To successfully enter the computer forensics profession, individuals should have at least an associate degree in this field. This type of degree program prepares students for employment in law enforcement departments, data recovery and information technology criminal investigations. Students also can pursue an associate of network security degree with a focus on computer forensics, which trains them on how to fight cyber crime and terrorism and shield networks from hackers. To get into a two-year degree program, students usually need a high school diploma or GED. Taking high school courses in areas such as computer science, geometry and algebra additionally is helpful, according to CollegeBoard.com.
Those who graduate from two-year degree programs also can transfer to a four-year college or university, where they can earn a bachelor's degree in this field. These programs additionally are available online. With a college degree and three years of experience in the field, an individual is eligible to take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium Inc. Certification makes individuals more employable.
Graduate degrees in computer forensics additionally are available for individuals who want to become forensic team leaders or bureau supervisors, according to WorldWideLearn.com. A bachelor's degree typically is required to get into a master's degree program, with colleges usually preferring applicants to have four-year degrees in fields such as computer science or criminal justice. A master's degree program generally takes two years to complete and might require students to complete a research thesis on an aspect of the industry. Doctoral degrees in computer forensics are not common, but they are likely to become more common in coming years.
Many people who are interested in entering the computer forensics field pursue professional certificates as well. Computer securities or law enforcement professionals usually complete certificate programs because they need extra education to become skilled computer forensics professionals but already have a legal or computer background. These programs usually are short and require fewer than 10 courses.
Computer forensics degree programs typically require students to complete an internship before they graduate. Students can find internships at a crime lab, police department or private company. These internships give students the opportunity to undergo real-world training and network with professionals in the industry. Internships might last a few weeks or more than a year. Completion of an internship also might meet the experience requirements enforced by several computer forensics associations.
Required classes in a computer forensics training program cover topics such as telecommunications, introduction to computer forensics, network management and operating system security. Students also study data protection, applications development, data modeling and C+ programming. Other courses educate students about white collar crime, digital media, criminal procedure and forensic technology, according to DegreeDirectory.org.