A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Forensics denotes the knowledge to prepare, develop and implement data recovery programs; whereas the Master of Science in Forensic Computing combines criminal justice studies with computer forensic and sciences training. While computer forensic science is offered in these advanced forensic programs, several programs are offered in community colleges and online that are specifically accredited and fulfill the educational requirements needed to achieve a variety of lesser data forensics certifications.
The EC-Council is one of the foremost certification organizations in this field and was instrumental in 'Ethical Hacking' becoming an accepted practice for Information Security Assurance. Because many students will require more advanced certifications for their career goals, the EC-Council offers certifications in several information and e-business security skills. While the Council does not offer training, they do have has an association of educational members worldwide that offer training in principles and procedures that are up to date with current standards.
Advanced degrees in accounting, criminal law or e-business are commonly completed by data forensic specialists as a step towards career advancement. A computer forensic specialist with interest, training and experience in business related fields other than computer science can better interpret a wider variety of data to provide more credible evidence in a court of law. With an advanced degree in a specialty that utilizes technology, a professional can achieve quite a bit of credibility as a freelance data forensics specialist.
Professional forensic data specialists have always worked closely with both local and federal law enforcement, even as a freelance consultant, to gather and analyze data samples to identify evidence regarding a suspect or known criminal. As reliance on technology has bloomed, large corporations have increasingly begun employing computer forensics professionals to monitor the computer activities of employees. This practice is intended to protect private information for both customer and company, a practice that can only become more rewarding in the future.