Master of Science
in Cybersecurity,
Digital Forensics
4-week
COURSES
Year-round
enrollment
250K+ Alumni Worldwide
Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Specialization in Digital Forensics
The specialization of Digital Forensics provides a greater focus on investigation and analysis of computers and networks. Students will be able to examine digital summaries of indications, investigations of digital forensics and preserve digital evidence.
Degree Requirements
Foundation Courses
For the MS in Cybersecurity with a specialization in Digital Forensics, you must complete nine foundation courses and four specialization courses.
Course Name
Examines the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and the associated technology. Includes securing the environment, security technologies in the environment, security threats, and security responses. Ethical and legal aspects of cybersecurity are also examined.
Prerequisite: CYB 600 with a minimum grade of B.
An introduction to the tools and techniques utilized in cyber defense and offensive cyber operations. Use of technical tools will be demonstrated in virtual lab environments.
Prerequisite: CYB 601
Analysis and evaluation of threat modeling and cyber threat intelligence to reduce risk and enhance organizational Cybersecurity posture. Development and use of threat models to identify threats to systems and applications. Methods for collecting and utilizing threat intelligence to identify organizational threats are also covered.
Prerequisite: CYB 602
Concepts covered include a comprehensive wireless and mobile security overview including the design, planning, installation, and maintenance of wireless network security infrastructures. Emphasis is placed on information warfare countermeasures relative to government, military, terrorist and rogue, and private enterprise demographics.
Prerequisite: CYB 604
An introduction to the concepts of network security monitoring and incident response. Students will conduct an analysis and evaluation of network security monitoring tools and techniques. Students will examine the methods for conducting incident response.
Prerequisite: CYB 606
An introduction to the concepts of cloud computing. This course will examine the security implications of operating in a cloud computing environment. Tools and techniques to implement DevSec ops will be introduced.
Prerequisite: CYB 608 and completion of one specialization area.
A Master’s level project dealing with a student’s area of specialization in the Cyber Security and Information Assurance program. The students will create an original project with practical applications using cybersecurity policy, regulatory, and testing frameworks. The project will integrate the concepts of cyber security and information assurance taught throughout the program. Project management techniques and collaboration will be emphasized along with the ethical and legal aspects of the project. Grading is H, S, U only.
Prerequisite: CYB 699A
Master’s level project dealing with a student’s area of specialization in the Cyber Security and Information Assurance program. The students will create an original project with practical applications using cybersecurity policy, regulatory, and testing frameworks. Project management technqiues and collaboration will be emphasized along with the ethical and legal aspects of the project. Grading is H, S or U only.
Prerequisite: CYB 699B with a minimum grade of S. Students to successfully complete CYB 699B
Master’s level project dealing with a student’s area of specialization in the Cyber Security and Information Assurance program. The students will create an original project with practical applications using cybersecurity policy, regulatory, and testing frameworks. Project management techniques and collaboration will be emphasized along with the ethical and legal aspects of the project. Project results will be presented to a panel for review. Grading is by H, S or U only.
Specialization Courses
Course Name
Prerequisite: CYB 607
Develop advanced skills in threat hunting and incident response to promptly and effectively identify and mitigate threats. Learn the threat hunting cycle and techniques for proactive, reactive, and continuous hunting. Utilize tools like SIEMs, EDRs, and threat intelligence feeds for real-time threat identification and response. Gain practical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios.
Prerequisite: CYB 640
An introduction to the field of digital investigations, including the techniques, tools, and methodologies used to investigate cybercrime and other digital incidents. Students will learn how to collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence from a variety of sources, including computers, mobile devices, and the cloud. The course will also cover the latest trends in digital investigations, such as the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In addition, the course explores the legal and ethical considerations involved in digital investigations, including the use of digital evidence in criminal and civil cases, and the rules of evidence in digital investigations.
Prerequisite: CYB 641
Gain in-depth understanding of cloud forensics and incident response, focusing on techniques, tools, and methodologies for investigating and responding to security incidents in cloud environments. Explore challenges and considerations specific to cloud computing. Covers the entire investigation process, including evidence collection, analysis, and incident response activities.
Gain in-depth understanding of cloud forensics and incident response, focusing on techniques, tools, and methodologies for investigating and responding to security incidents in cloud environments. Explore challenges and considerations specific to cloud computing. Covers the entire investigation process, including evidence collection, analysis, and incident response activities.
Prerequisite: CYB 607
An examination into the critical aspects of risk management in cloud computing environments. The curriculum addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of risk management in the cloud. Students will explore the challenges, methodologies, and best practices associated with managing risk when using cloud computing environments. Various frameworks and risk management for zero trust environments will be covered in this class.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a digital forensics investigation on a server or workstation using commonly accepted standards and tools.
- Demonstrate the ability to preserve digital evidence using federal rules of digital evidence.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a digital forensics investigation on a mobile device using commonly accepted standards and tools.
- Examine digital evidence for indications of illegal malicious activity or malfeasance.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.