Computer Forensics

Associate in Applied Science (Computer Forensics Specialty)
Career Degree
Cost
$12,766*

Turn data into evidence

Investigate and analyze for legal proceedings

Earn how to collect and analyze digital evidence, preserving its integrity so it can stand up in court. To use your IT skills in the service of justice, you begin with a thorough grounding in computers, networks and cybersecurity. Layer in more criminal justice and law enforcement electives, learning crime scene note-taking and how to present your findings clearly.

You graduate ready to go to work, sifting digital traces for evidentiary value.

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Computer Information Technology?

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Computer Information Technology prepares you to start to work or continue your studies in law enforcement, programming, computer science or related fields.

Expand your skillset with stackable certificates

The 63-65 college credits you earn for your A.A.S. include courses that also form stand-alone certificates. Earn one or more certificates that stack into your A.A.S. and expand your career options.

Choose a certificate combination specific to your interests or how you want to develop your career. These certificates may be the most efficient to earn on the way to your A.A.S. with a specialty in Computer Forensics:

Highlights

  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

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

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

  • WIOA Program

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

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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 and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

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

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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 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 120

    CIT 120 Introduction to Computers

    Class Description

    In this course students will learn about the significant role of computers in business and society. Students will be introduced to concepts addressing computer hardware and software, networking, multimedia, telecommunications, careers in the Information Technology field, and current computer-related issues. This course has a computer lab component where students get hands-on experience using a current integrated software package (Microsoft™ Office®) to better understand how computers are used in a business environment.
         		3
    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 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
    • 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 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 120
      Course Title

      CIT 120 Introduction to Computers

      Class Description

      In this course students will learn about the significant role of computers in business and society. Students will be introduced to concepts addressing computer hardware and software, networking, multimedia, telecommunications, careers in the Information Technology field, and current computer-related issues. This course has a computer lab component where students get hands-on experience using a current integrated software package (Microsoft™ Office®) to better understand how computers are used in a business environment.
      Credits 3
      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 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 Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CIT 134

    CIT 134 Introduction to Programming Concepts

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to programming logic constructs used in structured programming. Problem solving and structure types (sequence, decision, and repetition) will be presented. Other programming concepts presented in this course include: numeric and string variables, data input and output techniques, functions and procedures, arrays, and processing sequential files. NOTE: This course is a CIT core prerequisite and is required before taking a second level programming course.
         		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
    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
    MTH 141

    MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

    Class Description

    This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
         		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 Code CIT 134
      Course Title

      CIT 134 Introduction to Programming Concepts

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to programming logic constructs used in structured programming. Problem solving and structure types (sequence, decision, and repetition) will be presented. Other programming concepts presented in this course include: numeric and string variables, data input and output techniques, functions and procedures, arrays, and processing sequential files. NOTE: This course is a CIT core prerequisite and is required before taking a second level programming course.
      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 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 MTH 141
      Course Title

      MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

      Class Description

      This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
      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 Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose a math elective higher than MTH 122.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CIT 111

    CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets

    Class Description

    Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
         		3
    CIT 170

    CIT 170 Web Page Development

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the technical aspects of web page development. Topics presented in this course include: creating web pages using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), formatting web pages and designing web page layouts using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), developing for the mobile web, formatting information using tables, creating web page forms with input fields, enhancing web sites with sound, video, and animation, and adding web page interactivity using the scripting language JavaScript. Students will also gain the skills required to publish and maintain web sites.
         		3
    HUM 141

    HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

    Class Description

    This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
         		3
    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 261

    CIT 261 Cybersecurity Analyst

    Class Description

    This course is designed for students in the IT security field that are looking to gain skills in the security analyst area. Students will be able to perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization. Additionally, students will be able to configure and use threat-detection tools as well as secure and protect applications and systems within an organization. This course offers behavioral analytics skills to identify and combat malware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), resulting in enhanced threat visibility across a broad attack surface. Students will be prepared for the CompTia Cybersecurity Analyst certification.
         		3
    • Course Code CIT 111
      Course Title

      CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets

      Class Description

      Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CIT 170
      Course Title

      CIT 170 Web Page Development

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the technical aspects of web page development. Topics presented in this course include: creating web pages using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), formatting web pages and designing web page layouts using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), developing for the mobile web, formatting information using tables, creating web page forms with input fields, enhancing web sites with sound, video, and animation, and adding web page interactivity using the scripting language JavaScript. Students will also gain the skills required to publish and maintain web sites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 141
      Course Title

      HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

      Class Description

      This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
      Credits 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 261
      Course Title

      CIT 261 Cybersecurity Analyst

      Class Description

      This course is designed for students in the IT security field that are looking to gain skills in the security analyst area. Students will be able to perform data analysis and interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization. Additionally, students will be able to configure and use threat-detection tools as well as secure and protect applications and systems within an organization. This course offers behavioral analytics skills to identify and combat malware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), resulting in enhanced threat visibility across a broad attack surface. Students will be prepared for the CompTia Cybersecurity Analyst certification.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose CIT 112 instead of CIT 111. Students also can choose other courses instead of HUM 141.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CRJ 223

    CRJ 223 Ethics in Criminal Justice

    Class Description

    This course offers a thorough study of ethical philosophies and their application to criminal justice practitioners. Aspects of morality, leadership, ethical reasoning, professional standards, and codes of ethics will be addressed. Resolution of ethical dilemmas will also be considered. The practical focus of ethical decision making topics will center on law enforcement and correctional ethics and will include scenarios.
         		3
    ECO 222

    ECO 222 Principles of Microeconomics

    Class Description

    This course analyzes the economic decision-making of households and firms under the limitations of scarce resources. Fundamental concepts of economics including demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, consumer utility, and the behavior of firms will be discussed and analyzed. The production decisions of firms will be evaluated under different market structures including perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly.
         		3
    CMM 111

    CMM 111 Communication Skills

    Class Description

    For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
         		3
    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
    CRJ 219

    CRJ 219 Criminal Investigations

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction of criminal investigation procedures, theory and practice of investigations. An emphasis is placed on methods of investigation for different types of criminal activity.
         		3
    CRJ 121

    CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

    Class Description

    This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
         		3
    • Course Code CRJ 223
      Course Title

      CRJ 223 Ethics in Criminal Justice

      Class Description

      This course offers a thorough study of ethical philosophies and their application to criminal justice practitioners. Aspects of morality, leadership, ethical reasoning, professional standards, and codes of ethics will be addressed. Resolution of ethical dilemmas will also be considered. The practical focus of ethical decision making topics will center on law enforcement and correctional ethics and will include scenarios.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECO 222
      Course Title

      ECO 222 Principles of Microeconomics

      Class Description

      This course analyzes the economic decision-making of households and firms under the limitations of scarce resources. Fundamental concepts of economics including demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, consumer utility, and the behavior of firms will be discussed and analyzed. The production decisions of firms will be evaluated under different market structures including perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CMM 111
      Course Title

      CMM 111 Communication Skills

      Class Description

      For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
      Credits 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 CRJ 219
      Course Title

      CRJ 219 Criminal Investigations

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction of criminal investigation procedures, theory and practice of investigations. An emphasis is placed on methods of investigation for different types of criminal activity.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CRJ 121
      Course Title

      CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

      Class Description

      This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of ECO 222 and CMM 111. Students also can choose other forensics electives based on their interest instead of CRJ 219 and CRJ 121.

Total Credit Hours

67

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. 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.



Female student taking notes in class

Computer Information Technology at CLC

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