Computer Quincys - Computer Degree Forensics Master
A Backup Article Contributed by Samwell
Why a Computer Degree for a Forensics Master?
If you have a Masters degree in computer forensics you will be involved in the solving of all aspects of computer crime. Computer forensics is not the same as the type of forensic crime as say a coroner would be called on to solve. If you have a degree from a master program in computer forensics you would be examining a computer of someone involved in any one of a growing number of types of computer crime.
You may also be called on to examine the computer of someone involved with some other type of crime, to see who they are in touch with by email, for instance or what types of sites they are visiting on the internet.
For example, if you were looking at the computer of a person who had embezzled from work, you might find that they were doing a lot of online gambling. You might also find that they had a relationship with someone who had been demanding a lot of money by looking at email files.
How to Get a Computer Degree As a Forensics Master
If you are interested in getting a master's degree in computer forensics you will need a good grasp of computer hardware and software. It will also help it you have a good intuition so you can think outside the box when it is required of you. You should have an analytical mind so that you can follow a chain of evidence. You should also be not too easily flustered as you will have to testify in court as to your findings and defense attorneys will try diligently to make you come off badly in court.
The first thing you will need to do is get a bachelors degree in computer science. Once you have gotten this you can take a course in computer forensics from an accredited school, which will serve two purposes. One is to find out if you are cut out for this type of work, without paying for two more years of university. Another way this can help you is that many places will hire you as a computer forensics technician and allow you to get your degree in conjunction with your job.
This way you can earn money while you are earning your degree. It might make for a stressful time while you are trying for your degree and it will take somewhat longer, but at least you will save some student loan money, and if you have aptitude for computer forensics, it will be well worth it.
Jobs for People with a Computer Degree As a Forensics Master
There are as many jobs for a graduate of a master degree program in computer forensics as there are types of computer crime - no scratch that! - types of crime in general.
As computer use becomes more common more criminals are learning to use them to commit crimes. This has been true of innovations throughout history. The most obvious job for a person in computer forensics is with the police. This includes major federal agencies such as the FBI, CIA, Federal Marshalls etc. These types of jobs involve all types of crime and computer crime.
A computer forensic graduate developed a program called Carnivore, that checks emails at random, searching for specific words and phrases, to help detect terrorists. Examples might be bomb, or terrorist organization names or even names that are encrypted too obviously.
Another type of job is with government or accounting watchdog agencies or firms. This with involve checking for government waste, embezzlement, both in the public and private sectors. It could also involve looking for stock exchange frauds, and illegal trading. In this case you would basically be an auditor just like an accountant looking for someone "cooking the books" in the pre-computer age.
So if you think you might have the necessary type of skills and personality that this type of study takes check out a few universities, on campus or online, whichever you prefer, and get some more information. Good luck catching those bad guys!
