• Information Systems Security Engineering: In a proactive attempt to thwart attacks on computer databases, information systems security engineering students learn to create plans to protect computer data, construct security architecture, and ensure the safety of host computers, databases, and information transfers.
• Test Software Development Engineering: While test software development engineers may work on a number of programs for computers, specialized engineers can focus on software that protects computers or allows professionals to obtain data for law enforcement.
• Computer Information Science: Computer information science students are at the cutting edge of tackling current and potential cybercrimes and solving problems with computer hardware and software.
• Program Analysis: Codes are written and optimized by programmer analysts so that law enforcement agencies can access databases.
• Computer Forensic Investigation: The details of how a computer system was undermined by computer forensic investigators is analyzed while also retrieving encrypted or deleted data and passwords, and emails.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2-3 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 3-5 years to complete

While many detectives and investigators begin to work on computer forensics/cybercrime through their law enforcement careers with little prior education on this concentration, the skills necessary for computer forensics/cybercrime are specific. A formal education will allow students to explore all the facets of computer technology in relation to criminal justice and will also equip the students to be much more employable when compared to others with no specific training on information technologies.

While a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may be a successful program of study for computer forensics/cybercrime, a computer science (or better yet, computer forensics) degree is recommended. It is also suggested to attend a program where computer science theories, applied practice, and experiential training components are a part of the curriculum. Computer forensics/cybercrime professionals are required to complete continued training, like many law enforcement occupations. Technology is always changing, so computer forensics/cybercrime workers must be prepared to be enrolled in continuing education or re-training programs.

If the goal is to become a private investigator or detective in computer forensics/cybercrime, some states mandate licensure.  Each state may have different regulations regarding requirements for a private career in this field, so an individual should check in the state of practice to see if a license is necessary. For those interested in managing, directing, or researching in the area of computer forensics/cybercrime, a master's or doctorate degree will allow individuals to advance their careers or be a part of generating the latest research in this field. Researchers tasks may include creating new software to block threats to computer databases and safeguarding systems from being accessed by others. 

There are a number of certification options for investigators and detectives that are not specifically designated for computer forensics/cybercrime but are available. The National Association of Legal Investigators offers the Certified Legal Investigator accolade, and ASIS International provides the Professed Certified Investigator distinction. Both certifications require at least five years of law enforcement experience.

Accredited computer forensics degree programs typically include courses in Criminal Investigation, Introduction to Cybercrime, Computer Networks, Digital Evidence, and Financial Procedures. These courses will provide students with a solid computer forensics foundation, and an internship in the field will provide direct, hands-on experience.

Not usually, but potential students should check with their particular schools of interest before applying. There are many colleges and universities that offer degrees that may be acquired exclusively through online coursework.

Accredited degree programs in computer networking, computer systems, or real-world computing are likely to have overlapping coursework with the computer forensics program, although the specific focus will be a bit different. Other programs, such as artificial intelligence and numerical analysis, are more theoretical. Accredited two-year degrees in information technology can also be used to transfer to a bachelor's program in computer forensics; these degrees cover a general array of IT topics, as well as programming techniques. Other programs, such as networking, database, or security IT degrees, focus on a different computer systems area, although they do require some similar courses. A few more distantly related programs, such as information systems or math degrees, can also be used as starting points for a computer forensics bachelor's degree.