How to Become a Private Investigator | Degrees & Programs

How to Become a Private Investigator

Your idea of a private investigator, also known as a private detective or PI, is probably based on movies, television, and novels. As you might expect, those depictions don’t always show the reality of life as a PI. However, in both fiction and reality, investigators conduct systematic examinations that seek to answer questions, often involving crime.

If you’ve ever considered the possibility of becoming a private investigator, then read on. We’ll tell you:

  • What a private investigator does
  • Who private investigators work for
  • The skills and traits needed to become a successful private investigator
  • How much private investigators earn and the outlook for this career
  • How to become a private investigator
  • About private investigator schools
  • How to get a private investigator’s license
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What Does a Private Investigator Do?

A private investigator is a detective who carries out investigations on behalf of private clients. The ultimate goal of a private investigator is to obtain information, as specified by the client. An investigator may conduct different types of investigations in different areas. Examples are outlined in the next section, but almost all investigations will include one or more of these basic tasks:

  • Search for clues to gather evidence
  • Interview people
  • Verify information
  • Conduct surveillance
  • Gather vital facts for cases
  • Create reports about their findings
  • Find missing persons or items

Types of Investigations

The field of private investigations covers many different types of investigations, but the two overarching types are criminal and civil. In a criminal investigation, a PI gathers evidence in order to solve a crime, while a PI in civil investigation gathers evidence for a civil trial. Some investigators choose to specialize while others choose to offer multiple services. Here are some of the more common types of investigations and techniques an investigator may use:

A check into a person’s personal or professional history to assess character/identity

Often done before hiring an employee, making financial transactions, electing public officials

Done for both civil and criminal investigations

Techniques Used:

  • Conducting internet research
  • Doing social media surveillance
  • Doing interviews
  • Searching physical records

A form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment

An investigation conducted to see whether a worker is making a false claim, or whether a corporation is denying a legitimate claim

May involve civil or criminal action

Techniques Used:

  • Reviewing employee, witness, and supervisor statements
  • Reviewing medical reports
  • Reviewing employment history and other records
  • Conducting interviews/taking depositions
  • Conduction social media surveillance
  • Gathering evidence

An investigation conducted to identify and collect evidence regarding physical injuries received by one or more parties caused by an intentional or negligent act

Techniques Used:

  • Interviewing injured parties
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing police reports, medical records, and other relevant documents
  • Checking for previous claims
  • Reviewing social media

A reconstruction of an accident in order to determine what happened: the cause, location, and circumstances

Determines who’s at fault in order to establish or reduce liability

Techniques Used:

  • Inspecting an accident site
  • Inspecting vehicles involved as appropriate
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing photographs and documentation
  • Using computer software tools for analysis or to recreate a scenario
  • Collecting evidence for a court case

An examination of circumstances surrounding a missing individual

Techniques Used:

  • Reviewing school and work information
  • Interviewing the person reporting the individual as missing
  • Determining when, where, and with whom the individual was last seen
  • Circulating physical descriptions and photographs of the missing person
  • Interviewing family, friends, and business associates
  • Checking social media
  • Obtaining items that may contain DNA
  • Utilizing media outlets as appropriate

An investigation that involves objective observations of a child’s well-being, including assessment of a child’s treatment by their parents

Often part of a divorce, separation, or custody case

Techniques Used:

  • Making background checks on custodial parties
  • Interviewing family members, neighbors, and other relevant parties
  • Conducting surveillance (in-person, audio, video)
  • Reviewing social media accounts, documents, photographs, and public records
  • Examining living conditions

Infidelity: An investigation of an unfaithful spouse or partner

Techniques Used:

  • Interviewing the client
  • Conducting surveillance
  • Gathering evidence (photographs, audio, video)

Spousal Abuse: An investigation into abusive conduct between intimate partners who are married, dating, or residing in the same residence

Techniques Used:

  • Taking photographs
  • Making police reports
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Obtaining a protective order if necessary

An investigation of a corporation or business to uncover wrongdoing by management, employees, or third parties

Wrongdoing may involve finance, R&D, electronics, or corruption

Techniques Used:

  • Conducting surveillance
  • Doing security penetration checks
  • Using accounting and other types of forensics
  • Investigating legal, financial, commercial, and technology, personnel

Identification of fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information

