Masters Degrees
Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) - Emphasis in Computing
Computer Forensics deals with identifying; preserving, recovering, analyzing, and documenting computer data purportedly used in crimes committed using computers. This field has arisen since the microcomputer revolution of the 1980s. Criminals using computers may leave some evidence of their activities on their computers. Seizing and analyzing such digital evidence has become an important aspect of criminal prosecution. For more information please visit the College of Science website.
Fall Courses Offered by the Computer Science Program
MSFS 6050: Overview of Forensics Computer Analysis
Topics: Computer basics, Forensics basics, Incident response procedures, Legal and regulatory issues, General investigation techniques, File system overview, Open and commercial tools introduction and lab practice, Case studies
Prerequisite: N/A
MSFS 6150: Introduction to Cyber Crime
Topics: Cyber crime conception, Information assurance and security basics, IT Abuses, attacks, crimes, and their countermeasures, Legal and regulatory issues, Cyber crime social and economic impact, Cyber crime investigation, Lab practice, Case studies
Prerequisite: MSFS6050 (can be taken the same semester)
Spring Courses Offered by the Computer Science Program
MSFS 6250: Digital Forensics
Topics: Computer file system forensics analysis, Data hiding, compressing, and encryption, Windows forensics response methodology and tools, Registry exploring, Recovering deleted, encrypted, hidden data and metadata, Windows logs
Prerequisite: MSFS6050, CSIS1410, CSIS2420, CSIS3600, CSIS2810.
MSFS 6450: Network and Internet Forensics
Topics: Network and Internet basics, Evidence at different network layers, Virus basics and analysis, Windows event logs, Live system and static system response, Web application forensics including browsers forensics (IE, Firefox) and Toolbar forensics, and Website vulnerabilities, Messenger forensics (Yahoo, AOL, and MSN), Email forensics, Inter Relay Chat forensics
Prerequisite: MSFS6050, MSFS6150 or CSIS3650 (network security), CSIS 1410, CSIS 2600
MSFS CS Track Prerequisite
Candidates for the Graduate Forensics Science Program Computing Track are required to have a bachelor in Computer Science or Information Systems or related field having sufficient knowledge in Programming, Hardware, Operating Systems, and Networking. The courses offered at SUU corresponding to the listed knowledge are:
- Programming Language -- CSIS1400 and CSIS 1410
Scripting language would be preferred, but C++/Java is fine - Data Structure and Algorithm - CSIS2420
Basic data structures and basic search algorithms - Operating Systems -- CSIS3600
Basic concept on process, threading, CPU scheduling, process synchronization, deadlock detection, memory management, I/O and disk, OS security - Computer Architecture -- CSIS2810 (more on logic) (or EET 2780, more on hardware)
- Data Communication & Networking - CSIS 2600
Contents: OSI model concepts, basic network concept, plus hands on experience on building and configuring a network. Concepts on Internet protocols, such as TCP/IP, TCP connection set up, TCP/UDP, DNS systems, etc.
If the candidate for this program does NOT hold a related bachelor degree, or the candidate does NOT have the above listed knowledge, he/she may take the above courses, or take CSIS4850 4-credit hours course to meet the pre-requisite knowledge needed to succeed in the program.
The equivalency is decided on the course content. Related work experience would also be considered, but may need supervisor’s recommendation and permission from graduate program advisor.
Computer Forensics Lab
Hardware
- 20 networked machines equipped with 24 inch LCD
- Disk and USB writeblocks
Software
- Linux, Win XP and other earlier Microsoft OS versions installed
- FTK/ UTK
- Encase
- X-ways forensics
- Hex Workshop
- Drivespy
- Open Source Software (dd for windows and Linux, PS Tools, cygwin, register, file, and memory monitors, etc.)
Please contact the CSIS Department for further information on the Computer Forensics Program at SUU.