Online Forensics Degree Program

Online Forensics Degree Programs - What Do You Study?

Forensic Science applies scientific methods and principles to answer questions of interest to a
legal system. This may be in relation to a crime or a civil action. Forensics is related to authentication, whereby an interest outside of a legal form exists in determining whether an object is what it purports to be, or is alleged as being.

Related Online Forensics Degree Programs

Forensics online degree programs include computer forensics, forensic psychology, financial forensics and crime scene forensics. 

Online colleges and universities that teach forensics tend to emphasize computer forensics. Such curricula focuses on cyber crime. 

Career Options in Forensics

As technology has expanded communication and commerce, new types of cyber crime have emerged, resulting in increasing demand for computer forensics specialists. Computer Forensics degree candidates typically learn to collect electronic evidence without altering or damaging the original data and learn to analyze the legal considerations for investigating and prosecuting computer crimes. An online concentration in Cyber Crime Investigations and Forensics may train you in the latest techniques used to accumulate data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber crimes such as credit card fraud, intellectual property theft, pedophilia, terrorism, and hacking. Computer Forensics programs are available in specializations in computer Security and Forensics, Criminal Justice, Administration, Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Homeland Security Technology.

Forensic Psychology prepares individuals to apply clinical, counseling, and neuropsychology skills in the provision of psychological services within the criminal justice and civil legal systems, including consultation, assessment, and interventions.  A Forensic Psychology graduate degree provides professional skills required to compete for careers including law enforcement agent, therapist, government agent, educator, and legal and insurance consultant.

As a result of recent financial scandals, reported increases in fraud in the workplace, and heightened concerns over money laundering and terrorist financing, legislative mandates have increased the demand for professionals who can detect and deter fraud within organizations. Courses focus on teaching students to identify, formulate, and communicate the relevant financial investigation issues in the post 911 era; to prepare, comprehend and interpret required financial statements according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); to apply the knowledge and skills of finance, accounting, management, mathematics, criminal justice and the liberal arts to identify, resolve, and communicate relevant financial forensics issues; and to develop a plan for the detection and prevention of financial fraud. An online BS in Financial Forensics will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue in-demand positions, including: Forensic Accountant, Fraud Examiner, Financial Crimes Investigator, Bank Secrecy Act Manager, and many others.

The use of DNA to conclusively tie suspects to a crime scene has increased the demand for a variety of forensic specialists. 

Crime Scene Technician Certificate candidates acquire knowledge regarding locating, collecting, and analyzing evidence which will be used in a court of law. Certificate candidates learn to identify the boundaries of a crime scene and understand principles of searching the crime scene for specific types of evidence, such as fingerprints, forensic identifiable material, and other items of evidentiary value.