Includes financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, cloning (assuming another’s identity), medical identity theft, child identity theft

Techniques Used:

  • Reporting to banks, credit card companies, local law enforcement, FTC, and other applicable parties
  • Placing fraud alerts at credit reporting agencies
  • Closing any new accounts opened in a client’s name
  • Removing bogus charges and asking for a letter confirming removal
  • Obtaining official copies of the fraudulent application

An investigation of a location associated with a crime

Techniques Used:

  • Helping law enforcement to secure a scene as to prevent the contamination of evidence
  • Collecting, preserving, and packaging the physical evidence
  • Maintaining detailed reports about the evidence
  • Testifying in court about evidence from the crime scene

An investigation of specific crimes such as theft, homicide, sexual, kidnapping, assault

Techniques Used:

  • Interviewing
  • Reviewing police reports and relevant documents
  • Gathering evidence
  • Conducting surveillance

 

Backgrounds and Traits of Private Investigators

Private detectives work in a variety of settings. According to PInow.com, a network of private investigators, the breakdown of places of work is as follows:

Private Investigator Workplaces
Law Firms/Attorneys78%
Individuals55%
Private Companies41%
Corporations35%
Other11%
Source: PInow.com

  Private investigators come from all walks of life. However, they often have certain similar traits and abilities.

Private Investigator Backgrounds
Former Law Enforcement51%
Have a Bachelor’s Degree22%
Former Military21%
Legal Experience13%
Source: PInow.com

 

Skills and Traits of a Private Investigator

Good private detectives have a keen eye and the ability to notice small details. These skills are referred to as near vision — the ability to notice details at close range — and far vision — the ability to notice details at a distance. Another essential trait is the ability to use inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning refers to combining information to form a conclusion, including information and events that are seemingly unrelated. Deductive reasoning refers to applying general rules to specific problems to find solutions. Effective communication skills are also important, both in written and oral form. PIs also need to be able to listen well and evaluate expressions and body language. Today, good research and computer skills are also important, along with the ability to use the many online investigative tools to find credible information, which can be the key to solving a case. Strong intuitive senses help a detective discern when something is off. Patience and persistence are also important traits for any detective.

Career Outlook and Salary Information for Private Investigators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for PIs in May 2022 was $59,400. At that time the top paying states for private investigators were:

Top Paying States
Oregon$72,150 per year
New York$70,350 per year
Virginia$68,620 per year
New Hampshire$67,420 per year

Career Outlook

The outlook for private investigators is good: Employment for PIs is projected to grow 5% to 8% through 2032, which is significantly faster than the growth averages of other occupations. The five states with the highest employment level of private investigators are California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Steps to Becoming a Private Investigator

Most people have no idea how to become a private investigator. Here’s what you need to know: The steps needed to become a private investigator vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing authority to find out what’s required. You’ll find the basic steps typically include:

  • Get a degree. While some states may not have specific education requirements, a degree may open doors to opportunities you might not otherwise get.
  • Get experience.
  • Get a license from the state where you plan to work. Be aware that you’ll probably have to go through a background check. Additionally, you’ll probably want to obtain a concealed weapons license.
  • Get a job that will provide experience and help you develop your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

In addition to these steps, on-the-job training and working with a mentor can be invaluable. This is true for all phases of your career — before, during, and after getting your degree.

Private Investigator Schools

People who become private investigators tend to have a strong interest in criminal justice, so getting an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a good starting point for this career. These degrees will provide a solid foundation for moving into a wide range of positions. When you’re considering a private investigator school, you’ll want to evaluate the strength of their criminal justice programs.

Associate Degree

Since many law enforcement agencies now require at least some college in order to be considered for employment, individuals interested in becoming investigators often choose to get an associate degree in criminal justice knowing it will help them gain an understanding of the criminal justice system. It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn this degree. A benefit of getting an associate degree in criminal justice is that the credits earned for your associate degree can usually be applied toward a bachelor’s degree, which might be required for a job you want or a step necessary to advance your career. As you earn your degree you’ll gain a strong understanding of criminology, psychology, the criminal justice system, law, procedures, and how to conduct good investigations.

Bachelor’s Degree

A variety of career paths and higher level jobs may be available to you if you hold a bachelor’s degree. You’ll often find that some employers, such as corporations and federal agencies, require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice. On average, a bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours, which takes four years as a full-time student to complete, or an additional two years if you hold an associate degree in criminal justice.

