Masters in Computer Forensics

Hi Mariesa,

I'm a little late to the party on this post, but I'll throw in my 2 cents.

I obtained a Bachelor's in DF through Champlain College (expensive) and am now halfway through my Master's in DF at UCF. Since I live in Tampa, I'm doing half of my classes online and half on-campus. I would not hesitate to recommend the Master's program at UCF.

The BS program at Champlain focused mostly on Windows systems, while my third class at UCF forced me to dive deep into Linux to do some reverse engineering of malware.

One other note regarding inspectaneck's tip, I found it much easier to have a spare computer with Linux as the sole OS. While others were beating their heads on the wall trying to get virtual instances of Linux working for their assignments, I was moving through mine with no problems.

Thank you Muirner - this actually meshes well with my degree. I have a BS in Technical Management and my specialty is Computer Forensics. So I have both a management and a technical background. I'm interested in the technical aspects though, so I'll take a look into both.

Thanks,
Mariesa Limmer

Just to throw in my two cents…

I'm also a student of the MSDF at UCF and am really enjoying it. I received my bachelors from UCF in IT, so I was already a bit biased. )

I wouldn't worry about UCF not being on the NSA's IA list… UCF doesn't have an IA program (and IA != DF, in my very limited opinion), so UCF wouldn't have a chance to be on the list currently.

Well after taking a look at cost UCF is out of the question. I'm out of state and would require private funding, which I don't qualify for. (I don't have a credit worthy co-signer either.) Chaplain looks good, but the costs appear to go beyond Federal loans. That puts me back at URI for their Graduate Computer Forensics Certificate and the consideration of transferring into their CIS program once done.

Thank you everybody for the info,
Mariesa Limmer

Hi Mariesa,
I completed the URI Grad Cert DF program in 2010. I thought the program was fantastic, and I've heard they have made some significant improvements this year. I wanted to do the program to give me a substantial foundation that you won't get going to software-based courses. How can 8 days compare to 16 months? There is a LOT of hands-on "lab" assignments and they cover a number a Linux commands and concepts that I still use "in real life" (a big benefit when you exam your first Mac machine). The online experience made me nervous at first, but I came to really appreciate it. It allowed me to download lecture videos to my MP3 player and watch/listen them on my commuter train. I went on to get some great DF certificates. I know I got a great background before I went to those programs and I am glad I did. I also respect the UCF program, but have to speak up for my "alma mater!" If you have questions, call "Kris" at URI's Digital Fornesics Dept.

Steve Devlin, GCFA, CFCE
Boston, MA

Just a TIP for whichever MS program you choose… when they say you need a linux system, do yourself a favor and setup the SIFT Workstation VM appliance.

That was a useful link, thank you.

I really to like the program at UCF, but would have to pay out of state tuition for. I don't think that's possible as I don't qualify for credit based loans (and I don't have a co-signer). Does anybody know of other options to pay?

I'm looking at URI right now. Federal loans may cover the certificate, though I'm not sure about the transfer into the CIS master's program.

- Mariesa Limmer

You might just give the UCF people a call and see what options are available to you. They're in the business of selling education so these institutions are more than happy to work with you to go over your options.

Please be aware that APUS now offers a Masters in Information Technology with a Digital Forensics concentration…

http//www.apu.apus.edu/academic/programs/degree/1434/master-of-science-in-information-technology

So there is now another player out there - and APUS is affordable, too.

Here is another program with a specialization in Computer Forensics

http//www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/SchoolOfEngineeringAndTechnology/ComputerScienceAndInformationSystems/Programs/Master-of-Science-in-Cyber-Security-and-Information-Assuranc.html

Regards,

Chris