Computer Forensic Analyst Certificate - Career Certificate

Bring digital evidence to light

Comb through data to catch criminals

Go under the hood to find digital tracks. Just as a crash scene investigator must understand how vehicles move under different forces, a computer forensics analyst must understand how computers, networks and various digital media work and how they can be compromised.

Learn how to collect and analyze digital evidence, preserving its integrity so it can be presented in court. For those already in law enforcement or criminal justice, this certificate gives you specialized computer and electronics skills. For those already in computers, this certificate gives you the specialized lens of the law to understand the evidentiary value of that keystroke log.

What can you do with a Certificate in Computer Forensics Analyst?

The Certificate in Computer Forensics Analyst prepares you to work in Criminal Justice, Computer Science or related fields.

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

The 29 college credits you earn with your certificate in computer forensics can all apply to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) (63-65 credits). This certificate can also be earned along the way as you complete your A.A.S. with the specialty option of Computer forensics. That’s one way to stack this certificate toward another credential.

You can also earn a second certificate, upgrading or expanding your skillset. Choose a certificate combination specific to your interests or how you want to develop your career. Choose from these other certificates:

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $59,417
  
  Median
  
  $93,144
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $144,752
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28.56
  
  Median
  
  $44.77
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.59
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.55%
  
  Some college
  
  9.09%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  68.18%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.64%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,689
  
  Median
  
  $92,028
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $144,589
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.85
  
  Median
  
  $44.24
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.50
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  29.31%
  
  Certificate
  
  36.29%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  32.36%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $69,722
  
  Median
  
  $120,338
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,940
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33.52
  
  Median
  
  $57.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.46
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.16%
  
  Some college
  
  2.01%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.87%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  75.16%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security or the safety of employees and facilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,168
  
  Median
  
  $78,223
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $135,752
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.27
  
  Median
  
  $37.60
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $65.26
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.69%
  
  Some college
  
  3.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  15.38%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  69.23%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,013
  
  Median
  
  $106,401
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $165,082
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.73
  
