Oct 10, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Digital Forensic Investigation, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny



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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.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Information Technology


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester.


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.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 19


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 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: $4,967**

**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


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

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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