Digital forensics is a fast-growing industry. With the continued advancement of technology and the increasing number devices connecting people to one another and the internet, the demand for trained professionals to navigate these devices in order to solve crimes is on the rise.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham will now offer a Bachelor of Science degree in digital forensics. This interdisciplinary degree program will prepare graduates for a professional career in the field of digital forensics and cybersecurity.

“The program is a mixture of criminal justice and computer science,” said Jeffery Walker, Ph.D., chair in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Justice Sciences. “The goal is to provide students with the tools they need in computer programming to work effectively within a computer environment and understand the behavior of those who may be a threat to computer systems or engage in cybercrime. Students will also develop an understanding of the legal system and processes necessary to gather digital evidence and support a computer investigation in court if necessary.”

The focus of the digital forensics program is an understanding of the procedures and processes necessary to discover, recover, analyze and present in court information that has been stored on digital devices, including mainframe and personal computers, cellphones, tablets, and gaming and other devices used during illegal activities.

Digital forensics involves the recovery and investigation of material found on digital devices. What identity theft, insider trading, information security breaches, cyberattacks, financial fraud and terrorism all have in common is the devices used to carry out such acts all leave behind digital “footprints.” The focus of the digital forensics program is an understanding of the procedures and processes necessary to discover, recover, analyze and present in court information that has been stored on digital devices, including mainframe and personal computers, cellphones, tablets, and gaming and other devices used during illegal activities. The program also puts an emphasis on investigating cybercrime for the purpose of prevention.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to fill entry-level and advanced positions with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies; public- and private-sector nonprofit companies; and private-sector for-profit companies. Students completing the program will also be prepared to pursue graduate-level studies in computer science, criminal justice, information systems and information technology, or pursue law school. 

More information about the Bachelor of Science degree in digital forensics is online.