I've narrowed my choice down to two different online degrees
1. Utica College, Utica NY - BS in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance (cybersecurity track, not IA)
2. Champlain College, Burlington VT - BS in Computer & Digital Forensics
Champlain seems to be the more well-known program. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about the program at Utica? Is there a big difference between the two? Here's a comparison between the two programs core classes
Computer Hardware & Peripherals (A+ cert)
Information Security
Cybercrime Law and Investigations
Senior Seminar
Internship / Elective
Professional Ethics
Criminology
Statistics
Jurisprudence of the Criminal Law
Cybercrime Investigations & Forensics I, II, and III
Introduction to Criminal Justice Research Methods
Intro to Criminal Justice
Information System Threats, Attacks and Defenses
System Vulnerability Assessments
Computer Networking & Security
Computer Forensics I and II
Computer/Network Security
Anti-Forensics and Network Forensics
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Criminal Investigations
Cybercrime
Financial Accounting (is this necessary?)
Forensic Accounting (is this necessary?)
Internship / Elective
Investigative Interviewing
Senior Seminar
Intro to Criminalistics
White Collar Crime
Advanced Practice in Digital Investigations
Any opinions or help is much appreciated. Thanks.
Redline,
College is very important, but It's only the beginning. I have two degrees and two computer forensics certificates from different colleges (among other certifications). They have taught me a lot, but the real knowledge comes after you get out college and start to network yourself among other professionals in the field. In forums like this, there are several members that been doing forensics for years and are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with other members. This is where you are going to learn a lot.
So when it comes to college ask youself
1. Do the instructors have real life experience? or it's just a PHD in something else teaching straight out of the textbook?
2. What is easier on your pocket book and what is closest to home.
Don't get me wrong education is very important. Get as much as you can. Just don't stress to much about where to go to college (I know it's a very important decision)
Always remember "Don't ever get over your head and don't be afraid to ask for help"
Good Luck!!!
I'd also like to recommend you check out the University of Central Florida's
Jeff
I have a degree from Utica College in Economic Crime Invesitgation with a concentration in Cybersecurity. The degree was interesting and I know I touched base on a lot of good information. I really enjoy CF so I wish I had more courses involving that subject. At the time, they only had one Computer Forensics course in the program, now they have added more. It is more computer security driven than CF though. FYI Utica College is part of Syracuse University so you will get a degree from Syracuse which is recognized. Utica started the wave with their ECI program and it has spread to other colleges now. They are building the largest center for identity theft center in the nation right on campus and that is being sponsored by the FBI, secret service, lexis nexis, and others. They are getting a new building on campus with new equipment and a new CF lab I believe.
You will need the accounting info. It is useful if you go on the corporate (big four) side.
Both programs look similar, but after taking the Utica college one, I can say from my experience that I was pleased with it.
Thanks everyone for the replies. They have certainly helped.
Datacarver and anyone else
You mentioned that accounting classes is something I'll need. I'm leaning towards Utica's program, but they do not have accounting classes in the program. It looks like they have Professional Ethics and Statistics in place of those. Is the accounting classes something that is absolutely needed or could I do without? I've never taken an accounting class in the past, so I'm not sure what the intro accounting and forensic accounting class entails.
Either way, like chuck said, it's only the beginning. I want to make sure I have the foundations covered when I graduate, then go from there.
What you would learn in a general accounting class is way different that what you would learn in an audit or fraud accounting class. Trust me I work with several CFEs and it takes a different mindset between audit and typical accounting. In intro to accounting you will learn about debits and credits. In audit it is more about discrepancies and following the money through the debits and credits.
As far as the two programs, I am in the Champlain certificate program (already have a Bachelors degree) because I wanted CPE hours. I have only been in the program a short time so I cannot really provide a fair assessment, but so far the instructor has been very communicative and after a rough start with getting materials all is good. I will let you know in a year how it worked out.
Thanks everyone for the replies. They have certainly helped.
Datacarver and anyone else
You mentioned that accounting classes is something I'll need. I'm leaning towards Utica's program, but they do not have accounting classes in the program. It looks like they have Professional Ethics and Statistics in place of those. Is the accounting classes something that is absolutely needed or could I do without? I've never taken an accounting class in the past, so I'm not sure what the intro accounting and forensic accounting class entails.Either way, like chuck said, it's only the beginning. I want to make sure I have the foundations covered when I graduate, then go from there.
I guess I should not have worded it that way. It is not required, but I don't think it will hurt. To be honest, the professional ethics and stats classes sucked. I did not get anything useful from them, but I'm sure every program has those courses that aren't so fun. If you are looking for foundation, I think either program will do the trick. They both look very similar. I'd pick the one that is going to work best for you in terms of schedule.
I noticed you were from Ohio. Have you thought about Defiance College's B.S. in Computer Forensics? It is a relatively new program, but one that is very hands-on. Having been the top student in the first graduating class with this degree though, I'm a little biased. Anyway, here is the information about the program w w w .
also don't forget about Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's BS degree in Computer Forensics. w w w.bloomu.edu
I'm enrolled at Champlain College currently and the program is outstanding. they are an extremely career oriented school and the job placement is outstanding here. Every graduating senior had a digital forensics job within a month of graduation. furthermore the faculty really get to know you and the upperclassmen are very willing to help you with absolutely anything. My vote is for Champlain but maybe I'm biased. D