What is a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

A master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a graduate-level program that focuses on the identification, preservation, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence in a legal context. UMGC's online Master of Science in digital forensics and cyber investigation degree is a 30-credit program that covers topics like forensic examination tools and technologies, best practices in forensic examinations, artifact reconstruction and recovery, evidentiary volume and encryption, and more. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as digital forensic analysts, forensic examiners, forensic consultants, and information security managers.

How long does it take to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

UMGC's online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is a 30-credit program with courses offered year-round. If you take two courses per term, you can finish the program in as little as 18 months. If you recently completed an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity technology at UMGC, you may be able to apply credits toward your graduate degree and shorten your time to completion.

How much does a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation follows the specialty graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships for eligible students, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.

What background do I need to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

You don't need to have majored in any specific area to be successful in the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC. However, we do recommend you have a background in computing and programming. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

What will I get from the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

This program focuses on the investigation area of a cyber attack and collecting evidence from digital assets of other specific activity. It will help you develop your competencies in finding, accessing and analyzing digital evidence left on a variety of devices from computers to smartphones and tablets. The program will require that you become adept with network, computer, and digital analysis technologies at an intermediate level.

What student organizations are available to students earning a master’s in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

Computing Club The Computing Club provides a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Students and alumni can join the Computing Club group on CareerQuest.Cyber Competition Team The Cyber Competition Team represents UMGC at various cybersecurity events and tournaments nationwide. Being a member of the team gives students an opportunity to develop their cybersecurity skills and network with other students. The team is open to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni through a tryout process. Email jesse.varsalone@umgc.edu or visit the team webpage to learn more.Upsilon Pi Epsilon (Computing & Technology Disciplines) Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for the computing and IT disciplines, is designed to promote the computing and information sciences and to encourage the enhancement of knowledge in the field. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the computing and information science disciplines. Membership is by invitation only. Undergraduate membership is open to students majoring in one of the computing disciplines who have completed at least 45 credit hours towards their degree, including 30 or more credits at UMGC (in graded coursework) and at least 15 credits from information technology and computer science courses. Undergraduate students need to have a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all coursework taken from the information technology and computer science courses. Graduate student membership is open to students pursuing a master's degree in cloud computing systems, cyber operations, cybersecurity management and policy, cybersecurity technology, data analytics, or digital forensics and cyber investigation; a master's degree in information technology with a concentration in database systems technology, informatics, information assurance, software engineering, or systems engineering; or a legacy master's degree in cybersecurity. Graduate students must have completed at least 18 resident credits towards their degree at UMGC, with a cumulative GPA of a 3.5 or higher. For more information, please email upe@umgc.edu.

Online Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation Master's Degree

Q: Is a master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation worth it?

At UMGC, we want you to be happy with the investment you make in your education, and we work hard to keep our programs affordable. When you choose to pursue your master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation at UMGC, you can rest assured that the quality of our curriculum is backed by our status as an accredited state university and a member institution of the University System of Maryland. Deciding whether an online master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is worth it for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're not sure whether this is the right program for you or need help figuring out how to fit the program into your life, don't hesitate to reach out to us—our advisors and success coaches are happy to help.

Q: Whom is the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation geared toward?

This program is designed for those who want to develop skills and competencies in the analysis of digital evidence. This may lead to positions tracking cyber intruders or digital evidence within government and private organizations as well as law enforcement.

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

30 credits
Transfer up to 12 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$694 per credit (in-state)
$694 per credit (out-of-state)
$336 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

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Advance in your career with an online master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation from University of Maryland Global Campus. This career-relevant online master’s degree program may help provide you with the key skills employers are seeking. Study in a convenient online classroom with knowledgeable professors who have hands-on working experience in the cybersecurity industry. Access course materials that are available as no-cost electronic resources for most courses in this program, so you can save money on textbooks. Start gaining knowledge you can apply on the job right away and apply today! 

Build Crucial Skills in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, & Cyber Investigation

UMGC’s online master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation is designed to prepare you to meet the growing demand for investigative, leadership, and executive skills in analyzing and mitigating cybercrime. Learn how to determine whether a digital system has been attacked or compromised, and master reliable methods to identify, preserve, analyze, and present evidence for legal prosecution and administrative proceedings. This program’s core courses offer a wide perspective of the field, providing the understanding of digital forensics and cyber investigation while balancing the impacts of people, policy, and technology in shaping the future of cybersecurity. The ability to choose an area of focus for elective courses allows for a deeper understanding in a complementary area of study.

Here are a few benefits of this graduate program:

Take courses that may help prepare you for several important cybersecurity certifications, including EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH), EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), and several exams offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).
Join one of our cyber- or IT-focused student organizations like the computing club or Upsilon Pi Epsilon (the international honor society for computing and IT).
Try out for the award-winning Cybersecurity Competition Team to gain hands-on experience and hone your skills in the Virtual Security Lab and nationwide competitions.
By completing four elective courses, you may be able to earn a graduate-level certificate in cloud computing and networking; cyber operations; cybersecurity management and policy; cybersecurity technology; or data analytics.

Image Still for Video: Cybersecurity Career Outlook: Discover Opportunities in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigations

Discover Career Opportunities in Digital Forensics

UMGC’s master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation may help you prepare for a career in cyber attack analysis. Obtain the cybersecurity skills your potential employers are looking for, including collecting and preserving evidence, malware analysis, and cybersecurity forensic analysis. You’ll also learn to use forensic software to gather and analyze evidence and reconstruct the steps that led to a cyber attack. Prepare to meet the cybersecurity needs of today's employers.

