Digital Forensics, MS

Digital forensics is a discipline addressing the collection, processing, and analysis of digital information so that this information can be admitted as evidence in a court of law. It is interdisciplinary in its nature with the inclusion of computer engineering, computer science, information technology, law, and ethics. Digital forensics is a key component in criminal, civil, intelligence, and counter-terrorism matters. The MS in Digital Forensics will prepare graduates for careers in law enforcement, various other branches of government, and in the corporate sector such as banking and finance by combining academic education with real-world practical techniques and by offering advanced training in analyzing digital evidence, in intrusion forensics, and in legal and ethical issues.

Find degree requirements in the university catalog.

Additional specifications may apply.

Admissions Requirements

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, math, science, computer science, business (with a quantitative background), economics, or other analytical disciplines; or students who have equivalent work experience indicating analytical aptitude; may apply to the MS in Computer Forensics. Depending on their background, some applicants may be required to complete 3 to 12 credits of preliminary course work before they are allowed to enroll in any of the core courses or specialty courses in the program. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is required for acceptance.

Computer forensic experts work for the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service, as well as with the majority of inspectors general and local police departments. Many major accounting and consulting firms employ computer forensic examiners on staff, and a growing cadre of independent consultants now work in this field.

Students who enroll in the master’s degree in computer forensics can take advantage of the broad range of graduate electives that draw from the expertise of Mason faculty and accomplished practitioners and researchers.

They may tailor the program with the courses that correspond to a specialized technical area, or select from courses allowed in various concentrations.

This information is being provided here for your planning purposes only. For official catalog information, please refer instead to the official George Mason University Catalog Website at http://catalog.gmu.edu.