GEAR UP Major of the Month

QCC Forensic Computer Program

Are you thinking about a job that puts your computer skills to the test? Do you like to help people? Then a career in computer forensics might be the job for you! Although relatively new, this is a growing career field with jobs for both consultants and employees through law enforcement agencies, military, government intelligence agencies and private security and consulting companies.

Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science (forensics for short). Forensics is the scientific analysis of people, places and things to collect evidence during crime investigations that helps to prove innocence or guilt in court.

A forensic investigation can be initiated for many reasons. The most high profile are usually with respect to a criminal investigation, but computer forensics can also be used for less complicated needs like re-tracking steps when data has been lost. Some common examples why a company or person would hire a computer forensic specialist would be to prove employee internet abuse, industrial espionage, damage assessment, or criminal fraud and deception cases.

A brand new computer forensic specialist with little experience can earn a salary in the area of $50-60 thousand dollars a year. Senior managers and partners at consulting firms typically earn between $100-200 thousand dollars a year, although geographical locations like big cities matter when discussing salary.

Courses for this major are offered online, in the classroom, or both. You can earn a certificate program in technology in as little as one year, an Associate in Science in two years, or a Bachelors degree in Science in four years in this major. Generally speaking, the higher your level of education, the higher your starting salary will be.

We recommend checking out the Computer Systems Engineering Technology – Computer Forensics Option at Quinsigamond Community College for an example of coursework required to get started in this field.