Digital Forensics

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The study of digital forensics encompasses an array of skills, including acquiring, extracting and analyzing data that is often useful for criminal investigation and civil litigation cases. Salve Regina University’s graduate certificate in digital forensics introduces students to the fundamental principles and techniques of computer network architecture, proper evidence storage and collection, and federal rules and criminal codes.

Enhance Your Digital Investigative Skills

In addition to criminal and civil investigations, the study of digital forensics also plays a major role in intelligence and counterterrorism matters. Upon completion of our digital forensics program, students will understand how foreign, state-sponsored threat actors target certain institutions and companies and how to thwart those threats.

Our graduate certificate in digital forensics introduces students to network traffic analysis, web log analysis, malware reverse engineering and cyber infrastructure analysis. They also learn how to navigate networks, servers and mass data, and how to utilize common digital forensic tools.

Number of Courses

 

Four

Program Format

 

Online and in-person

Tuition

 

$2,010 per course

Course Requirements

Salve Regina’s graduate certificate in digital forensics is designed for professionals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are seeking professional development in topics crucial to today’s technological environment. Students in good academic standing who would like to continue their studies may apply to the M.S. in administration of justice and homeland security program and carry the credits forward.

Required courses:

  • ADJ526: Principles of Digital Forensics
  • ADJ529: Advanced Digital Forensics

Students also choose two of the following:

  • ADJ537: Network Forensics
  • ADJ545: Mobile Forensics
  • ADJ546: Insider Threat
  • ADJ547: Malware Basics
  • ADJ581: Special Topics

The essentials covered in this course include computer system storage fundamentals, operating systems and data transmission, computer network architecture, digital forensic best practices, proper evidence collection and storage, and federal rules and criminal codes. Upon successful completion of this course, students are ready for advanced and technical courses in computer forensics, mobile device forensics and malicious code forensics.

This course builds on the concepts taught in Principles of Digital Forensics. Students are introduced to forensic software such as FTK, EEncase and a suite of free open-source software such as the Sleuth Kit, Autopsy, SANS SIFT and Kali. Students are also introduced to forensic hardware and learn how to properly image computer media in a forensically sound manner.

This course focuses on proactive and reactive digital security incident management. Students learn how data moves throughout a network and where digital evidence is most likely found on network hardware and software. A blend of technical lab work and lecture, this course prepares students to respond to both corporate incident response scenarios and criminal cases involving email, instant messaging, file downloads, malicious code, etc. It helps students realize the importance of preparing for cyberattacks and incident security incidents as well as how to best respond to and recover from such incidents. Students learn how to capture and analyze network traffic using Wireshank and Topdump whether attacks are piracy, fraud or espionage.

This course explores the collection, preservation and analysis of data from mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and PDAs. The course expands on the principles of digital forensics, teaching students how to review data stored on mobile devices including phone calls, text, internet history, photos and videos. It teaches students how to acquire and analyze a forensically sound image of a wide range of mobile devices using a portfolio of forensic devices and software. This course primarily takes place in a lab setting, with the majority of coursework devoted to technical hands-on work and technical writing.

This course challenges students to think more systemically about the current threat landscape as it relates to insider threats. This course assists management, human services and information technology professionals with the prevention, detection and mitigation of risks associated with insider threats. Instructional methods include readings, written assignments, online discussion forums and virtual computer lab assignments.

Malware, also known as malicious software, can harm computers and networks. It can destroy and corrupt files leading to the exposure of sensitive information, loss of money and useless resources. This highly technical course explores the basics of malware code, including how malicious code is created and how it behaves on a host/network. Students use a virtual machine environment to safely run and reverse engineer real-world samples of malicious code, conduct static and dynamic code analysis, and incorporate their findings and analysis into technical forensic reports.

This course explores current topics not covered in regularly offered courses. Evolving technologies and contemporary trends in justice and homeland security law and practice create opportunities to present the most timely and important topics to students. Students may individualize their program of study to access special topics courses with permission from the program director. Recent topics have included the philosophy of police, strategic planning for law enforcement executives, community policing, organized crime, white collar crime, contemporary issues in undercover operations, police use of force and advanced community policing.

Our Faculty

Courses are taught by seasoned professionals who are experts in their field. Instructors work one-on-one with students to meet their individual needs while also serving as career-focused mentors. Our faculty also assist students with networking and career opportunities.​

 

Meet Our Faculty

Payment
Options

 

Courses are billed individually at the start of each class. Please note that there is a $60 registration fee per semester.

Tuition Reimbursement

 

If your employer is paying all or part of your tuition, we will arrange payment directly from your employer where possible.

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Student
Loans

 

Our certificate programs are eligible for federal student loans. To qualify, you must complete two courses per semester.

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Military and
Veterans

 

Salve Regina is approved for veterans’ benefits and has been named a Military Friendly School.

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