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M.S. in Cybersecurity: Digital Forensics Specialization

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Fight Fraud, Ransomware and Other Cybercrimes

Impact a Rapidly Growing Field

Skills to Impact Network-Based Fraud

Hands-On Cyber Forensics Experience

Learn More Today

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  • Duration 2 years
  • Cost per Credit $895
  • Credit Hours 30

Program Benefits

  • Prepare for in-demand certifications
  • Obtain hands-on experience
  • Study at a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD)

Bring Cybercriminals to Justice

Pursue your passion for collecting evidence and investigating computer crimes such as fraud, ransomware and data theft with courses that emphasize a comprehensive understanding of the forensic tools and techniques used to investigate and analyze network-related incidents and preserve digital evidence. Computer crime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities that cost corporations revenue and pose a threat to our national security and individuals alike. In this 100% online master’s program, you’ll gain the skills you need for cyber forensics certifications and make an impact in this rapidly growing field.

Use your cybersecurity skills to fight fraud and other cybercrime. You’ll graduate with Utica University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics specialization knowing how to address ever-changing attack and infiltration techniques and with hands-on experience in cyber intelligence, critical infrastructures, and investigative principles.

Cyber Forensics Certifications

The foundation of knowledge gained through this specialization will support your preparation for testing for the following industry-recognized cyber forensics certifications:

  • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner
  • Certified Computer Examiner
  • GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner or Analyst
  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

Excel as an Expert in Digital Forensics

Graduates of the Digital Forensics specialization can go on to careers in a range of investigative areas, including:

  • Security operations centers
  • Incident response
  • Organized crime
  • Financial fraud investigation

The Digital Forensics specialization is designed to provide you with a comprehensive skill set that is particularly valuable to businesses, banks, and other corporate institutions. You’ll learn to leverage investigative best practices and how to protect organizations from cybercriminals.

Career Spotlight: Cloud Security Analyst

$108,226/year

As a cloud security analyst, you’ll ensure that security is implemented as part of the design and development measures of a client’s cloud solution. You’ll also review existing cloud security measures and processes and provide updated recommendations based on ever-changing best practices.1

Career Spotlight: Digital Forensics and Incident Response Analyst

$72,849/year

When an attack is successful, an incident response analyst works with the cybersecurity defense team to keep it from escalating, minimize the effect, and ensure all traces of the breach have been eradicated through a system analysis after the resolution is thought to be complete.2

Other titles you may qualify for:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Forensic Investigator
Jobs and Income

Learn to Detect and Investigate Cyber Threats

Hone your investigative skills and gain hands-on experience with the latest tools in cyber forensic analysis. Through the 21 core credits and 9 specialization credits in our online cyber forensics degree, you’ll explore cutting-edge methods for responding to counterterrorism and cybersecurity incidents, including unauthorized observation and manipulation of data and the illegal use of digital devices.

Course Spotlight: CYB 651 – Computer Forensics and Investigation Methods

This course examines tools and techniques used in computer forensic investigations ranging in type from business email compromise to insider threats and ransomware.

Explore Courses

Course Spotlight: CYB 652 – Intrusion Forensics and Network Analysis

Data breaches are a grave concern for today’s organizations. There is a need for experts to identify when an unlawful intrusion has occurred and what data may have been exposed or exfiltrated. This course focuses on using network-based information sources to help answer those questions.

More Options for Your Degree

M.S. in Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity Operations

Examine defensive and offensive modes of cyber operations as you become a cybersecurity expert. You’ll graduate ready to detect, investigate, and prevent cybercrime for employers ranging from defense contractors to financial services to critical infrastructure.

M.S. in Cybersecurity: Cybercrime and Fraud

Master the technical, legal, and ethical aspects of electronic crime, white collar crime and fraud investigation with a focus on risk and compliance, legal issues, fraud management, and advanced fraud analysis techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advancing your life and career with an online cyber forensics degree comes with many questions, and we want to ensure your search for answers is effortless. If you have a question we haven’t covered, call (866) 295-3106 to speak with an enrollment counselor.

The online M.S. in Cybersecurity program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time, which allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

Our M.S. in Cybersecurity is ranked #13 for Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degrees in 2022 by Fortune Education.

Additionally, the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Utica University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) through the academic year 2024.

Our cybersecurity programs have also been recognized for their excellence by the:

  • Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3)
  • EC-Council, one of the premier certifying cybersecurity bodies

Read more about the M.S. in Cybersecurity.

The first step toward applying to the M.S. in Cybersecurity is to start your online application. Then, you’ll need to gather official transcripts, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a résumé. Read more about admission requirements for the M.S. in Cybersecurity.

Yes, the M.S. in Cybersecurity offers these specializations:

  • Digital Forensics
  • Cybersecurity Operations
  • Cybercrime and Fraud

You can review courses now.

No, there is no residency component for the M.S. in Cybersecurity. Learn more about the curriculum.

The M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares you for industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, and CISSP—among others.

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