Online Programs

There are a number of online criminal justice degree programs. Some programs offer internship opportunities; others will require you to seek out these opportunities, such as a summer internship with a law enforcement or government agency, on your own. Here are a few things to think about when considering an online program:

Pros

  • Online programs are convenient.
  • Online programs offer greater flexibility because you don’t have to be in a classroom at a set time.
  • Online degree programs are generally less expensive. Even if tuition costs are the same, you save money on gasoline, parking, and meals out.

Cons

  • Many people miss the live social interactions with other students and instructors.
  • Online programs require good time management skills and self-discipline.
  • An online program requires good technology.

Getting a Private Investigator License

Most states require that private investigators be licensed. Licenses are regulated by professional boards, state police departments, and other state agencies. Requirements vary by state. In some instances a license may be required only at the city or county level. Common requirements for obtaining a PI license include:

  • Meeting a minimum age requirement (ranging from 18 to 25)
  • Meeting education requirements (typically an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field)
  • Passing a background check and fingerprinting
  • Providing proof of relevant experience
  • Passing an exam. A number of states require you to pass an exam that demonstrates knowledge of applicable local laws and regulations plus the skills necessary to handle the work in a competent manner. Questions typically focus on elements of the job such as legally obtaining information, rules of evidence, surveillance, trial preparation, and ethics. In order to renew a license, some states have continuing education requirements.
  • Holding a valid, current surety bond. A surety bond of at least $10,000 is common; however, this amount varies, so make sure to check the requirements for your state.

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In addition to state PI license requirements, private investigators who have their own practice are subject to applicable business laws.

While you’re here, check out other fields like police detective.

Becoming a Bounty Hunter | CriminalJusticePrograms.com

Bounty Hunter / Bail Enforcement Agent

Bounty hunting is a popular career choice in the field of criminal justice, due in part to the popularity of shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter. Bounty hunters work with bail bond companies and other law enforcement personnel to catch fugitives who have skipped out on their bail or did not show up to their court date. If you want to learn more about working in criminal justice, use our listings to start your search today!


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Bounty Hunter Job Description

As a bail enforcement agent, you must work within the limits of the law to enforce the law. You may take assignments from your company, which may front bail money for those who agree to appear on their court date in exchange for bail money. This may require you to track people down at their homes, at work, or more commonly, when they are on the run. You may have to be creative in how you identify, catch, and return people. A bounty hunter’s salary typically depends on how many fugitives are successfully apprehended and returned to the court for their trials.

You must also be very knowledgeable about the laws in your state if you want to work in this field. Acting illegally or unethically may cause issues for your company and risk your employment. In an extreme example of a bounty hunter acting unethically, a bail bondsman in Florida was arrested in April 2018 for pocketing bond premiums for one of her clients. Part of your job involves keeping yourself up-to-date on these regulations so that you can follow them. You may find bounty hunting or bail enforcing to be a very rewarding job. You work may bring criminals and fugitives back to court, keeping your community safe and upholding the standards of the legal system.

This is clearly a fairly physical job, as you may be expected to pursue suspects and defendants who are on the run from the law. You are expected to do whatever you need to do to apprehend a suspect, so you may work a variety of shifts and travel all over the state. Y

 

How to Become a Bounty Hunter (Bail Enforcement Agent)

While many criminal justice and law enforcement jobs require quite a bit of education and specialized training, bounty hunters do not typically have to complete a degree in criminal justice. However, since this job does require the use of a gun, you must meet background check requirements and complete firearm safety training. To find out what you need to do to become a bail enforcement agent, it’s important to look at the state in which you plan on working. In Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Florida, and Wisconsin, bounty hunting is illegal. If you want to work in this field in these states, you must become a bail enforcement agent. This job title does require licensure, so you may have to complete a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement. In states where bounty hunting is legal, you simply need to meet the expectations of each individual employer.

At minimum, you need a high school diploma or GED to become a bounty hunter. Even if a more advanced degree is not required, it may give you a more extensive range of employment opportunities to consider. You must also go through the process of earning a firearm permit; this process differs from state to state. Typically, this step requires you to pass a background check and prove that you do not have a dangerous criminal background.

