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Buttercup
(@buttercup)
Posts: 16
Active Member
Topic starter
 

I am currently in the Champlain college computer forensics cert. course and I want to switch to Kennesaw computer forensics cert program. I am spending more money at Champlain because of financial aid but Kennesaw is cheaper and I can move at my own pace. What do you think? (

 
Posted : 15/08/2006 11:00 pm
keydet89
(@keydet89)
Posts: 3568
Famed Member
 

Well, without knowing more about the courses in general, it sounds like good financial sense.

Can you provide links the curriculum for each?

At a recent conference, a student lamented the lack of hands-on, real world experience. Anyway of getting that from either?

H

 
Posted : 15/08/2006 11:41 pm
Buttercup
(@buttercup)
Posts: 16
Active Member
Topic starter
 

here is a link for Kennesaw

https://reg.coned.kennesaw.edu/wconnect/wc.dll?acecode%7EGroupCatalog%7EGROUP%7ESECCCE%7ECertified%2BComputer%2BExaminer%7ESEC%7E&Checkspace=ON&ORDER=CODE

here is the info for Champlain

Professional Certificates
- Digital Forensics Technology -
Creative problem solving. Elusive clues. Cutting-edge investigations. In an age when computers hold the key to everything from terrorist plots to accounting scandals, nearly every crime can potentially leave digital evidence. Through hands-on course work, you'll learn about computer forensics (the art and science of using technology to obtain evidence for use in criminal and civil court), computer crime statutes, management of evidence, industry best-practices for examining computers that might contain crime-related information and more. Digital detectives are in high demand.

Course # Title Credits
NET 120 Computers & Telecommunications 3
CRJ 120 Criminal Law I 3
CRJ 121 Criminal Law II 3
FOR 110 Forensic Technology 3
FOR 200 Digital Media 3
FOR 240 Computer Forensics I 3
FOR 340 Computer Forensics II 3
FOR 350 White Collar Crime 3
Total 24

NET 120 can be waived for students with a computer or technology background.
CRJ 120 and CRJ 121 can be waived for students with a law enforcement or criminal justice background.

 
Posted : 16/08/2006 12:53 am
andy1500mac
(@andy1500mac)
Posts: 79
Trusted Member
 

Be careful with the Digital Media Course

Description Information relating to all five human senses can –or soon will–be represented in digital form. This course will examine digital media and digital information in detail, to include different types of media, different file systems, and different data types, leading to an understanding of how information is saved to, organized on, and retrieved from digital media. The culmination of this subject will be to examine how information can be altered, deleted, and hidden on various digital media.

I was looking forward, and expecting a "File system analysis" type course. What the bulk of it ended up being was a course on digital cameras and image file formats and how they can be manipulated. Much was spent using Photoshop…so if you are expecting NTFS and FAT data structures for example you will be disappionted.

A tad pricey but all in all I can't complain. If you are taking the program online don't go the accelerated route, you can't cover much properly in 7 weeks IMO.

 
Posted : 16/08/2006 1:30 am
az_gcfa
(@az_gcfa)
Posts: 116
Estimable Member
 

My first question would be What are your goals? If you just want a quick class and a piece of paper, there are numerous alternatives. One week classess. Check our www.sans.org. The class is one week - and if you know your stuff you can get a silver certificate by passing the two exams. However obtaining you Gold certification requires a lot more work.

There are multiple facets to Computer Forensics; technical ability, legal envirnoment, and presentation to name a few. You may learn how to perform some of the basic skills sets via a technical course. Does the course cover the legal aspects or considerations? Forensic work does not fit into IAN Flemming scripts – license to snoop. You may be technically bright and completely legal in your investigation but unable to present or document your findings in plain english. Therefore your work is practically worthless – that is one aspect. Another aspect is the possibility of legal liability; mistakes or accidents made by you.

I've not heard much about Kennsaw. I looked at their program and felt it was not as well rounded as Champlain (IMHO). Champlain's prices are on par with most 4yr secondary establishments. I would recommend completing the basic criminal justice requirements at your local community college and take only the upper level course with Champlain.
Oh! You do not have to take the accerlated 7week courses on-line. They offer the courses in both formats 7 and 13 week versions.

I can understand your concern over money. However, do not think that once you complete the class or course – you are ready for the real world! A few class project's do make you an expert.

Practice, Practice Practice and Practice some more. Document all your work, step by step and then review your work. Write reports and ask your techie friends to critera your reports. Ask to perform a forensic analysis on their systems - be completely up front with them. In other words – tell them what you might be able find? Viruses, porn, passwords, account numbers, etc.

Becoming proficient is hard work and very rewarding.

 
Posted : 03/09/2006 10:10 am
(@farmerdude)
Posts: 242
Estimable Member
 

The Kennesaw program is top notch, especially if you get John Mellon as one of your instructors.

Remember, training is very subjective and personal. One personal will love it while another does not. One will recommend it, another will not.

I always find when anyone inquiries about training is to find out specifically where they currently are at, and what they are looking to learn.

regards,

farmerdude

 
Posted : 17/09/2006 12:36 am
(@roncufley)
Posts: 157
Estimable Member
 

The Kennesaw program is top notch, especially if you get John Mellon as one of your instructors.farmerdude

Thomas is absolutely right. I took the Kennesaw course and John Mellon was the lead instructor The course was excellent and very hard work.

 
Posted : 19/09/2006 12:25 am
farrahyde
(@farrahyde)
Posts: 21
Eminent Member
 

I am currently enrolled at kennesaw's forensic program and I must say even with my years of computer knowledge and other learning with sans first.. the kennesaw course has taught me many things. I would highly recommend this to anyone who's trying to hold down a job (or two) while training.

 
Posted : 15/10/2006 5:25 am
az_gcfa
(@az_gcfa)
Posts: 116
Estimable Member
 

I am not trying to put you on the spot or anything. Could you provide a summary of the things you learned that you considered worthwhile. I'm interested in comparing content and technical merit. I'm working toward my BS in Computer and Digital Forensics at Champlain College.

PM me if you do not wish to discuss such things in a public forum.

 
Posted : 15/10/2006 11:43 pm
(@krayzeeguy)
Posts: 9
Active Member
 

I took the online version of Kennesaw which is located at CFTCO.com, and I have to say, it was a great program. I too am enrolled at Champlain for the BS degree. Champlain will give you the paper degree, but so far I haven't seen any classes that will really prepare you for a computer forensics examination. The CFTCO one will take you through step by step from the beginning of forensics to the very end. Also, the CFTCO practicals simulate real exams…so all in all…very well laid out.

 
Posted : 17/10/2006 2:25 am
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