The Digital Forensics program provides a sound educational foundation for the performance of professional activities within the digital forensics discipline. A sequence of courses is offered which will enable students to: (1) develop a knowledge base about computer crime, digital evidence and technological investigations; (2) adopt a set of professional values; and (3) develop skills related to best practices in the field of digital forensics. Students completing the Digital Forensics program will be prepared to engage in digital forensic analysis in public or private sector environments as digital forensics analysts or examiners, digital evidence technicians, consultants and expert witnesses, litigation support and e-discovery specialists, and members of incident response teams in cyber security. Individuals working in Digital Forensics or a related field will enhance their current knowledge and skills.
Digital Forensics
Description:
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Explain how computers, networks, and digital technology are used in cyber-crimes, civil wrongs, and policy violations.
- Recognize, identify and properly collect digital media, network data, and digital storage devices.
- Conduct forensic acquisition, verification, and authentication of digital media and network data for use in court.
- Analyze artifacts from computer systems, networks, and digital storage media with value in civil, criminal, or internal investigations.
- Employ legal, ethical, and best practice methodologies in performing digital forensics duties, laboratory management, and case documentation.
Program Entry Requirements:
Students entering the curriculum are required to demonstrate competency in basic skills by acceptable performance on the College's placement tests (English 101 placement). Some students, as part of the curriculum, may be required to complete appropriate developmental English and mathematics courses. Students will also be required to submit to a criminal record check and may be excluded from the program for convictions.
Credit for Prior Academic Experiences:
Persons who have graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy may be eligible to receive academic credit for Justice 101, Justice 221, Justice 241 and Justice 261. For more information, contact the Digital Forensics curriculum coordinator.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Digital Forensics, the student must complete a minimum of 62 prescribed credit hours and attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (“C” average).
Course Sequence:
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I | 3 credits | ENGL 101 | |
| JUS 101 - Survey of Criminal Justice | 3 credits | ||
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Tech Comp | |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (or higher) | 3 credits | Mathematics | |
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | Humanities |
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | 3 credits | ENGL 102, Info Lit |
| CIS 150 - Network Technology | 4 credits | ||
| JUS 221 - Criminal Investigation | JUS 101 | 3 credits | |
| DF 101 - Introduction to Digital Forensics | PLS 101 or JUS 101 | 3 credits | |
| JUS 241 - Criminal Law | JUS 101 or PLS 101 | 3 credits |
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUS 261 - Criminal Evidence and Procedure | JUS 101 | 3 credits | |
| DF 201 - Digital Forensics II | DF 101 | 3 credits | |
| DF 203 - Networking and Forensics | DF 101, CIS 150 | 3 credits | |
| BIOL 104 - Forensic Biology or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation |
FNMT 118 or higher placement | 3 or 4 credits | Natural Science |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | Social Sciences Interpretive Studies American/Global Diversity Writing Intensive |
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Prerequisites and Corequisites | Credits | Gen Ed Req. |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology | 3 credits | ||
| PHIL 211 - Ethical Problems | 3 credits | ||
| DF 220 - Intrusion Response | DF 101, CIS 150 | 3 credits | |
| DF 250 - Digital Forensics Case and Laboratory Management | DF 201 | 3 credits | |
| ENGL 112 - Technical Writing | 3 credits |
Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate:
62
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
For More Information, Contact:
The Division of Liberal Studies, Room BR-21, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Telephone (215) 751-8450; or the College Information Center (215) 751-8010