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Frequently Asked Questions

Digital Forensics Program


What makes URI's program better than other online programs in Digital Forensics?
Most other online programs require students to complete readings in place of lectures and write summary papers instead of working with hands-on assignments. URI's program is composed of online video lectures that students watch at times of their choosing. These video lectures allow students to learn material at their own pace, and students can review any portions that they may find challenging. To complement these online lectures, URI's program supplies a hands-on homework assignment for each week. This allows students to gain hands on experience with the latest tools that are being used by investigators in the field. Finally, URI's program makes use of a discussion board that acts similar to a professional list-serve. Here, students are able to post interesting discussion points about relevant news in the industry and ask for assistance with problems that they may be having pertaining to assignments.

The format combines the best aspects of being self-paced in that students do lectures, reading and assignments at the time of their choosing during the week, and of collaborative learning where all students and instruction are focused on the week's topic.

Do I get college credits for the courses that I complete?
Yes. All of the courses are offered through the University of Rhode Island and you will receive URI credit for all course work that you complete. This means that if you decide to continue on towards a full academic degree, such as a B.A., B.S., M.S., or PhD, your credit's can be put towards that degree.

What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate and the Professional Certificate?
To be accepted to the Graduate Certificate students must have completed a 4 year undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Students who are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate Program will be expected to complete additional course work, including a research paper or project in each of CSC585 and CSC586.

Students who do not have a 4 year undergraduate degree are eligible to complete the Professional Certificate Program. Students in this program will still learn the same major concepts and be just as prepared to take available professional certificate programs such as CCE, A+, Net+, ACE, and EnCase Certification. However, students in this program will not be required to complete the additional research papers or projects that are required of those students who are in the Graduate Certificate Program.

Are the courses self paced?
The courses are self paced within the week. Each week students will receive a new reading assignment, lecture, and hands-on assignment. Students will have one week to complete each of these. Within each weekly module students can work at their own pace, however, students are expected to complete the weekly modules on time in order to not fall behind.

How many hours a week should I plan on spending on course work?
In general in university courses students should plan on spending approximately 2 hours a week per credit, outside of class time, completing reading assignments, homework assignments, and studying. This means that for a four credit course students should plan on spending approximately 1-2 hours a week watching video lectures, and an additional 6-8 hours a week completing reading assignments, homework assignments, and studying. Depending on the topic being covered during the week and a student's previous knowledge or experience in an area, some weeks will require students to put in more time, while other weeks will require students to put in less time.

Can I start the course sequence at any time?
No. The digital forensics courses are in sequences that build on each other. All programs start with CSC414 or an equivalent option. CSC414 is currently offered in the Fall and Summer sessions only. Thus students must start the program in either the Fall or Summer. Students may not take any course without the prerequisite course(s).

Is it required that I take the courses in a specific order?
Yes. The more advanced courses are taught with the important assumption that students have a complete understanding of what was taught in the beginner and intermediate level courses. Students should plan on taking the core courses in the following sequence: CSC414, CSC485/585, CSC486/586, CSC590. Once students have completed CSC485/585 they can take additional non-core course, such as CSC499, CSC599/699, or CSC492/592 at any time that they are offered.

What kind of professional certificates will I be eligible to receive after having completed the course series?
Our courses are designed to, in addition to an academic treatment, also provide background for most of the important professional certifications that digital forensics practitioners typically have. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC414 students are prepared to take their A+ Certification test if they desire. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC485/585 and CSC492/592 students are prepared to take their Certified Computer Examiner(CCE) test and EnCase Certified Examiner(EnCE) test if they desire. With some additional studying and preparation in CSC486/586 students are prepared to take their Net+ Certification test if they desire.

All of these Certifications are looked for by employers, clients, and opposing counsel, as credentials that qualified digital forensic examiners typically hold. We strongly recommend that students take these additional certificate tests soon after each of our courses; our teaching staff provides information to additional study material and details on how to take the certification examinations.

What is the cost of the different programs?
The courses cost $625 per credit. This is a URI CCE Special Program, which does not have in-state/out-state rates. Using the fixed rate, the cost for a 4 credit course (CSC414, CSC485, CSC485, CSC585, CSC586) is $2,500; the total cost for a 3 credit course (CSC590) is $1,875. Matriculated students with full-time status can take the Fall and Spring semester courses as part of their full-time tuition; summer courses are typically not covered by full-time tuition and are charged at the $625/credit rate.

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Apply Now to the University of Rhode Island.

Apply Now to the Digital Forensics Undergraduate Minor.

Apply Now to our Digital Forensics Professional Certificate Program.

Apply Now to our Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate Program.

Coming Soon

Starting in Spring 2010 URI will be offering a full course in EnCase Forensics Software. This course will be eligible to any student who is currently enrolled in one of the degree or certificate programs and has successfully completed CSC485 or CSC585. Enroll now to be one of the first students eligible. Students who complete the course will be eligible to take their EnCe certification test.