survey of Criminal Justice | 3 credits | JUS 101 is a prerequisite for subsequent required JUS courses. Students who place into ENGL 098/099 or ENGL 098/099 ESL may enroll in JUS 101 Persons who have graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy may be eligible to receive academic credit for Justice 101. For more information, contact the Digital Forensics curriculum coordinator. |
Major Course |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | Social Sciences, Writing Intensive, Interpretive Studies, American/Global Diversity Elective | |
| CIS 150 - Network Technology | 4 credits | Prerequisite for DF 220 | Major Course |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) | 3 credits | Placement Test | Mathematics |
Students must maintain a “C” average in all program specific courses.
- This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF 101 - Introduction to Digital Forensics | 3 credits | DF 101 is a prerequisite for subsequent required DF courses. | Major Course |
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Tech Competency | |
| JUS 261 - Criminal Evidence and Procedure | 3 credits | Persons who have graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy may be eligible to receive academic credit for Justice 261. For more information, contact the Digital Forensics curriculum coordinator. | Major Course |
| PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | Humanities |
Students must maintain a “C” average in all program-specific courses.
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF 201 - Digital Forensics II | 3 credits | Prerequisite: DF 101 Students must maintain a “C” average in all program specific courses. | Major Course |
| DF 220 - Intrusion Response | 3 credits | Prerequisite: DF 101 & CIS 150 | Major Course |
| JUS 221 - Criminal Investigation | 3 credits | Prerequisite: JUS 101 Persons who have graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy may be eligible to receive academic credit for Justice 221. For more information, contact the Digital Forensics curriculum coordinator. | Major Course |
| ENGL 112 - Report and Technical Writing | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 | Major Course |
| BIOL 104 - Forensic Biology or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation |
4 credits | Prerequisite: FMNT 118 | Natural Science |
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DF 203 - Networking and Forensics | 3 credits | Prerequisite: DF 101 & CIS 150 | Major Course |
| DF 250 - Digital Forensics Case and Laboratory Management | 3 credits | Pre-Requisite: DF 201 Students must maintain a C average in all program specific courses. | Major Course |
| JUS 241 - Criminal Law | 3 credits | Prerequisite: JUS 101 or PLS 101 Persons who have graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy may be eligible to receive academic credit for Justice 241. For more information, contact the Digital Forensics curriculum coordinator. | Major Course |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 requirement | ENGL 102 Info Literacy |
| PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems | 3 credits | Humanities |
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Forensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
$53,466
83
in the region
+13.4%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Collect and analyze data for fraud and other criminal investigations
- Follow standards for gathering digital evidence for use in legal cases
How well does it pay?
New workers start around $43,202. Normal pay is $53,466 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $85,579.
Program Information
Digital Forensics
Degree Type:
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
62