A joint effort of the college’s Criminal Justice and Computer Information Sciences Departments, the certificate is intended to address a growing need for computer forensics skills in law enforcement and Information Technology. Computer and digital forensic is an emerging discipline that focuses on the acquisition, recovery, documentation, and analysis of digital information on computers, cell phones, PDA’s and other digital devices. A computer forensics investigation is trying to figure out what happened, when it happened, how it happened and who was involved. Digital evidence may be used for civil, criminal and administrative proceedings. While earning a certificate the student will learn how to property collect, authenticate, analyze, document and present evidence. The hands-on program is designed to enhance careers for IT and criminal justice professionals and develop skills in computer forensics. A minimum of 26 credit hours are required for graduation.