Program Description:

The Computer Forensics Certificate program is designed to provide the education and training needed for employment in this newly emerging field (also known as Digital Forensics). This field is ideal for individuals interested in how computer technology can be applied to the investigation of computer related crimes. Coursework includes learning about the principles, procedures, techniques, and hardware and software tools used to collect, investigate and analyze digital evidence related to criminal investigations. Hands-on training is provided in MCC’s new, state-of-the-art Digital Forensics Laboratory on the Lowell campus. Coursework also includes criminal law, criminal investigation, and evidence and court procedures, as well as operating systems, networks and security.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

The Computer Forensics Certificate is intended to augment the skills and opportunities of professionals in both computer-technology and criminal-justice careers. This certificate, along with an existing degree and/or professional experience in a related field such as computer science or criminal justice, helps prepare students for jobs in private industry, and local, state and federal agencies, such as computer forensics (CF) analyst, CF examiner and CF specialist. This certificate also helps prepare students for the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) exams. There is a growing need for trained computer forensics professionals in federal, state and local agencies, law-enforcement organizations, and in the private sector. Computer crimes have increased dramatically, creating a need for qualified, trained personnel.

Helpful Hints:

Graduates of the certificate progam without a college degree may choose to continue toward an associate degree and apply their credits from the certificate.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Computer forensics Certificate program are prepared to:

• Assess a crime or incident scene to select and apply the most appropriate industry-accepted procedures to the retrieval, recovery and preservation of digital evidence, including network data;
• Collect, analyze and evaluate evidence data using industry-standard computer forensic software and hardware;
• Retrieve and recover files on various types of storage devices, using different operating systems and network systems;
• Communicate clearly, accurately and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Prepare written computer-forensics investigation reports that can be admissible in the courts;
• Collaborate with others to conduct a proper computer-forensics investigation;
• Discuss and apply the rules of evidence and court procedures, and the legal and ethical issues related to the acquisition and analysis of digital evidence;
• Describe the functions and interrelationships of the major components of the criminal justice system.