Welcome to Computer Forensics!

Computer Forensics
Computer Investigations
Computer Information Security

Computer Forensics

This program is designed to prepare the student for employment as a computer forensics investigator. It includes a mix of several disciplines of study that when combined, provide a basis for the general knowledge and skills required to perform the careful investigation of evidence obtained from computer and computer systems. In addition, this major provides the knowledge and skills required by computer network specialists involved in the tasks of securing computer systems and protecting information workers.

Computer forensics involves obtaining and analyzing digital information from computer media for use as evidence in civil, criminal, or administrative cases. Investigating computers typically includes securely collecting computer data, examining the suspect data to determine details such as origin and content, presenting computer based information to courts, and applying laws to computer practice.

About this Program

In recent years, evidence gathered in criminal cases has increasingly included computer information. Criminals rarely keep evidence in files named "How I Did It.doc", so finding the clues can require special skills and be quite challenging. More and more civil and administrative actions are also being decided on information gathered from computers as well. Weather its actual illegal activity, financial data, correspondence, or simply tracing the chronology of actions, the information must be gathered in a specific manner in order to comply with the requirements of the American criminal justice system.

This program is designed for individuals who wish to become computer forensic investigators in the criminal justice system. This program also fulfils the requirements for individuals seeking the necessary education to become information security specialists managing computer networks. After completion of these courses, the student is eligible for a Certificate of Completion in Criminal Justice: Computer Forensics. The student may earn an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice: Computer Forensics after completing these courses and the 21 units of general education plus electives for a total of 60 units as outlined in the college catalog. Completing students will also be ready to take the Computer Forensics Investigation certification tests offered by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.

Prerequisite information:

• CIS 001, CJ 051, CJ 053, ECTN 122, ECTN 126, ECTN 128, ECTN 172, and LR 051 do not have prerequisites and may be taken in any order.
   

• ECTN 122 must be completed before ECTN 124.
   

• CIS 001 must be taken before the student is eligible to enroll in ECTN 173.
   

• Students wishing to enroll in ECTN 174 must have completed ECTN 173.

If you believe that you have had the equivalent education that satisfies a
prerequisite at another institution and would like to waive a prerequisite,
please contact Mark Berrett before enrolling.

Recommended Electives:

To achieve the… 

Associate in Science Degree — Completion of 60 units, including the 33.5-unit major, general education requirements and electives. 

Certificate of Achievement — Completion of the 33.5-unit major.

Computer Investigations

This program is designed to provide the student with the background necessary to pass the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification tests in computer forensics investigation or the entrance examinations for the High Tech Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA).

About this Program

This program is designed for individuals currently working in the criminal
justice system with a strong background in computer science, or computer science professionals with a strong background in criminal/civil justice. Students who complete the above courses will be eligible for a Job Direct Certificate as well as be ready to take the Computer Forensics Investigation certification tests offered by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.

Prerequisite information:

• ECTN 172 does not have a prerequisite.
   

• CIS 001 must be taken before the student is eligible to enroll in ECTN 173.

If you have had the equivalent education at another institution and believe you are eligible to waive the CIS 001 prerequisite, please contact Mark Berrett.

Students wishing to enroll in ECTN 174 must have completed ECTN 173.

IMPORTANT NOTE: ECTN 173 originally had an exclusion clause for students with felony or substance abuse convictions. That clause is no longer in effect as of the Fall or 2006.

Computer Information Security

Designed to provide a single year method for students to gain the knowledge and skills required for industry recognized certification for computer servicing, network management, and information security. Students completing this program will be eligible for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ Certification.

About this Program

A+ certification is generally considered a minimum requirement for anyone wishing to work as a technician on computers, computer systems, or networks in any industry that employs computer technicians. Network+ certification compliments the A+ certification by adding additional skills related to computer networks. Security+ certification adds the skills necessary to protect computer networks from attack. The combination of these four courses provides the student with not only the background required to take the A+, Network+, and Security+ certification tests, but a solid base in the concepts and techniques used by computer information security technicians.

Completion of these courses leads to a Direct Job Certificate. ECTN 124 is the only course that has a prerequisite - the others may be taken in any order.

This page last updated 8/28/08 by Jamie Smith.