What Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Forensics Degree?

Computer forensics is a high-growth field, with huge potential for career advancement. Computer or digital forensics, along with other segments of the information security industry, are anticipated to grow rapidly over the next decade, and offer both significant opportunity for those looking to enter or grow in the field and high median salaries.

However, even if you're excited about the potential of a computer forensics career, you likely have some questions about what the field actually entails - like, "what jobs can you get with a computer forensics degree?" Here's an overview of how to get into computer forensics and what you can do with a degree in the field.

What Is Computer Forensics?

To start, it's important to get a clear sense of what computer forensics is, and is not. Many people believe that computer forensics and cybersecurity are synonymous; they are, in fact, very different fields (though there is quite a bit of overlap in the work that they do, in terms of protecting the digital assets and intelligence of an organization). While cybersecurity is focused on the prevention of cyber attacks, computer forensics is about handling the aftermath of an attack. Digital forensics professionals are called into action once a breach occurs, and work to identify the hack, understand the source, and recover any compromised data.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Computer Forensics Degree?

A computer forensics degree prepares you to work as a specialist in organizations that are particularly susceptible to, or concerned about, network breaches. The majority of these jobs are in law enforcement - both state and national agencies - but you may also find positions in mid- to large-sized corporations, crime laboratories, or large municipalities.

Some potential computer forensics job titles might include:

Cybercrime Investigator

Cybercrime investigators work with law enforcement or private companies to track down cybercriminals, according to Cybersecurity Guide. They gather and analyze digital evidence from computers, networks, and mobile devices to support legal cases involving hacking, identity theft, or data breaches.

Incident Response Analyst

Incident response analysts act quickly when a security breach occurs. Their job is to detect, contain, and mitigate cyberattacks to minimize damage. They also conduct post-incident analyses to improve an organization's future response efforts.

Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)

Also known as ethical hackers, penetration testers simulate cyberattacks to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. They help organizations strengthen their digital defenses by testing networks, systems, and applications before real hackers can exploit them.

Malware Analyst

Malware analysts study malicious software to understand how it works and how to stop it. They reverse-engineer viruses, worms, and trojans to help organizations detect and defend against similar threats in the future.

eDiscovery Specialist

eDiscovery specialists manage the retrieval and analysis of electronic data for use in legal proceedings, according to 4CornerResources. They work closely with legal teams to ensure data is preserved, collected, and reviewed in a forensically sound manner.

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

These analysts gather and analyze data from a range of sources to predict and prevent future cyber threats. They provide actionable insights to security teams, helping organizations stay ahead of emerging attacks and trends.

Digital Risk Officer

A digital risk officer evaluates and manages an organization's cyber risks, their importance emphasized by a report from Corestream. They develop policies, oversee compliance efforts, and guide decision-making to minimize exposure to digital threats and ensure business continuity.

Fraud Investigator (Financial Cybercrime)

Fraud investigators specializing in financial cybercrime uncover scams involving online transactions, identity theft, and banking fraud. They use digital tools to trace suspicious activity and work with law enforcement or internal teams to resolve cases.

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design and implement secure network systems. They monitor traffic, manage firewalls, and respond to threats to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of an organization's data infrastructure.

What Does a Computer Forensics Professional Do?

Your daily responsibilities and activities will vary based on the actual role you obtain and the type of organization you are working in. You might choose a role or organization based on their mission, or the job duties as described in the hiring process. Keep in mind that some computer forensics jobs, particularly those in law enforcement, often work on investigations that involve offensive or even disturbing content; if that will be an issue for you, you may want to ask careful questions about the kind of work you'll be doing before accepting a job.

Additionally, almost all of these roles entail working with highly sensitive information, and therefore a thorough background check is required for virtually any job in the field. This is important to note if you have any kind of criminal history - even minor offenses may disqualify you from the hiring process.

What Do You Learn in a Computer Forensics Degree Program?

If you're interested in the computer forensics field, a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the field is necessary for most positions. A computer forensics degree will give you experience in identifying and responding to cybersecurity breaches and network hacks that have already happened. You'll learn to do this work across a variety of technologies, from computers to mobile devices. Graduates of a bachelor’s in computer forensics degree program will have a deep knowledge of (and be able to interpret and apply) laws and procedures associated with identifying, acquiring, examining, and presenting digital evidence.

You'll learn to conduct efficient, high-quality digital forensics investigations, through fundamental computer theory, industry trends and best practices, an understanding of white-collar crime methods, and cutting-edge digital forensics tools. Courses will have a dual focus on both law and technology, with classes in criminal law and procedure, criminal investigation, and white-collar crime complementing in-depth, computer-focused classes focusing on forensics of mobile technology, files, malware, and operating systems, and much more.

Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Computer Forensics

If you're ready to turn your passion for digital investigation into a rewarding career, Champlain College Online’s bachelor’s in computer forensics & digital investigations can help you get there. With a career-focused curriculum, hands-on learning, and expert faculty, you’ll gain the skills employers are looking for.

Have questions? Contact our admissions team to learn more and get started today.