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With both federal and local law enforcement agencies using computer forensics as a means of gathering evidence as well as obtaining more information on suspects, computer forensics specialist is a profession that is growing rapidly. As a forensics data collector, you will gather information electronically from stored or encrypted digital media.

Professional positions include those offered by large corporations who employ computer forensics specialists to monitor the computer activities of their employees or help prevent contractors rogue employees from leaking sensitive data.

At this time, the requirements for acquiring a career in computer forensics are fairly minimal; many professionals learn their skills on the job. Certificate programs, formal education, and online degree programs, however, are increasingly required more often than in the past.

For those who do not have a background in law enforcement or computer security, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer forensics can help individuals find a position in this growing field. A graduate degree can help advance your career even further, allowing you to work as a forensics team leader or bureau supervisor. An advanced degree will also help you gain the credibility you may need to be hired by a large corporation as a freelance computer forensics specialist.

Regardless of your degree, you will need to have solid comprehension of the law and understand how to legally handle evidence. In addition, as you might suspect, you will need to have knowledge of computer systems and programs with the ability to retrieve data from them.

When studying for your degree, you will take courses in business and criminal law and in computer systems and programs. The general ed requirements will usually include technical writing, public speaking, and algebra. All will help you in your daily work as a computer forensics professional.

With the expectation that computer forensics will continue to grow rapidly, it is a pretty safe bet that you will be able to find a position with a law enforcement agency, prosecutor’s office, or large company in the coming years as their need to handle investigations electronically increases.