Digital Forensic Investigation, Certificate

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The purpose of the Digital Forensic Investigation certificate is to provide a course of study for students to concentrate in the areas of digital forensics and data recovery from electronic devices. This certificate is best suited for people who have a background in criminal justice or technology, including programming, digital electronics or computer hardware.

For more information about the Digital Forensic Investigation certificate, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/it/Pages/digitalforensics.aspx

Program Details

Location: Ankeny

Students may start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Successful completion of CSC 116 or equivalent, or approval of the program counselor.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.

Graduation Requirements

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

Semester 1

NET 120 - Computer Hardware Basics OL Credits: 3
NET 373 - Forensic Prac Cybersecurity Credits: 4

Semester 2

CRJ 178 - E-Crime Investigative Methods Credits: 3
NET 179 - Digital Forensic Analysis I Credits: 3

Semester 3

NET 180 - Digital Forensic Analysis II Credits: 3
NET 932 - Internship Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 19

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$170.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

Costs	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	550	300	300
Supplies	50	50	50

Approximate total for program: $4,530**

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

The Digital Forensic Certificate is designed for students who would like to obtain knowledge in proper digital forensic techniques, evidence collection/preservation and processing and proper analysis documentation. This program will give students the knowledge and skills to perform the following jobs:

Law Enforcement Digital Forensics Analyst

Corporate Security Forensic Analyst

Electronic Discovery Specialist

Cybersecurity Consultant

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Aptitude and interest in computer and mobile technologies

Reasoning and common Sense

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

People and communications skills

What Else Should I Consider about this Certificate?

Students who have been convicted of a felony most likely will be unable to gain employment in positions within the criminal justice field or corporate security. Professionals in the criminal justice field are often exposed to acts of violence and must be prepared to operate under extreme conditions (severe weather, extensive work hours, etc.). These environments can often be stressful and people are exposed to a variety of situations involving biohazards, chemicals and dangerous situations. Digital evidence involves emotionally disturbing vision material and may cause addiction to pornographic images.

Program Competencies

Identify potentially relevant digital/electronic evidence
Collect and preserve the identified evidence
Perform rudimentary analysis of common evidentiary artifacts
Recover previously deleted information

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

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, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

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 Campus Provost’s office, the 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, sgbittner@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. Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₈₎