Once you are hired as a bail enforcement agent or bounty hunter, you may complete on-the-job training. Some of the topics you may cover in your training include investigation techniques, civil law, due process, and how to appropriately and legally apprehend a fugitive. After you becoming a licensed bail enforcement agent or a bounty hunter, you may have to keep up on training requirements to maintain your position. This may include coursework on laws and statutes in your state, new techniques for the apprehension of suspects, and updates on firearm safety in your state.

 

Bounty Hunter Salary and Career Outlook

Across the US, the job outlook for bounty hunters, bail enforcement agents, and other investigative specialists is very promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, detectives, investigators and others in this specialty will experience a 6% increase in jobs through 2032.

Salaries for bounty hunters and bail enforcement agents depend on many factors, including where they work, how much experience they have, and how successful they are at apprehending suspects. The national average salary in this field is $52,120 per year. In California, the average salary for someone in this field is $58,650 (CareerOneStop, 2022). On the other end, Wisconsin bounty hungers earn an average yearly salary of $54,380.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

 

Becoming a CIA Agent | Find Schools Near You

Becoming a CIA Agent

Few criminal justice agencies have the mystery and high status of the Central Intelligence Agency. This agency is responsible for gathering information about people, businesses, and foreign governments. In addition, this agency analyzes that information to create security policies for the United States. A small group of CIA professionals carry out secret missions and operations. Although this career path may seem out of reach to most students, you can still pursue this career path while opening other doors in the field. If you’re interested in a criminal justice career, contact the schools in our directory to learn more about their programs.


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CIA Agent Job Description

If you become a CIA security agent, you may need to carry out a variety of protection tasks to support other agency members. This job tends to require secrecy, as you may have to participate in covert or secretive operations. In the course of your job, you may have to protect people in positions of importance, offer security services to other members of the agency, or take on a primary role in day-to-day CIA operations.

As one of the most elite agencies in the United States government, the Central Intelligence Agency is very particular about the people it interviews and hires. Your preparation for a career in the CIA should begin early, as completing the proper training and gaining relevant experience can improve your chances of getting hired by this agency. Furthermore, CIA agents must attain a very high security clearance. Anything you do in the years leading up to your application may be heavily scrutinized.

When you look at some of the largest criminal busts and covert operations in the US, you can see that the CIA is behind many of them. You can read about some of the most famous CIA cases here. Examples include breaking the German’s ENIGMA during WWII and helping track and find Osama Bin Ladin.

The Central Intelligence Agency often sends its protective agents on overseas assignments. They claim that you should prepare for deployment periods of 45 to 60 days. You may travel multiple times each year, so you should be prepared to spend a lot of time away from home if you want to work for the agency. However, there are also temporary duty assignments in the US, so you may travel within the country.

While considering a career in the CIA, you should always remember discretion. The CIA operates on covertness and secrecy, so you must be willing to keep your position and job information to yourself.

How to Become a CIA Agent?

Though the minimum requirements for CIA security agents are relatively relaxed, it’s crucial to note that the Central Intelligence Agency prefers to hire people with a certain set of skills. You must have a high school diploma, great communication skills, and analytical abilities.

Since this is such a competitive career path, you may want to exceed minimum expectations if you want to be seriously considered for a position. The CIA notes that it prefers to hire those with a bachelor’s degree, especially if the degree is in criminal justice, foreign language, or another related field. Continuing your education beyond this level can make you even more highly-qualified.

In addition to education, the CIA has extensive work experience requirements. In total, you must have at least seven years of experience in military, law enforcement, or security. Having experience in protective operations or a military special operations branch may make you a more appealing candidate for a CIA job.

If you’re in the planning stage of your career, you can look at the CIA’s desired requirements to help you figure out where to focus your attention and efforts. They have a particular need for applicants with deployment experience in a war zone, work experience in different aspects of protective operations, and management experience. If you’ve worked in the medical field, you may be well-suited for a CIA position. They like to hire those who have worked as paramedics, EMTs, or First Responders.

You must go through a period of extensive training after being selected for a CIA protective agent job. All training is in Washington DC. You may have to learn about the importance of discretion when it comes to working for the CIA, how to go undercover, and different techniques for protecting those in your care.

