Computer Forensics & Security

The Computer Forensics and Security (CFS) major is perfect for people who want to use technology to solve crimes or want to ensure that computer equipment is well secured and protected against hacker attacks. Since 9/11, there is a much increased need for people in the security fields. For this major, students take computer, criminal justice, forensics, and security courses.

What You Will Learn

• This program has two related emphases providing a balance between system/network protection and forensic analysis. The curriculum stresses technical skill development in the fields of computer and network security as well as computer forensics, teaching students how to properly collect and maintain evidence.
• Students will learn how to follow applicable laws, the proper way to interact with law enforcement and government agencies, and how to effectively investigate computer and network breaches.

Program of Study

A University of Dubuque CFS program stresses theory and skill development in the technical areas of web development, PC internals, networking, computer programming, computer forensics techniques, operating systems, servers, database management, information security, and penetration techniques. Students take several CFS electives to develop strengths in their particular areas of interest. In addition, students take criminal justice courses in the areas of criminal law, criminal procedures and forensics. Students can easily take a few additional criminal justice classes to earn a Criminal Justice minor. 

What Our Students Do

Students work with current hardware and software, in many cases hands-on, to learn modern technology skills and criminal justice practices. Students also learn from participation outside the classroom. Students can join the computer club, partake in job shadow opportunities, attend conferences, help with STEM festivals, compete in computer-related contests, and participate in meaningful internships. 

Where Our Graduates Go

DFS graduates obtain careers as risk advisors, security consultants, digital forensics specialists, digital forensics examiners, and networking and security specialists. Their potential employers include; law enforcement, the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, military branches, law firms, private investigators, information security companies, or companies with in-house security staff.

News from the Department

J-term 2017 Class: Forensics in Italy
Professor Mark Woodhouse will be leading a Forensics in Italy course during J-term 2017. This course will examine law enforcement philosophies and practices in European countries with a special emphasis on forensics and cyber-forensics as practiced by the five law enforcement agencies in Italy. Students will be meeting with the carabinieri (provincial police) in Florence. Students will also examine law enforcement within the Vatican and the cooperation between the Vatican police and the Swiss Guard. And of course there will be gelato tasting while in Italy!

Careers in Computer Forensics & Security

The University of Dubuque's Computer Forensics & Security (CFS) program combines computer, criminal justice and security courses to prepare students to help solve crimes using technology and protect computers and networks from intrusion. For example, data residing on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones is often useful in criminal and civil investigations and needs to be recovered. Some of these devices are damaged by abuse, user errors, or intentional acts of sabotage. In other cases, private information such as deleted text messages, account logins, passwords, and Internet browsing history needs to be accessed. Consequently, demand is high for people with the skills to extract information from digital devices while assuring the integrity of such data and preserving its evidentiary value. Since 9/11, demand is especially high for professionals who can secure computers and networks to protect them from intrusion by hackers.

BS Opportunities

The Computer Forensics & Security program prepares graduates for careers as risk advisors, security consultants, computer forensics specialists, computer forensics examiners, and networking and security specialists.

Post-graduate Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the CFS program will be prepared to test for a number of computer forensics and security certification exams. In addition, UD readies students for graduate school. An advanced technology degree opens doors for research, teaching, and more technical industry positions.