Digital Forensic Investigation, AAS

Location(s): 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 cyberthreat 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.

PENDING IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVAL

Program Details

Locations: Online

Pathway: Information Technology

More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program in the fall semester

Program Entry Requirements

Completion of Cybersecurity AAS; OR Concurrent enrollment in Cybersecurity AAS; OR Permission of Program Chair based on prior educational or work experience.

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.

DMACC Important Dates

Important Dates & Deadlines website

Semester 1

CIS 125 - Intro to Programming Logic w/ Credits: 3
CRJ 178 - E-Crime Investigative Methods Credits: 3
NET 182 - IT and Security Fundamentals Credits: 3
NET 207 - Applied Computer Security Lab Credits: 2
SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
Select 3 credits Any AAS Core Math/Science Credits: 3

Semester 2

NET 412 - Linux System Administration Credits: 3
NET 202 - Programming for Network Administrators Credits: 3
ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
NET 484 - Netplus Certification Credits: 4
Select 3 credits from Option 1 Credits: 3

Option 1

CIS 303 - Introduction to Database Credits: 3
CRJ 303 - Intel Analysis & Sec Mgmt Credits: 3

Semester 3

ENG 108 - Comp II: Technical Writing Credits: 3
NET 208 - Cyber Ethics and Legal Issues Credits: 3
NET 373 - Forensic Prac Cybersecurity Credits: 4
Any 3 Credits of AAS Degree Social and Behavioral Science Credits: 3

Semester 4

NET 179 - Digital Forensic Analysis I Credits: 3
NET 708 - Database Concepts for Cyber Credits: 4
NET 932 - Internship Credits: 3
SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3

Semester 5

NET 180 - Digital Forensic Analysis II Credits: 3
NET 380 - Mobile Device & IoT Forensics Credits: 4

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 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: **$15,760

**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

Preserve digital evidence in a manner that is acceptable for court introduction
Interpret data given specific offsets and descriptions
Recover deleted data from common file systems
Analyze common evidentiary artifacts
Provide thorough written reports on activities and findings

Competencies revised date

FY2026

Nondiscrimination Statement

It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of 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.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov ₍₂₀₂₆₎