2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog

Digital Forensics, MS


Contacts: 

Deepika Das, ddas06@syr.edu, 315-443-1036
Assistant Teaching Professor, Director of Curricular Programs for the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute at Syracuse University

Website: 

https://thecollege.syr.edu/degree-programs/digital-forensics-ms/

Overview: 

The M.S. in Digital Forensics is a 36-credit program that combines the iSchool’s expertise in information security, digital forensics, and data analytics with the forensic science expertise of the Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute in the College of Arts and Sciences. Digital forensics is the acquisition and analysis of evidentiary information that is stored or transferred in binary form. Digital evidence is found on computers, networks, mobile devices, drones, “smart devices,” and in “the cloud.” Single investigations often generate dozens of digital devices with terabytes of data. It is the fastest growing area in forensics science. Courses will provide training and experience in the collection, examination, analysis, reporting, and legal proceedings involving digital evidence, preparing graduates for careers in in digital forensics, information security, business intelligence, investigations, and traditional forensic science.

II Secondary Core


(3 credits) - Students must take one from the courses listed below. 

IV. Research


Each student is required to participate in original research, write a detailed report of publishable quality, and successfully defend the results in front of a committee of three faculty members in a public seminar. This research should be conducted as part of an on- or off-campus research project, internship, or independent study. Additional credits of independent study or internship may be used to satisfy elective credit by petition.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND PRINCIPLES: Apply knowledge to gain skills required for the identification, collection, preservation, examination and analysis of various types of digital evidence.

2.a RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING: Identify needs for research in digital forensics and critique methods and approaches used in investigations involving digital devices and different data sources.

2.b RESEARCH AND CRITICAL THINKING:  Use a rationale-based approach to evaluate and analyze complex digital problems relating to networks, file systems, operating systems, hardware and various digital devices.

3. ETHICS and QUALITY: Assess and apply ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, and quality assurance protocols and standards as they relate to issues regarding seizure, chain of custody, and issues in acquiring and processing digital evidence. 

4. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION: Effectively communicate scientific principles with objectivity and transparency to stakeholders, including scientists and non-scientists.

5. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Investigate digital evidence using forensic techniques and tools. Participate fully in a research project, including communicating findings both orally and in written forms.