Complete DFS-501
Upcoming Start Dates
Spring term 1 begins. Application deadline passed.
Spring term 2 begins. Apply by Feb. 20.
Explore Digital Forensic Science
Gain advanced education in a growing field with a digital forensics graduate certificate. The comprehensive curriculum for this one-of-a-kind digital forensics certificate online delves into all aspects of digital forensics, including information systems analysis, mobile forensics, criminal law and digital evidence, and network security breaches. Through the use of both commercial and open-source forensic tools, you'll gain mastery of over 28 key applications, platforms, and programming languages.
This digital forensics graduate certificate is designed as a stand-alone credential, but all credits transfer into Champlain's award-winning, nationally recognized online master's in digital forensics program should you wish to continue your education.
A Nationally Recognized Leader in Digital Forensics
Champlain is a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity and digital forensics education and home of the Senator Patrick Leahy Center for Digital Investigation & Cybersecurity. With a robust faculty of expert-practitioner instructors who have significant experience working for top organizations and are sought-after thought leaders in the field, we specialize in building agile cybersecurity and digital forensics programs that the meet mission-critical needs of today's businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal governments.
Champlain has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security since 2006, and Champlain cybersecurity programs have been named best in the nation by SC Magazine. Champlain is also designated as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) Air Force Office of Special Investigations - the fifth college in the nation to receive this distinction.
Build Your Career Future
Designed for those looking to take their digital forensics education to the next level, this digital forensics graduate certificate online was built with employer information security needs and industry trends in mind. Whether you're working towards a master's degree, are looking for additional digital forensic courses in the field, or are in a related information technology field and want in-depth digital forensics proficiency, a graduate certificate is a great way to highlight in-demand skills in areas such as security breaches, digital evidence, information security and showcase subject matter expertise, as well as gain knowledge that can be applied to your workplace from day one.
Program Curriculum
Champlain's online digital forensic science courses encompass the top skills needed by today's computer forensics professionals.
Students will be using FTK Imager, Magnet Encrypted Disk Detector, OS Forensics Volatility Workbench, Kali Linux, Reg Ripper, Network Miner, and Wireshark to develop a foundation framework for the practice of Digital investigations, including technical and managerial issues.
Students will use tools such as The Sleuth Kit and Volatility to conduct forensic analysis of PC & server operating systems and software running on those systems, while gaining a knowledge set of forensic relevant information about operating systems, including those used in mobile devices. Finally, students will look at the challenges of virtualization, including those that come with the growth of Cloud systems.
Prerequisites
Choose Two of The Following (6 Credits):
In this class, students use tools like nfdump, Snort and Wireshark for network forensic analysis in the context of the role of an incident response team.
Prerequisites
DFS-520
This course will teach the concepts and techniques needed to preserve and analyze data on a range of mobile electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, eBook readers, and GPS systems. Some of the tools used in this course are Magnet Forensics Axiom, Access Data FTK Imager, EnCase, Cellebrite Physical Analyzer, DB Browser, and Andriller.
Prerequisites
DFS-520
In DFS-565, we discuss some of the challenges and decisions that confront managers, supervisors, and administrators in private and public lab environments. We will examine some of the special situations that professionals might encounter during digital forensics lab careers. This class is less focused on the technical aspects of digital forensics and more on some of the human aspects of managing people, making decisions, and managing administrative operations in the lab environment.
Prerequisites
Complete DFS-501
In this class, students will assess and discuss the legal issues currently affecting the practice of digital forensics. Some of the highlights are the study of the following topics: “Cloud Act” and “Data Nationalism”; Supreme Court’s Efforts to Meet the Challenges of “Digital Evidence”; Encryption vs Privacy; and GDPR and the “Right to Be Forgotten.”
Prerequisites
DFS-501
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the digital forensic science online graduate certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Implement the principles of crime scene investigation.
- Evaluate the role of evidence management in forensic examinations.
- Develop methodologies for the preservation and analysis of digital devices.
- Conduct forensic analysis of digital devices and data including PC and Server Operating Systems, application software, and server software.
- Andriller
- Cellebrite Physical Analyzer
- DB Browser
- EnCase Enscript
- FindCrypt2
- FTK Imager
- Interactive Disassembler Professional (IDA Pro)
- Kali Linux
- Krypto ANALyzer (KANAL)
- Magnet Encrypted Disk Detector
- Magnetic Forensics Axiom
- Mandiant IOC Editor
- Microsoft Powershell
- Network Miner
- nfdumb
- Ollydbg
- OS Forensics Volatility Workbench
- Perl
- Pescanner
- Reg Ripper
- The Sleuth Kit
- Snort
- UNIX Shell Script
- Volatility
- Windbg
- WIngIDE
- Wireshark
- Xorserach
Champlain College Online's computer science faculty, led by Department Chair Richard Pickering, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s IT systems professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the world of information technology, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
$595
per credit
$1,785*
per course
$450**
PER CREDIT FOR ALUMNI WHO EARNED A DEGREE FROM CHAMPLAIN, ON-CAMPUS or online
$450
per credit military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150
One-time graduation fee
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
** Starting Summer 2024, not retroactive
See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Accomplish More with a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensic Science
The global digital forensics industry is poised for significant growth as a result of increasing cybersecurity threats; projections estimate the market to be worth over $6.65 billion by 2025 - rising at a rate of nearly 33% between 2020 and 2030. As a result of this high demand for qualified digital forensics professionals, the median salary for this career path is $103,590, and the profession was named one of the "top 100 careers with big growth, great pay, and satisfying work" in CNNMoney's list of the Best Jobs in America.*
A specialized certificate can help you build new skills, differentiate your resume, and demonstrate your value as an employee in your current organization.
*Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020
Top Reasons to Earn a Graduate Certificate
- Climb the career ladder
- Build new skills
- Earn a recognized credential
- Differentiate your resume
- Test a new field
- Pursue a passion
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Mauriella DiTommaso, MS, MBA
Program Director, Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations
Oversees
- Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations
- Digital Forensic Science
About
Mauriella DiTommaso is currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. With over two decades of experience, she excels in leading cybersecurity and digital forensics teams, developing comprehensive policies, and managing high-profile security incidents. Her role extends to Champlain College Online as a program director, adjunct faculty member and course developer.
Her diverse background includes positions such as Senior Manager for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensic Investigations Program Manager for the Washington State Economic Services Administration and as a Digital Forensic and Media Exploitation Specialist and Cryptologic Linguist with the U.S. Department of Defense. She holds a Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science from Champlain College, and an MBA from Delaware Valley University. Additionally, she is a GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner.
Mauriella enjoys trail and road running, spending time outdoors with her family, and volunteering in her community through various outlets. As a military veteran and spouse of an active-duty service member, Mauriella also enjoys supporting military families, their service members, and veterans through various opportunities.
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