Explore the MARS Program in Your Courses

Some of UMGC's online cyber graduate courses utilize the Multi-Dimensional Applied Relevant System (MARS), an AI-driven virtual learning platform that allows students to demonstrate their abilities and apply their cyber skills in a practical, immersive environment.

Read About Platform

Watch MARS Video

Gain Career-Focused Digital Forensics Experience

In today’s interconnected world—where large quantities of sensitive company data are stored in computers and in the cloud—employers are seeking professionals who can anticipate and protect against cyber threats. This program is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in digital forensics, incident response and cyber investigations. UMGC refreshes and updates the online master’s degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following: UMGC refreshes and updates the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Develop Investigative Skills

Employ procedures for results that withstand scrutiny in a court of law.

Evaluate Digital Evidence

Assist public and private organizations in detecting data breaches.

Analyze Data Scenarios

Identify malicious software, network activity, and intrusion.

Identify Responsible Parties

Conduct hands-on forensic searches to identify intruders and methods.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Use state-of-the-art tools and technologies in a lab-intensive environment.

Prepare Professional Reports

Present digital forensics results in a court of law as an expert witness.

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is designed to help prepare you for work in government organizations, the private sector, and law enforcement agencies in the areas of computer and digital crime. Potential job titles within specific digital forensics and cyber investigation careers include cyber defense forensics analyst, cyber defense incident responder, systems security analyst, law enforcement/counterintelligence forensics analyst, and information security analyst.

A person is looking at a closeup of a fingerprint on their computer.

33%

Job Growth

$4M+

Data Breach Cost

570K+

Job Openings

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Digital Forensics Courses

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:

Demonstrate how to properly use digital forensics tools and technologies in various criminal and security breach situations, including preparing reports and presenting findings.
Design and implement strategies for proper seizure, evidence handling, investigation, and analyze digital artifacts, including report preparation and presenting findings.
Assess an information architecture for potential security threats and evidentiary value.
Use the appropriate tools to analyze log files to detect adversaries’ threats and attacks.
Use Ghidra and other reverse engineering tools to analyze malicious files and malware to improve an organization’s overall security posture.
Acquire a forensically sound image and analyze a user’s activity to recover deleted or hidden information from different media types.

Explore UMGC Cybersecurity Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including the career potential of digital forensics majors and how to apply cybersecurity-related principles to everyday activities.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation?

Prepare for a rewarding career with a UMGC master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation.

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Learn how Uneo Health collaborated with UMGC’s Cyber Competition Team to secure its digital assets.

How to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Learn how to prepare for cyber attacks during this webinar hosted by Tina Williams-Koroma and Loyce Pailen at UMGC.

Award-Winning UMGC Cyber Professors Bring Real-World Experience to Their Students

Learn more about how three cybersecurity professors from UMGC use their industry experience to help their students succeed.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation?

Prepare for a rewarding career with a UMGC master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation.

Thinking Like a Hacker

Explore how thinking like a hacker improves security.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cybersecurity Degree Program

Read tips on how to choose a cybersecurity degree program.

Health Provider Enlists UMGC Cyber Team for Pen Testing

Learn how Uneo Health collaborated with UMGC’s Cyber Competition Team to secure its digital assets.

How to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Learn how to prepare for cyber attacks during this webinar hosted by Tina Williams-Koroma and Loyce Pailen at UMGC.

Award-Winning UMGC Cyber Professors Bring Real-World Experience to Their Students

Learn more about how three cybersecurity professors from UMGC use their industry experience to help their students succeed.

Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Master of Science

Cybersecurity Management & Policy

Master of Science

Cybersecurity Technology

Master of Science

I live and work in Guam and I earned my degree at University of Maryland Global Campus.

Suzan L., Guam MS in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Online Master's Degree: Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

Next Session Starts

Build Crucial Skills in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, & Cyber Investigation

Discover Career Opportunities in Digital Forensics

Explore the MARS Program in Your Courses

See Courses & Program Info

View Digital Forensics Program Courses

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Capstone Course

Select Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation Elective Courses

Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation

Cloud Computing Systems

Cyber Operations

Cybersecurity Management & Policy

Cybersecurity Technology

Data Analytics

See Master’s Degree Requirements

General Master's Degree Requirements

Review Technology Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Operating System

Software

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Accelerate Your Path to a Master's Degree

Accelerated Pathway

Related Graduate Certificate

Prepare for Industry Certification Exams

Review Prior Year Requirements

Gain Career-Focused Digital Forensics Experience

Unlock Your Career Potential

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Digital Forensics Courses

Explore UMGC Cybersecurity Insights

What Can You Do With a Master's in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation?

Thinking Like a Hacker

What to Consider When Choosing a Cybersecurity Degree Program

Health Provider Enlists UMGC Cyber Team for Pen Testing

How to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Award-Winning UMGC Cyber Professors Bring Real-World Experience to Their Students

What Can You Do With a Master's in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigation?

Thinking Like a Hacker

What to Consider When Choosing a Cybersecurity Degree Program

Health Provider Enlists UMGC Cyber Team for Pen Testing

How to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Award-Winning UMGC Cyber Professors Bring Real-World Experience to Their Students

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FAQs

What is a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

Is a master's degree in digital forensics and cyber investigation worth it?

How long does it take to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

How much does a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation cost?

What background do I need to get a master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

Whom is the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation geared toward?

What will I get from the master's in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

What student organizations are available to students earning a master’s in digital forensics and cyber investigation?

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