Master of Science in Digital Forensics (MS)

The mission of the MSDF degree program is to provide a quality graduate education in science and practices of digital forensics, to prepare the students for digital forensics jobs, and to prepare the students for a lifetime of learning. The objectives of the program include the following:

• To give MSDF graduates the knowledge and skills necessary to participate as an effective team member or team leader in digital evidence investigations
• To prepare MSDF graduates for professional careers in digital forensics examination, forensic tool development, tool verification and validation, security and forensics administration
• To prepare MSDF graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue advanced studies and research in computer technology or computer crime-related disciplines
• To equip MSDF graduates with the communication skills, both oral and written, to become an effective problem solver as well as an effective communicator as an expert forensic examiner and expert witness

The Digital Forensics MS degree is comprised of 30 hours of study beyond the bachelor's degree with required, intensive specialization in topics related to digital forensics. The degree program prepares students, including working professionals, who will pursue the degree on a part-time basis to gain the knowledge and skills required to work as an examiner in the field. The program may also be taken by those who have an interest in scientific applications and research in the field, and who would like to continue to a doctoral degree program or law school after completion.

The program offers both a thesis option (6 credit hours) or an opportunity to complete two additional courses (6 credit hours) selected from the Restricted Electives. At least one-half of the credit hours must be at the 6000 level.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Please note: Digital Forensics (MS) may be completed fully online. Most courses are either online courses or have both in-campus and online course sessions. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. It could be difficult to satisfy these requirement since many courses in this program only have online format. Please contact Program Coordinator to discuss possible admission issue.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Program Prerequisites

Undergraduate articulation courses may be required for students with BS and/or MS degrees in fields other than a computer-related field. If you are not in STEM related BS program, you need to show either you have taken some basic CS/IT courses, or have working experience in CS or IT or digital forensics field. If you want to take some prerequisite courses, you can take two to three of the following courses in UCF or equivalent courses in other places:

• Basic CS knowledge: COP 3502: Computer Science I
• Basic networking knowledge: CNT 3004 Computer Network Concepts, or CNT 4703C Design and Implementation of Computer Communication Networks, or CNT 4704 Analysis of Computer Communication Networks
• Basic Computer architecture: CDA 3103: Computer Logic and Organization
• Programming course, such as: COP 3223C Introduction to Programming with C, or COP 3330 Intro to OO Programming with Java

Courses taken to correct deficiencies cannot be used to satisfy minimum degree requirements.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • CGS5131 - Computer Forensics I: Seizure and Examination of Computer Systems (3)
  • CHS5504 - Topics in Forensic Science (3)
  • CIS6207 - The Practice of Digital Forensics (3)
  • CNT6418 - Computer Forensics II (3)

Restricted Elective Courses

• Complete all of the following
  Computing and Technology
  • Complete at least 2 of the following:
    • CAP6133 - Advanced Topics in Computer Security and Computer Forensics (3)
    • CNT6519 - Wireless Security and Forensics (3)
    • CAP6135 - Malware and Software Vulnerability Analysis (3)
    • CIS6386 - Operating Systems and File System Forensics (3)
    • CIS6395 - Incident Response Technologies (3)
    • CNT5410L - Cyber Operations Lab (3)
    • IDC5602 - Cybersecurity: A Multidisciplinary Approach (3)
    • IDC6600 - Emerging Cyber Issues (3)
    • IDC6601 - Behavioral Aspects of Cybersecurity (3)
  Criminal Justice
  • Complete at least 1 of the following:
    • CCJ5015 - The Nature of Crime (3)
    • CCJ5456 - The Administration of Justice (3)
    • CCJ6074 - Investigative and Intelligence Analysis: Theory and Methods (3)
    • CCJ6704 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3)
    • CCJ6706 - Data Analysis in Criminal Justice I (3)
    • CJE6688 - Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice (3)
    • CJL6568 - Law and Social Control (3)
  Legal Studies and Electronic Discovery
  • Complete at least 1 of the following:
    • CHS5596 - The Forensic Expert in the Courtroom (3)
    • CHS5518 - The Forensic Collection and Examination of Digital Evidence (3)
    • PLA5587 - Current Issues in Cyberlaw (3)
    • CIS6206 - Electronic Discovery for Digital Forensics Professionals (3)

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

• Complete 1 of the following
  Thesis Option
  • Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: CAP 6971 Thesis The College of Engineering and Computer Science requires that all thesis defense announcements are approved by the student's adviser and posted on the college's website and on the Events Calendar at the College of Graduate Studies website at least two weeks before the defense date.
  Nonthesis Option
  • Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Students not interested in a thesis can instead take one elective course and the "CDA 6946: Internship" course, or take two electives. The electives can be any courses from the list of Restricted Electives above, or the following electives.

Grand Total Credits: 30

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

The Independent Learning Requirement is met by successful completion of a master's thesis or completing the capstone course CIS 6207.