Academic Programs

Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation

Program Description

While technology is changing at such a rapid pace, the rules governing the application of digital forensics to the fields of auditing, homeland security, and law enforcement are evolving as well. The Master of Science (MS) in digital forensics and cyber investigation is designed for midcareer professionals who wish to help meet the challenges posed in uncovering digital evidence. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program helps provide students with a broad analytical framework for becoming cyber investigators.

The Master of Science (MS) in digital forensics and cyber investigation is designed for midcareer professionals who wish to help meet the challenges posed in uncovering digital evidence.

Program Objectives

Apply the basic procedures and technologies for conducting successful forensic examinations of digital media storage devices and computer networks.
Design procedures at a suspected crime scene to ensure that the digital evidence obtained is not corrupted.
Conduct hands-on forensic searches to identify how digital media and/or digital networks were compromised and the method(s) of intrusion employed.
Employ the rigorous procedures necessary to have forensic results stand up to scrutiny in a court of law.
Understand the operation of the digital components handled (storage media, networks, etc.) so that all necessary forensic evidence can be extracted and validated.
Seize, image, deconstruct, and analyze digital media; analyze logs; decipher network traffic; and report this information in a suitable format.
Present digital forensics results in a court of law as an expert witness.
Apply a strong ethical foundation to ensure that their results are above reproach.

Overall Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation requires the successful completion of 36 credits of coursework, including a 6-credit end-of-program capstone course.

Required Core Courses

UCSP 615 Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC (0) (Must complete within first 6 credits of study.)

CSEC 610 Cyberspace and Cybersecurity (6)
CSEC 620 Human Aspects in Cybersecurity: Ethics, Legal Issues and Psychology (6)
CSEC 650 Cyber Crime Investigation and Digital Forensics (6)
CSEC 661 Digital Forensics Investigation (6)
CSEC 662 Cyber Incident Analysis and Response (6)

Required Capstone Course

CSEC 670 Cybersecurity Capstone (6)

Total credits for the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (36)

Course Sequencing

All new students are required to take the noncredit course UCSP 615 Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC within their first 6 credits of study. All courses must be taken in the order listed.

Recommendation

Students who wish to improve their graduate writing skills may take COMM 600 Academic Writing for Graduate Students. The Cybersecurity curriculum makes extensive use of online multimedia learning objects and interactive exercises. Thus, the minimum recommended Internet connection speed is 512kb/second.

Program Options

Students may pursue a dual degree option that combines the MS in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation with the Master of Business Administration.

Career Paths

Computer forensic specialist
Computer forensic examiner

Admission Requirements

UMUC does not require submission of GRE or GMAT scores for admission to graduate degree. For more information, please visit Graduate Admissions Requirements.

Dual Degree Option

Graduates of the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation can earn a Master of Business Administration with an additional 18 credits. This dual degree is one-directional. Students must complete all requirements for the Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation before starting the MBA program.

Required Courses

UCSP 615 Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMUC (0), to be taken within the first 6 credits of study.

DMBA 610 Ethical Leadership in Organizations and Society (6)
DMBA 620 Effective Financial and Operational Decision Making (6)
DMBA 630 Marketing and Strategy Management in the Global Marketplace (6)

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Learn More

Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation

Cybersecurity Frequently Asked Questions

Dual Degree Options

With just a few additional courses, you can enhance the power of your MS in Cybersecurity by pursuing a second degree in the following areas:

Master of Business Administration