Where Do I Begin?

[Prophyt]

Hi guys I've become very interested in Computer Forensics. To me it seems like a very exciting and possibly rewarding career. I currently hold a BS in computer networking from DeVry. I've been involved with PCs for over 10 years my first job was a help desk tech. I currently work as an EDI programmer but I just feel like there is something more for me out there.

I currently live in IL close to Chicago. I've been looking all over the web for schools that offer a BS degree in Computer Forensics. Everything points to getting the degree online. My question is are online schools frowned upon when looking for a job after getting the degree? Or would I be better off attending a campus school?

Any recommendations from people working towards this degree or professionals in the field would be great. I also work full time so I would have to be attending evening and weekend classes.

[Manrique1975]

I live in Addison IL. I want to get into computer forensics and currently attending COD for the computer program. Not too really happy with them and feel it's a waste. Any recomendations you can give me as to where to go? I'm thinking ITT but Devry sounds like a more solid choice. Much appreciated!!

[Ancient]

To be honest I am not sure how online schools really work out their programs. But I think it would be more beneficial to get hands on experience. Going on campus may give you the opportunity to get familiar with Encase and FTK which aren't cheap.
_________________
Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion has no hold on the mind.
-Plato

[Prophyt]

A list of schools would help out a ton. I've done the Google search and the only schools close to me are DeVry or ITT. I was hoping to find a school that is 100% focused on teaching computer forensics. Or a school that offers the meat of thier program focused around computer forensics.

I understand a lot of learning will come with using software designed to gather evidence. But I would really like to heard from someone who works and has a degree in this field and just let me know what your first steps were. I'm 28 I don't want to be wasting my time with classes that won't mean anything in the end.

DeVry and ITT from reading what they offer for this degree seem to only focus a little on the forensics aspect and more on the gen ed classes...

Thanks to anyone who will take the time to talk about thier first steps or the right direction for in terms of this becoming my career choice.

[Ancient]

Bloomsburg University.
_________________
Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion has no hold on the mind.
-Plato

[Phosphorous]

The only two traditional colleges that I've found that have online bachelor degree programs are Champlain University and Utica University.

I'm currently enrolled with Utica to start in May. I dropped University of Phoenix because I've wanted to go for forensisc for while now and UoP seemed too much like a papermill.

Both Utica and Champlain offer their online students the same curriculum or as close as possible to what the students that physically attend the college will receive. These are not papermill universities. They are traditional campuses that offer online degress just like Penn State, Harvard, etc. would have if they offered courses like this online.

[Ancient]