Graduate Certificate in Digital Investigation
The Digital Investigation certificate provides students with a concentration of expertise to conduct digital investigations using a wide array of specialized tools and knowledge. Individuals holding a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Information Systems, or a related field would be suitable candidates for this program.
This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program in Digital Investigation must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Up-to-date resume
Stem Requirement
At the minimum, students are expected to present a background comparable to that provided in the following courses as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of Sam Houston State University:
Prerequisite courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses | ||
| COSC 2327 | Intro to Computer Networks | 3 |
| COSC 3318 | Data Base Management Systems | 3 |
| MATH 1420 | Calculus I | 4 |
| STAT 3379 | Statistical Methds in Practice | 3 |
Students who have not fulfilled the prerequisites in formal coursework are required to take one or more of the graduate stem courses, in addition to the 30 semester credit hours required in the graduate certificate in Digital Investigation.
Graduate Stem Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Stem Course Requirements | ||
| COSC 5301 | Quantitative Foundations of CS | 3 |
| COSC 5302 | Computer Science Core Topics | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Digital Investigation | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| DFSC 5315 | Network and Cyber Security | 3 |
| DFSC 5317 | Digital Security | 3 |
| DFSC 5327 | Digital Forensics Investigatn | 3 |
| COSC 5330 | Malware | 3 |
| DFSC 6312 | Multimedia Forensics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Stem Requirement
At the minimum, students are expected to present a background comparable to that provided in the following courses as described in the Undergraduate Catalog of Sam Houston State University:
Prerequisite courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses | ||
| COSC 2327 | Intro to Computer Networks | 3 |
| COSC 3318 | Data Base Management Systems | 3 |
| MATH 1420 | Calculus I | 4 |
| STAT 3379 | Statistical Methds in Practice | 3 |
Students who have not fulfilled the prerequisites in formal coursework are required to take one or more of the graduate stem courses, in addition to the 30 semester credit hours required in the graduate certificate in Digital Investigation.
Graduate Stem Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Stem Course Requirements | ||
| COSC 5301 | Quantitative Foundations of CS | 3 |
| COSC 5302 | Computer Science Core Topics | 3 |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Digital Investigation is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Digital evidence analysis skills.
- Data security planning and implementation.
- Networking security planning and implementation.
