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Master of Science in Forensic Computing

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If you are interested in computers and you want to make a difference in the community, then why not consider the Master of Science Program in Forensic Computing at John Jay College?

For possible career opportunities, please click on the link to this recent New York Times article about the need for cybersleuths.

For information about Graduate Studies Admission, click here
 
Questions or comments with respect to the information presented on this webpage should be directed to Janice Carrington.

Program Co-Directors: Professor Samuel Graff and Professor Richard Lovely

The Master of Science in Forensic Computing integrates criminal justice studies with computer sciences and computer forensic training.  Graduates will possess the knowledge to conduct and manage forensic investigations involving digital devices and electronic crime.  They will also have the knowledge to help organizations protect their computer systems.  As the problems of investigating computer crime and securing computers are ever changing, graduates will be imbued with the leadership skills necessary for taking the initiative when confronted with new challenges.  Graduates of the program are expected to serve as leaders in the field, capable of training others in the latest forensic computing methods, guiding and consulting on cybercrime investigations and computer security, solving new problems as they emerge and continually building on their existing level of expertise in order to keep their knowledge and skills current.

Program Details:
Degree Requirements
Required Courses


Degree Requirements
This program is intended for students who have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in core computer science.  At a minimum, applicants for the Master of Science in Forensic Computing should have successfully completed the equivalent of the following undergraduate coursework or have comparable experience: two semesters in object oriented programming; one semester in data structures (stacks, queues, linked lists and trees); one semester in algorithms (searching and sorting); one semester in operating systems fundamentals; two semesters of calculus; and one semester in calculus-based statistics and probability.

For students without professional experience in law enforcement or significant organizational experience, a professional practicum (FCM 780) will serve as a capstone for the program.  It will provide practical experience working on criminal investigations with law enforcement agencies or computer security projects with public agencies and private corporations.

Students must take the general Graduate Record Examination prior to admission.

Program requirements consist of 39 credit hours, with a qualifying exam.


Required Courses
Electronic Crime and Investigation                                     Subtotal: 12 credits
Forensic Computing 752 The Law and High Technology Crime
Criminal Justice 710 Issues in Criminal Justice I 
Criminal Justice 727 Cybercriminology
Forensic Computing 753 Digital Forensics Applications


Core Computing Subtotal: 9 credits
Forensic Computing 700 Theoretical Foundations of Computing
Forensic Computing 710 Architecture of Secure Operating Systems
Forensic Computing 742 Network Security 


Computer Forensics and Security Subtotal: 9 credits
Forensic Computing 740 Data Communications and Forensics Security
Forensic Computing 745 Network Forensics 
Forensic Computing 760 Forensic Management of Digital Evidence

 

Forensic Computing Elective                                                Subtotal: 3 credits                                                                                        

Criminal Justice 708 Law, Evidence and Ethics

CRJ 733 Constitutional Law
CRJ 750/PAD 750 Security of Information and Technology
FCM 705/FOS 705 Mathematical Statistics for Forensic Science


Graduate Elective Subtotal: 3 credits
Select one course from any in the John Jay College graduate curriculum               


Capstone Seminar Subtotal: 3 credits
Forensic Computing 780 Capstone Seminar and Fieldwork          
Forensic Computing 791 Forensic Computing Prospectus Seminar

Total: 39 credits