General Catalog 2024-2025

Computer Forensics (AAS)

The Associate Degree program in Applied Science in Computer Forensics is oriented to the training of professionals who possess the necessary skills to work in the field of forensic informatics. This Program is designed for students interested in the fields of forensic informatics systems related to digital forensic analysis and the application of systematic investigation techniques to reconstruct a sequence of events and conduct a forensic analysis in a criminal investigation. The curriculum covers software, hardware, intrusion network protection, security, hacking, cracking, information retrieval, and data decoding, among others. The program seeks to train graduates who may be eligible for work in digital consulting, cybersecurity, criminal investigation, fight against terrorism, and who can aspire to obtain certifications related to forensic informatics.

The student must pass the required courses in the major with the minimum grade of C.

The Guayama Campus is authorized to offer this Program through online education.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

The graduate of this associate degree will obtain a theoretical and practical education that will enable him to perform successfully both professionally and personally. This program, in addition to providing quality undergraduate education in science and practice in the field of forensic informatics, prepares students for employment in that field and a lifetime of learning. It also has as an educational goal to achieve a graduate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable him to be employed, certified and at the same time offer a good service to the society to which he belongs. It is intended to train a well-educated and competent, responsible and respectful professional for himself, his profession and society. Once the student finishes his Associate Degree in Applied Science in Forensic Computing, he is expected to be able to exhibit competencies in the dimensions of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Knowledge

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  1. Forensic review and analysis procedures.
  2. The ethics standards that govern forensic informatics science.
  3. The legal and privacy aspects associated with the acquisition and review of magnetic media.
  4. Maintenance of the chain of evidence custody when an investigation is conducted.
  5. The different file systems associated with operating systems.
  6. Aspects related to the operation of the Internet.
  7. Password breaking techniques.
  8. Topics related to investigations in forensic informatics.

Skills

  1. Apply the laws and procedures associated with the identification, acquisition, examination, and presentation of digital evidence.
  2. Employ theories related to computers in the context of forensic informatic practices.
  3. Use the scientific process and apply the principles of forensic informatics research.
  4. Evaluate the effectiveness of available forensic informatic tools and use them in a way that optimizes the efficiency and quality of digital forensic investigation.
  5. Identify and collect evidence in magnetic media.
  6. Apply in detail the techniques for recovering data from various storage units.
  7. Apply the appropriate techniques to preserve, analyze and report the results of the recovered data.
  8. Correctly apply the main forensic analysis techniques.

Attitudes

  1. Show commitment to ethical aspects and responsible for the problems of investigating cases related to forensic informatic.
  2. Express appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork as an effective means for solving problems in the field of forensic informatics.
  3. Behave ethically in professional performance.

Requirements of the Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Computer Forensics

General Education Requirements 24 credits
Major Requirements 21 credits
Prescribed Distributive Requirements 9 credits
Related Requirements 6 credits
Total 60 credits

General Education Requirements - 24 credits

Major Requirements - 21 credits

COMF 1110Introduction to Computer Forensics

3

COMF 1220Operating Systems Security

3

COMF 2110Digital Data

3

COMF 2120Cyber Crime and Tools for Computer Forensics

3

COMF 2220Systems Design and Architecture

3

COMF 2230Mobile Device Forensics

3

COMF 2231Criminal Investigation

3

Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 9 credits

COTN 1120Computer Program Design

3

COTN 1220Data Communication

3

COTN 2121Network Administration I

3

Related Requirements - 6 credits

CJUS 1000Introduction to Criminology

3

CJUS 3025Criminal Law

3