Digital Forensics, M.S

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The Master of Science in Digital Forensics is comprised of two specializations: Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice.

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Digital Forensics program at University of the Cumberlands prepares candidates for the advanced practice role of recovering and investigating data lost to computer crime, fraud, abuse, or other illegal activities.

In addition to nurturing the skills necessary for digital forensics, the program offers a curriculum based upon need within the industry.

Students can earn the MS, Digital Forensics in either a fully online format or an executive format combining online and on-site study. The Executive format program requires attendance at weekend residency classes. Further, the Executive MS, Digital Forensics Program meets the needs of international graduate business students. This program provides both in-seat and online coursework. Graduate students joining the Executive MS, Digital Forensics program will be employed or conduct projects in business-related positions and participate in Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their program to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Program Goals:

Students will grow into servant-leaders with advanced critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in the field of digital forensics in support of industry, government, or academia.
Students will be able to affect policies surrounding computer crimes, electronic discovery, and workplace information security.
Students will become role models in the field of digital forensics, and instill Christian leadership, service, and values.
Students will be prepared to sit for the internationally recognized designation of Global Information Assurance Certification Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE).

Master of Science in Digital Forensics with a Cybersecurity Emphasis: 31 Credit Hours

MSDF 530 - Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 531 - Windows Digital Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 532 - Windows Registry Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 534 - Wireless Security and Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 535 - Network Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 630 - Digital Forensics Evidence Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 631 - Malware Analysis and Mitigation Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 632 - INFOSEC Leadership and Communications Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 633 - Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 634 - Web Browser Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
AND
MSDF 699 - Digital Forensics Project Credit(s): 1 hour*
OR
INTR 599 - Applied Learning Practicum Credit(s): 1 hour **

Notes:

*All online students who are seeking to earn this degree must take this course in lieu of INTR 599, in addition to meeting all program degree requirements. Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of this course as part of their program degree requirements.

** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.

Master of Science in Digital Forensics with a Criminal Justice Emphasis: 31 Credit Hours

Core Courses: 19 Credit Hours

MSDF 530 - Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 531 - Windows Digital Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 534 - Wireless Security and Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 630 - Digital Forensics Evidence Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 633 - Computer Crimes and Digital Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
MSDF 634 - Web Browser Forensics Credit(s): 3 hours
AND
MSDF 699 - Digital Forensics Project Credit(s): 1 hour*
OR
INTR 599 - Applied Learning Practicum Credit(s): 1 hour **

Notes:

Required Criminal Justice Courses: 12 Credit Hours

Students must select 12 credit hours from the approved course listing below:

CROL 531 - Foundations in Justice Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 532 - Criminological Theories in Justice Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 537 - Leadership Fundamentals Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 621 - Sex Crimes: Myths & Motives Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 631 - Law Enforcement Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 632 - Critical Issues in Law Enforcement Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 635 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 636 - Critical Issues in Homeland Security Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 637 - Juvenile Justice Administration and Management Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 639 - Family Violence Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 641 - Violent Offenders: Crimes & Psychology Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 650 - Addiction and the Offender Population Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 651 - Recovery and Relapse Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 689 - Drugs and Crime Credit(s): 3 hours
CROL 691 - Life-Course Criminology Credit(s): 3 hours