Master of Science in the field of High Technology Crime Investigation

The High Technology Crime Investigations Program reflects the changing technology environment of the 21st century. The rise in technology-related crime—from criminal cases, civil disputes, medical malpractice, employee misconduct, to acts of terrorism—has generated an urgent need for a new type of investigator who can combine the science of information technology and forensics with the art of investigation and critical thinking. The program strives to provide experienced and aspiring security professionals with a fundamental understanding of the legal, technical, management and behavioral factors associated with conducting computer-related crime investigations. The program partners with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to offer full scholarships for U.S. students to study computer security and information assurance, including digital forensics.

The program is designed to meet the needs of:

  • Law-enforcement agencies
  • Federal and state government agencies concerned with High Technology Crime
  • Corporations
  • Information security professionals
  • Computer forensic professionals needing an advanced degree
  • Individuals wanting to enter the growing field of high technology crime investigation

Two pre-requisite courses (3 credits each) may be required for students who lack the appropriate foundation to begin the master's program. These pre-requisite courses are usually determined during the admissions process and are taken during the first two semesters.

Pre-requisites

  • FORS 2118 Introduction to Computer Systems for Security Professionals - every semester
  • FORS 2119 Introduction to Network Systems for Security Professionals- Fall, Spring

Required: The general requirements stated in the Bulletin of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours.

Required Courses (30 credits)

  • FORS 6259 Computer-Related Law
  • FORS 6264 Protection of Information Systems
  • FORS 6273 Research Methods for the Security Professional
  • FORS 6277 Computer Forensic I - Investigation and Evidence Gathering
  • FORS 6278 Computer Forensics II - Evidence and Analysis
  • FORS 6279 Incident Response- Understanding and Identifying Network-Based Attacks
  • FORS 6280 Advanced Incident Response - Investigating Network-based Attacks
  • FORS 6287 Project Management for Security Professionals
  • FORS 6288 The Investigative Process for Computer Forensics
  • FORS 6285 Capstone Seminar: High Technology Crime Investigations

Two additional courses may be chosen from the following (6 credits):

* The curriculum includes a comprehensive exam, which consists of an eight-hour lab exercise and an eight-hour written exam. Students may register for the Comprehensive Exam when they have completed all required and elective courses included in the exam and/or when they have completed 30 credits.

Meet the Program Director

Eva A. Vincze, program director for the High Technology Crime Investigations Program, is currently conducting research and training in the areas of behavioral security. Her other interests focus on the design and development of e-learning and blended learning methodologies including simulations, 3D animation, augmented reality and virtual world environments. She has over 25 years of organizational behavior, training and development experience in the private, corporate and government sectors.

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"Ghost in the Machine"

J.D. Durick,MFS,'10 recently co-authored an article focusing on VMDK forensics within an ESXi 4.0 environment. The article is called "Ghost in the Machine" and was published in Digital Forensics Magazine (Issue 2).