Central Intelligence Agency Logo

CIA Agent Salary and Career Outlook

The Central Intelligence Agency is very secretive about how many agents it employs and how many people it hires on a yearly basis. This is essential for keeping the agency’s operations and agents safe. As a result, it is fairly difficult to determine the career outlook for CIA protective agents and others who work for the CIA. According to the agency, their hiring needs vary from month to month as positions get filled and other positions open up.

CIA protective agents can earn a wide range of salaries. Your starting salary will likely depend on how much education you have and how much relevant experience you have. CIA clandestine agents earn between $67,122 and $102,166 per year. In the job description for protective agents, it’s noted that agents often work overtime, including long shifts and deployments. You may earn overtime or bonus pay while working extra hours to meet the needs of the agency.

2023 Central Intelligence Agency salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Are you ready to learn more about working for America’s most secretive employer? Contact the schools below to learn more about their programs!

Computer Forensics & Computer Science Degrees

How to Become a Computer Forensics Investigator

In the field of criminal justice, technological changes have created a growing need for professionals who can track down, isolate, and present evidence of digital crimes.

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What Is Computer Forensics?

Computer forensics is a field of science that involves identifying, recovering, preserving, and presenting evidence found in computers for use in criminal or civil investigations.

The term “cyber/digital forensics” is often used interchangeably with “computer forensics.” Technically, computer forensics is a specialty area within cyber/digital forensics. The latter deals with investigations of more than just computers, such as mobile devices and video and image data.

However, colleges and universities aren’t usually so specific. Computer forensics and cyber/digital forensics programs often have similar focuses and coursework. Employers also might have their own requirements for computer forensic investigators that overlap with other digital forensic fields.

What Does a Computer Forensics Investigator Do?

Computer forensics investigators are computer “detectives” who access, preserve, and analyze computer information that might serve as evidence for civil or criminal investigations. As computing and computer security become more advanced, the job of a forensics investigator becomes more challenging. They need to be extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of information technology.

Judd Robbins, a computer forensics expert, describes the basic process of retrieving digital information:

  1. Secure the information on the computer so that unauthorized users cannot access it.
  2. Find and make copies of every file on the computer, including encrypted data. Investigators should only work on copies of the files, because accessing a file can alter it.
  3. Find deleted and hidden files using special software programs.
  4. Decrypt and access protected files.
  5. Analyze areas of the computer that are normally inaccessible.

Throughout this process, investigators need to document every step. The documentation should list the files and data recovered from the system, whether any files had encryption, and describe the system’s physical layout. The documentation step is critical, since computer evidence that isn’t documented may not be admissible in court.

The final step may be for computer forensics investigators to testify in court.

Specialized and Related Computer Forensics Jobs

As a computer forensics investigator, you may use your skills broadly in several areas of criminal justice. Or you may specialize in a particular area such as pornography, internet child exploitation, financial fraud, or hacking.

Where you work could also determine what you specialize in. For example, if you work for the Department of Homeland Security, your focus may be on terrorism—retrieving data from the computer of a suspected or convicted terrorist.

Who Hires Computer Forensics Investigators?

As a computer forensics investigator, you may find many types of employers in your field. These include, but certainly aren’t limited to:

Federal Government Employers

Regional and State Employers

Private Employers

  • Technological asset companies (companies that track and manage software and hardware assets so they don’t become compromised)
  • Law firms
  • Security or investigation firms
  • Consultancies

Due to the secure nature of computer forensics, you’ll almost certainly have to undergo a background check to be hired for a job. Additionally, keep in mind that you may find some of what you encounter in your role as a computer forensics investigator to be disturbing. Make sure to discuss your role expectations with your hiring manager or others who have worked in the field.

Computer Forensics Salary and Career Outlook

The field of computer forensics is expected to grow significantly. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t report specific projections for computer forensics investigators, it projects a 15% increase in many computer and IT jobs through 2032 and a 32% increase for information security analysts. This projected growth is much faster than that of most other occupations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earned an average annual salary of $112,000 (BLS, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Online crime and cybercrime grow each year as technology encompasses more areas of our lives. Trained computer forensics investigators are needed to help authorities identify, recover, preserve, and present evidence from digital devices used to commit crimes.

Some examples of how digital crimes follow our changing technological landscape: According to the World Economic Forum, the crime of cryptojacking, or targeting of cryptocurrency owners, increased in 2018. The Forum’s predictions for 2020 include a rise in advanced phishing attacks, mobile smartphone fraud, vulnerabilities in home automation and Internet of Things devices, and artificial intelligence for cybersecurity evasion and social engineering.

