They analyze the data and evidence to determine whether or not the evidence supports the case. Projections Central (2023) found that demand for forensic science technicians in New York specifically is expected to grow 24.7 percent between 2020 and 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) projected an 11 percent increase in openings for forensic science technicians around the country between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average growth expected across all occupations during that period (5 percent). Read on below to discover how to become a forensic scientist in NY; what the job outlook is in the state; the availability of quality traditional or distance-based programs; and what prospective students should know about program accreditation and professional certifications. Applicants to the BS will need to possess a high school diploma, while MA degree applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The global IT industry and academia relies on CompTIA certification exams to determine competency for specific job roles.
You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device. The Computer Forensics Specialization teaches you how to identify, analyze & collect forensic evidence. It is important to note, though, that these certifications do not replace the need for formal education. In most cases, these certifications are viewed by a supplement to undergraduate and graduate education. The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners and the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists offer a vendor-neutral Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification, which consists of two stages.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
This Specialization doesn’t carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. One of the best ways to build these skills is to spend time working in the field gaining direct experience. In addition to collecting evidence, they write reports on the evidence, take pictures of their findings, and testify in court.
- For these reasons, in order to be successful in their role, computer forensics investigators must hold both a firm understanding of technical as well as soft skills.
- Furthermore, the state boasts higher-than-average wages for forensic science technicians.
- These and many other scenarios can lead to issuance of scores that CompTIA deems invalid.
- This Specialization doesn’t carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit.
So, understanding the different sources of data (cloud, email, workstation, mobile device, etc.) and how to extract data from them is important. There was not a cybersecurity or digital forensic degree when I went to college. That said, Forensic Investigator Lessons I still believe that a background in computer engineering or computer science sets one up better for forensics or cybersecurity. Every day, I leverage my general knowledge in computers when performing digital forensic services.
Certificate Programs
A financial crime expert may work in the investigations arm of the Internal Revenue Service, and a cybercrime expert may work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Division, for example. For this reason, computer forensics investigators must ensure that they are constantly expanding their knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity protocols and strategies, particularly as applied to their organization and industry. While this is not a specific daily requirement of computer forensics work, failure to stay on top of current trends and developments will make it incredibly difficult for a computer forensics investigator to be effective in their role. Aspiring computer forensics investigators should consider many factors before they choose this career. Computer forensics investigators play an important role in crime investigation and the security of digital information. They often put in long hours, maintaining flexibility to meet tight deadlines and quickly adapt to new developments in cases.
- The programs also include internships with law enforcement agencies and investigators.
- A master of science program in digital forensics and cyber investigation offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus prepares students with knowledge and skills needed for analyzing and mitigating cybercrime.
- The school’s 62-credit forensic science program, in particular, has sent many graduates to work with the NY State Police Forensics Investigation Center.
- Pursuing an advanced degree in cybersecurity can be an effective means of building such a network, by connecting you with like-minded professionals such as classmates and industry-sourced faculty and professors who have spent time working in the field.
- Bootcamps cover computer science more broadly, or focus on a specific skill set you’ll need and how to build it.