  Median
  
  $51.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $79.36
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  20%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
CIT 130	CIT 130 Operating Systems for A+ Certificate Class Description This course covers the essential elements of Operating Systems. Specific features along with general concepts of the selected operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, identity management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. This course covers the objectives for the latest A+ Operating System technologies test.	3
CIT 132	CIT 132 Linux Operating System Class Description This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.	3
CIT 139	CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks Class Description This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120	3
CIT 155	CIT 155 Introduction to Computer Forensics Class Description This course is designed to introduce students to crime scene investigation and processing, forensic science and computer forensics topics. Areas addressed in this course include: crime scene procedures and documentation, collecting and preserving evidence, computer forensic science, locating digital evidence, and basic legal principles related to computer forensics. Emphasis will be placed on the role of computer forensics with the other forensic sciences.	3
EET 151	EET 151 PC Hardware and Networking Fundamentals Class Description This course will cover the basic components of a PC, including motherboards, memory, disk drives, cases and power supplies. Computers will be disassembled, reassembled and configured to operate.NOTE: Recommended preparation CIT 120 and concurrent enrollment in EET 170 or equivalent knowledge.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 130
Course Title	CIT 130 Operating Systems for A+ Certificate Class Description This course covers the essential elements of Operating Systems. Specific features along with general concepts of the selected operating system will be addressed. System optimization, memory management, identity management, installation, and software/hardware management will be an integral part of this course. This course covers the objectives for the latest A+ Operating System technologies test.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 132
Course Title	CIT 132 Linux Operating System Class Description This course introduces students to the Linux operating system and the skills they need to effectively use and administer the Linux operating system. The course includes Linux installation and configuration, shell commands and scripts, Linux file system and processes management, basic system administration tasks, network configuration and services, and security. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the Linux command-line environment, utilities, applications, network configuration and services, security and troubleshooting, as well as the graphical X Window environment. Students completing this course may work towards the CompTIA Linux+ and LPIC-1: Linux Administrator industry certifications. This course was previously titled CIS 117 – Linux Operating System and before that was titled CIS 115 – PC Operating Systems, Linux OS topic.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 139
Course Title	CIT 139 CCNA I: Introduction to Networks Class Description This course covers the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and basic network operations are introduced. Students will build simple local area networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first of the three courses sequence to prepare for CCNA industry certification. Recommended: CIT 120
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 155
Course Title	CIT 155 Introduction to Computer Forensics Class Description This course is designed to introduce students to crime scene investigation and processing, forensic science and computer forensics topics. Areas addressed in this course include: crime scene procedures and documentation, collecting and preserving evidence, computer forensic science, locating digital evidence, and basic legal principles related to computer forensics. Emphasis will be placed on the role of computer forensics with the other forensic sciences.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	EET 151
Course Title	EET 151 PC Hardware and Networking Fundamentals Class Description This course will cover the basic components of a PC, including motherboards, memory, disk drives, cases and power supplies. Computers will be disassembled, reassembled and configured to operate.NOTE: Recommended preparation CIT 120 and concurrent enrollment in EET 170 or equivalent knowledge.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CIT 162	CIT 162 Ethical Hacking Class Description This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C\|EH) credential.	3
CIT 152	CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals Class Description This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 162
Course Title	CIT 162 Ethical Hacking Class Description This course is designed for students that want to be IT security professionals by understanding and exploring weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. This course covers knowledge and tools used by a malicious hacker but the skills will be used in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of target systems. Students will be prepared for the exam to earn the Certified Ethical Hacking (C\|EH) credential.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 152
Course Title	CIT 152 Network Security Fundamentals Class Description This course is designed for administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and security of Microsoft Windows. Students should have general knowledge of networking concepts and Windows OS to be successful in this course. This course will prepare the student for Security+ certification.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CIT 262	CIT 262 Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge Class Description This course provides an understanding of security issues and best practices over a broad range of cloud computing domains. The course is needed by students and IT security professionals that migrate organizations to the cloud. This course is applicable to a wide variety of IT and information security jobs in virtually every organization. The course prepares the student for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) industry certification. CCSK is a widely recognized standard of expertise and is the primary benchmark for measuring cloud security skillsets and is strongly recommended by IT auditors and it is even required for portions of the CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR) program.	3
CIT 264	CIT 264 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services Class Description This course covers three central elements of Microsoft 365 enterprise administration – Microsoft 365 tenant and service management, Office 365 management, and Microsoft 365 identity management. In Microsoft 365 tenant and service management, you will examine all the key components that must be planned for when designing your Microsoft 365 tenant. Next, you will learn how to configure your Microsoft 365 tenant, including your organizational profile, tenant subscription options, component services, user accounts and licenses, and security groups. Finally, you will learn how to manage your tenant, which includes the configuration of tenant roles and managing your tenant health and services. This hands-on course is designed to prepare you for Microsoft certification exam (MS-100). MS-100 along with MS 101 are now part of the Microsoft 365 Certified Enterprise Administrator Expert industry certification. MS-101 is covered in our CIT 265 class.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 262
Course Title	CIT 262 Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge Class Description This course provides an understanding of security issues and best practices over a broad range of cloud computing domains. The course is needed by students and IT security professionals that migrate organizations to the cloud. This course is applicable to a wide variety of IT and information security jobs in virtually every organization. The course prepares the student for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) industry certification. CCSK is a widely recognized standard of expertise and is the primary benchmark for measuring cloud security skillsets and is strongly recommended by IT auditors and it is even required for portions of the CSA Security, Trust & Assurance Registry (STAR) program.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 264
Course Title	CIT 264 Microsoft 365 Identity and Services Class Description This course covers three central elements of Microsoft 365 enterprise administration – Microsoft 365 tenant and service management, Office 365 management, and Microsoft 365 identity management. In Microsoft 365 tenant and service management, you will examine all the key components that must be planned for when designing your Microsoft 365 tenant. Next, you will learn how to configure your Microsoft 365 tenant, including your organizational profile, tenant subscription options, component services, user accounts and licenses, and security groups. Finally, you will learn how to manage your tenant, which includes the configuration of tenant roles and managing your tenant health and services. This hands-on course is designed to prepare you for Microsoft certification exam (MS-100). MS-100 along with MS 101 are now part of the Microsoft 365 Certified Enterprise Administrator Expert industry certification. MS-101 is covered in our CIT 265 class.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

29

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Computer Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Computer Information Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Computer Information Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

You qualify for the following exams:
- Cloud Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Cybersecurity Analyst
First, there’s the cost. Tuition at CLC is lower than almost anywhere else, and you have financial aid and scholarship options that don’t saddle you with debt.

Second, the classes. They’re small and hands-on, so you get the attention you need to learn the skills you’ll use every day. You’re taught by experienced instructors who will also talk you through career and college choices.
Our student profile is varied. You’ll be in classes with many people who are working already, with those who are changing careers and with those who just finished high school.
Yes—well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in-person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Computer Forensics Analyst

Bring digital evidence to light

Comb through data to catch criminals

What can you do with a Certificate in Computer Forensics Analyst?

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

Highlights

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Emergency Management Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Forensic Science Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Information Security Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Security Management Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Security Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 17 Credits

Semester 2 6 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Computer Information Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

Why should I choose CLC?

Are there students like me in the program?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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