Requirements to Become a Computer Forensics Investigator

There is no single path to becoming a computer forensics investigator. Most people pursue a bachelor’s degree, although obtaining a master’s degree may improve your chances of getting a job. Some might start as IT majors but then narrow down their area of focus to forensics, while others might be criminal justice professionals who decide to specialize in computer forensics.

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics

Earning a bachelor’s is usually the best place to start. There are many options—look for programs in digital forensics, information technology, IT with a computer forensics concentration, cybersecurity, digital security, and so on. Additionally, schools offer a range of options for on-campus, hybrid, and online-only training.

Coursework will vary depending on the specific degree program you choose but will likely include classes such as:

  • Introduction to computer and digital forensic science
  • System fundamentals
  • Network security
  • Criminal law
  • Digital forensics investigative techniques
  • Computer ethics
  • Malware analysis

Master’s Degree in Computer Forensics

Although it’s not necessary to get a master’s degree to work as a computer forensics investigator, having a master’s degree can lead to jobs with more responsibility, positions at higher levels, certain government jobs, paths to advancement, and so on. Some computer forensics master’s programs are designed for specific industry professionals like law enforcement officers, IT specialists, or network administrators.

There are a variety of degree programs you can choose from. You might choose a computer science degree with a concentration in computer forensics. There are general degrees, such as Master of Science degrees in computer forensics, digital forensics, and cyber security. There are also specialized degrees (or concentrations) in areas such as security informatics, malware analysis, vulnerability management, and electronic crime.

Depending on your program, you might take courses such as the following:

  • Information technology auditing
  • Fraud examination
  • Network forensic criminal investigations
  • Reverse engineering and memory forensics
  • Cryptography and authentication

Most master’s programs also require you to complete a capstone project and/or internship.

Online Computer Forensics Programs

Some institutions offer fully online programs that can be a good fit for full-time working professionals who need schedule flexibility and the ability to take classes from anywhere. These online programs include associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs, and even doctoral programs such as a Ph.D. or a Doctor of Information Technology.

You may also come across hybrid (also called “blended”) online/in-person programs in computer forensics, both at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. You can usually complete much of your coursework online, but you will also be required to participate in internships or other hands-on experiences in physical locations.

Online or hybrid programs can offer more flexibility than in-person programs and may allow you to complete a computer forensics program based in another state or city. Online and hybrid programs may also allow you to finish your degree or certification faster than traditional in-person programs.

Computer Forensics Certification

Obtaining certification is a voluntary process that shows employers and other professionals that you have the knowledge and skills to perform your job as a computer forensics investigator. Becoming certified generally involves passing a test that includes multiple-choice questions as well as a practical exercise.

One of the more prominent is Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) certification. In fact, a growing number of government agencies and other companies are now requiring forensic computer examiners to have this certification.

Another option is Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) certification, which covers nine testing domains such as computer forensic tools, hard disk evidence recovery and integrity, and evidence analysis and correlation.

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification is for individuals who have had at least 72 hours of training in specific core competencies of computer forensics. Before taking an examination, candidates must undergo a peer review.

Resources

  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)The AAFS is a multidisciplinary professional organization that aims to promote professionalism, foster research, improve practice, and encourage collaboration in the forensic sciences. Its members include physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, anthropologists, digital evidence experts, psychiatrists, criminalists, and others.
  • International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)The ISFCE administers the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) certification, an internationally recognized computer forensic certification that is vendor neutral and open to both law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel. It also offers a professional network and resources for certified individuals.
  • American Society of Digital Forensics and eDiscovery (ASDFED): ASDFED is a nonprofit membership organization offering advocacy and educational resources for individuals who work with technology and the law, and those who handle, secure, or process digital evidence.
  • High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA)The HTCIA provides education and collaboration opportunities to members for the prevention and investigation of high-tech crimes.
  • International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)IACIS is dedicated to training, certifying, and providing membership services to computer forensic professionals around the world.
  • ForensicsWikiThis site is a compendium of user-contributed information dedicated to the field of forensics. 
  • Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3)Operating under the executive agency of the Secretary of the Air Force, DC3 provides forensic services, cyber technical training, vulnerability sharing, technical solutions development, and cyber analysis within the Department of Defense mission areas.