May 20, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

Digital Forensic Investigation, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny, Online


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As part of an overall Cybersecurity plan, Digital Forensics is a key component.  This involves the analysis of data left behind from a cyber threat-actor. The program prepares students for a career in Digital Forensics in either a law enforcement or private sector setting.  The purpose of the Digital Forensic Investigation degree is to provide a course of study for students to concentrate in the cybersecurity areas of digital forensics and data recovery from electronic devices. This degree is best suited for people who have a background in Homeland Security, criminal justice or a technology field, including programming, digital electronics or computer hardware.

Program Details


Pathway: Information Technology


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program any semester


Program Graduation Requirements


To earn a Digital Forensic, AAS, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
Books (approximate) 500 550 300 250
Supplies 150 100 100 100

Approximate total cost for the program: **$14,352

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  •  Preserve electronic evidence associated with investigations
  • Analyze and recover deleted files and data
  • Examine and interpret logfiles from compromised systems
  • Write scripts/programs to efficiently work cases.
  • Recover and analyze common evidentiary artifacts from computers
  • Recover and analyze common evidentiary artifacts from mobile devices
  • Analyze IOT devices

This program will give students the knowledge and skills to perform the following jobs:

  • Law enforcement/Homeland security/Military Digital Forensics and Cyber Security roles
  • Corporate security forensics/cyber analyst
  • Cybersecurity consultant

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Aptitude and interest in computer and mobile technologies
  • Reasoning and critical thinking
  • Problem solving skills
  • People and communication skills

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • The Digital Forensic/Cybersecurity field is a fast growing employment area with jobs in both the public and private sectors.
  • Professionals conducting digital forensic examination are often exposed to imagery depicting graphic sexual content of minors, and violent acts.  Exposure to graphic imagery can potentially lead to addictions to such material.
  • Should be prepared to work in extreme conditions (severe weather, extended work hours, tight deadlines, biohazard & chemical exposures)
  • Should be able to perform physical activity and lift at least 40 lbs

Program Competencies


  1. Identify and preserve digital evidence in a manner that is acceptable for court introduction
  2. Parse and interpret data given specific offsets and descriptions
  3. Recover deleted data from common file systems
  4. Analyze and interpret common evidentiary artifacts
  5. Provide clear and thorough written reports on activities and findings

AY2025

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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