I was recently introduced into this career field by a college representative. I did some looking around. It seems like a career field that will always be there and always changing so I can continue learning. I have been out of high school for a couple years. I have tried other areas but I know I can do better for myself. So I am wondering how to get started. Devry University is the school that recommended the career field. I have an idea as to what I would be doing but no clue as to how to get there. I understand that I would have to get the degree. As well as a certification or two. My concern is that I dont have law enforcement background nor a military background. I have seen alot of companies posting it as either a recommendation or a requirement. Before I start the program at Devry I would like to know if the school I have chosen is a known school for there degree. (some school are known better for certain career fields) As well as I would like to know if not having the law enforcement or military background will greatly effect my standings in this career field. I am currently a security officer (not gaurd, I dont stand around watching a rock pile nor do I push a button to open a gate). Lastly and most importantly how do I get my foot in the door? Any information would be helpful thankyou!
Getting into digital forensics means you are going to have to be constantly learning or you will get left behind. It's one of the attractions of the field to me in that there is always something to learn and research. You're correct that it's always going to be around in some form since at it's core it's the convergence of technology and law. There will always be some bit of technology that needs to be examined for some legal purpose.
While you don't necessarily need to get a degree to get into the field, it's a great way for someone with little or no experience to get training and some initial experience so that you can get that initial foot in the door. I spoke with one of my peers not that long ago who, for example, said that he's had good success with hiring people from Champlain's digital forensic program so clearly Gary Kessler did an excellent job with that program.
While law enforcement or military experience isn't a requirement when I hire people, it's certainly worth bonus points for a variety of reasons including that it tells me that you can work as part of a team under stressful conditions. Lots of our gurus in the digital forensics field come from a military background and many of them have a background in the United States Air Force. That said there are plenty of people in the field who don't have either background.
In regards to your choice of schools, you have to do the standard cost\benefit analysis that all students should do when contemplating paying for a degree. In general, you should go to the best program that you can afford. Make sure you understand the salary levels that you can expect with a degree in digital forensics. It no more makes sense to end up with $120,000 student loan and a degree in digital forensics than it does to owe $120,000 with a degree in Babylonian Astrology.
There are plenty of academic institutions that offer degrees that you can take online as well as in person. If money is an issue, you can also obtain a certificate level credential to try and get you started in the field.