I’ve read a number of posts in computer forensics forums that have to do with education. Generally, the questions have to do with either how to get started in computer forensics or what type of degree (AA, BS, MS, PhD) one should pursue.
In my opinion, and this applies to any field, the amount of education necessary is a function of how far “up the ladder” you want to go. In terms of the computer forensics field, if you want to be a technician you could get an Associate’s degree or go the certification route. With no further education though, you may spend your career imaging hard drives or building forensic workstations.
With a Bachelor’s degree, some experience and perhaps a certification such as the EnCE you could land a solid role as a forensic investigator or forensic analyst. If you put in some time in this role and continue to pursue certifications and training, you could work your way into a team lead\deparment manager role and honestly probably go about as high up the corporate ladder as anyone.
A Master’s degree is a good way to get into a computer forensic analyst role if you already have a Bachelor’s degree in another field. If you couple the MS with a certification such as the EnCE you can probably expect the same career path as described above for the Bachelor’s degree. Depending on the company though, you may have an advantage over the individual with the Bachelor’s degree and your path to the top may be a bit more expedient.
I’m not aware of a PhD program in Computer Forensics but if one exists, I would think it would be appropriate for someone who either wants to instruct at the university level or wants to start his\her own company.
If you have some IT experience already and you are trying to determine which route to go in terms of a degree, I’d recommend taking some of the training courses from Guidance Software. Perhaps obtain the EnCase Certified Examiner certification as your entry point to the computer forensics field.
Once you are actually working in the field, you can make a better assessment of the route you’d like your career to follow and then you can make your decision regarding the correct degree program.
