HighTechnology Crime Investigation (Revised Curriculum - effective October 23, 2009)

This innovative program reflects the changing technology environment of the 21st century, incorporating the latest thinking and best practices in the field with a solid foundation in theory and proven principles.

Electronic evidence and information gathering have become critical components in solving an increased number of crimes and conflicts. From criminal cases, civil disputes, medical malpractice, employee misconduct, to acts of terrorism, there is an increasing number that involve computers or other media devices, from which investigators must recover valuable evidence for analysis. This increase in technology-related crime has generated an urgent need for a new type of investigator who can combine the science of information technology and forensics with the art of investigation and critical thinking.

The program is designed to meet the needs of: Law-enforcement agencies Federal and state government agencies concerned with High Technology Crime Corporations Information security professionals Computer forensic professionals needing an advanced degree Individuals wanting to enter the growing field of high technology crime investigation

The High Technology Crime Investigation (HTCI) program strives to provide experienced and aspiring security professionals with a fundamental understanding of the legal, technical, management and behavioral factors associated with conducting computer-related crime investigations.

The program's flexibility accommodates students' academic preferences and time. Students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds are accepted into the program, including criminal justice, information technology, business and accounting.

The High Technology Crime Investigations Program is part of NSA's Center for Academic Excellence. Partnering with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, we offer full scholarships for U.S. students to study computer security and information assurance, including digital forensics. These students pursue their degrees with federal funding from the National Science Foundation and the Defense Department.

Masters of Forensic Science in High Technology Crime Investigations

Two pre-requisite courses (3 credits each) may be required for students who lack the appropriate foundation to begin the Master's program. These pre-requisite courses are usually determined during the admissions process and are taken during the first two semesters.

Prequisites:

• FORS 118 Introduction to Computer Systems for Security Professionals - every semester
• FORS 119 Introduction to Network Systems for Security Professionals- every semester

Required: The general requirements stated in the Bulletin of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours.

Required Courses (30 credits)

• FORS 259 Computer-Related Law - every semester
• FORS 264 Protection of Information Systems - every other semester
• FORS 273 Research Methods for the Security Professional - every other semester
• FORS 277 Computer Forensic I - Investigation and Evidence Gathering - Fall, Spring
• FORS 278 Computer Forensics II - Evidence and Analysis - Spring, Summer
• FORS 279 Incident Response- Understanding and Identifying Network-Based Attacks - every other semester
• FORS 280:Advanced Incident Response - Investigating Network-based Attacks - every other semester
• FORS 287: Project Management for Security Professionals -Fall, Spring (New Course)
• FORS 288: The Investigative Process for Computer Forensics - Summer (New Course)
• FORS 285: Capstone Seminar: High Technology Crime Investigations - Summer, Fall

Two additional courses may be chosen from the following (6 credits):

• FORS 261: Security Management
• FORS 271: Forensic Psychology - Summer
• FORS 274: Video Forensic Analysis - Spring
• FORS 283: Steganography and Electronic Watermarking - Spring
• FORS 289: Linux Forensics - open (New Course)
• FORS 290: Selected Topics: Internet Investigations - Fall
• FORS 291: Computer Forensic III - Advanced Techniques - Fall ( New Course)
• FORS 295: Research - every semester
• FORS 298: Forensic Sciences Practicum - every semester

* The curriculum includes a comprensive exam, which consists of an eight-hour lab exercise and an eight-hour written exam. Students may register for the Comprehensive Exam when they have completed all required and elective courses included in the exam and/or when they have completed 30 credits.