Why This Matters
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CYBERSECURITY SKILLS GAP COULD MEAN 3.5 MILLION JOBS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
Computer forensics experts are in high demand. A global skills shortage could mean as many as 3.5 million unfilled jobs in cybersecurity-related positions worldwide.
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THE COMPUTER SECURITY MARKET COULD GROW BY 31% BY 2029
Between 2019 and 2029, the computer security market could see job growth of up to 31%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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EARN $103,590 PER YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Graduates can work in a variety of computer forensics and information security roles, earning an average of $49.80 per hour for information security analyst work.
Our Research
This list features online undergraduate programs in computer forensics and cybersecurity. These subjects are a form of computer science, and as such most undergraduate courses lead to a Bachelor of Science degree. All of the programs in this list are delivered entirely online.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Computing Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (CAC-ABET) offer accreditation for undergraduate-level computer science courses. We have also included some courses accredited by regional bodies. Regional accreditation gives assurance that any credits earned should be readily transferrable to other universities for continuing study, and it’s helpful for those looking to pursue a master’s or professional certifications after graduation.
- 50 hours to write this article
- 44 universities and colleges we assessed
- 71 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Computer Forensics Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
Bachelor’s degrees in computer forensics allow learners to focus on information security, data recovery, and forensics, offering a deeper level of specialization than a general computer science degree.
There is no specific governing body that controls the accreditation of Computer Forensics qualifications. CAC-ABET accredits computing-related degrees, however — this is one common mark of quality in the industry. Degrees from regionally accredited universities are also respected.
Graduates can work in computer forensics directly or work as information security analysts, data recovery experts, or cybersecurity consultants. Demand for computer forensics experts is growing rapidly, meaning there are good job opportunities for those who hold a degree in this field.
There are no licenses required for those looking to work in computer forensics. However, qualifications such as the vendor-neutral CFCE from IACIS or the EC Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker are desired by some employers.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in computer forensics programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most of these online degrees take four years to complete if studied full-time. However, since the courses are self-paced, students may have the chance to spread their studies over a longer period, such as six years, or to complete an accelerated three-year program.
- Am I eligible for this program? Many computer forensics undergraduate programs offer open enrollment, accepting students from any background. However, some courses require students to have a specific GPA. Check the admission requirements on the institution’s website before applying to confirm your eligibility.
When researching programs, take note of the application deadlines. Some degrees have multiple enrollment periods. This means new students won’t need to wait long to start their coursework.
If you require financial aid, complete your application in good time and research other student funding options such as scholarships.