Digital Forensics ,BS
Applied Math, Applied Mathematics, Computation, Crime Lab, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Science, Mathematics, Quantitative Science, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, crime analysis, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), statistics
Prepare for a role at the forefront of digital investigations, where science and law converge. Use state-of-the-art tools to analyze cybercrime evidence, building practical skills to address real-world challenges. You'll be well positioned for a challenging career in cybersecurity, where your expertise contributes to meaningful solutions.
Digital forensics is the discipline that employs data generated and stored on computers, mobile devices, networks and cloud environments to systematically collect, analyze and preserve evidence related to crimes or incidents. Using this process, professionals help determine the causes of crimes and provide reliable evidence for court proceedings.
The Bachelor of Science program in digital forensics provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with the specialized skills and legal knowledge required for collecting and analyzing digital evidence. By integrating diverse fields such as digital forensics and cybersecurity, the program prepares you to effectively address the complex challenges of cybercrime and digital misconduct.
You engage in hands-on learning activities --- including laboratory exercises, internships and field experiences based on authentic cases --- to systematically master state-of-the-art software and analytical techniques, strengthening both your theoretical understanding and practical expertise. Active faculty research and strategic industry partnerships expose you to innovative technological trends and security issues, enabling you to thrive as a professional in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
- Math
intensity: Moderate
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply core forensic methodologies and information security principles to the preservation of digital evidence in investigative scenarios.
- Implement scripts and tools to optimize forensic workflows and automate data analysis by leveraging computational thinking and programming expertise.
- Analyze cybersecurity incidents across complex technological environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT systems.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the digital forensics program are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
With the multidisciplinary skill set they have acquired --- spanning technical, legal and investigative domains --- graduates are prepared for fast-growing, emerging roles in digital investigations and cybercrime. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that between 2024 and 2034, employment of one such role, information security analyst, will increase 29% --- a rate much greater than that for most occupations. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in government agencies and law enforcement, for consulting firms and on cybersecurity teams.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
-4.2%
|
$99,130
|
|
|
1.8%
|
$76,220
|
|
|
5.3%
|
$96,980
|
|
|
8.7%
|
$105,850
|
|
|
12.8%
|
$72,060
|
|
|
8.2%
|
$116,580
|
|
|
28.5%
|
$129,180
|
|
|
8.2%
|
$116,580
|
|
|
-0.7%
|
$93,790
|
|
|
8.2%
|
$116,580
|
School of Interdisciplinary Forensics
|
FAB N101
SIFadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
