Best Path to get into Computer Forensics

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by BlueMason, Mar 14, 2005.

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  1. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    As per a previous post, I'm currently enrolled in Athabasca U's BS/CIS program...

    I've several CompTIA Certs ( A+, Network+, Security+, I-Net+, Linx+) and other Certs for various *nix flavours...

    What I want is to get into the Forensic side of Computing - does anyone have any recommendations as to what to pursue?

    Is a BS/CIS my best choice? .. I plan on a Masters after the BSc is completed as well..

    Thanks :)

    BM
     
  2. flightofpenguins

    flightofpenguins New Member

    What are you interested in doing? Private/corporate work or working for a government agency?

    My experience is that most forensic types do not have degrees in computer fields (I do not), but it certainly doesn't hurt to have academic degrees. In computer forensics, (and it generally) it is often better to have certs than it is to have degrees. That being said, there are a number of forensic certs that one can get that will be worth their weight in gold, if you are wanting to break in to the field in either the government or private sectors. The one that comes to mind is the Encase certified examiner (Ence). I'd guess that having this cert alone would probably lift you right in to a forensic position in the private sector.

    Another option is gwu's B&M program in arlington, va, about which I've heard generally good things.

    But the question is; what do you want to do in the field?
     
  3. DTechBA

    DTechBA New Member

  4. Thoraldus Strivlyn

    Thoraldus Strivlyn New Member

    Modules at Kennesaw State University contain the note that "Due to the sensitive nature of this course it is open to U.S. Citizens with no criminal record. International and non-US students are evaluated on a case-by-case basis."

    I don't know how strictly this applies to Canadians, but the The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners WEB site at http://www.certified-computer-examiner.com/ includes
    Sir Sanford Fleming College in Ontario as a training site. See:http://www.flemingc.on.ca/ and search for 'forensics'.

    Best wishes---Jim
     
  5. horne

    horne New Member

    You should look into the Computer and Digital Forensics programme at Champlain College in Vermont, US (www.champlain.edu). This programme (certificate, associate, bachelor levels) are available on-campus and as well as via diatance learning. I am presently enrolled in the A.S. degree programme. Like yourself I am preparing to move into the computer/digital forensics world. With your BS/CIS from Athabasca University you would probably only have to take some of the core courses.

    If you decide to attend Champlain College let me know.
     
  6. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Thanks all for the replies - I'm looking into the Champlain program as of right now and also at the CCE Certification - anyone know if that is widely accepted and recognized?

    Thanks! :)
     
  7. horne

    horne New Member

    The Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) is a well-recognised credential. I conducted an interview, as part of a career preparation course, with a practising computer forensic investigator and he highly recommends certifications above and beyond a degree. Although the Champlain College degree programme is considered better than only having certifications, he advised that the degree would be highly valuable and well-worth the time and effort to pursue.
     

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