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Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

Department of Computer Science & Information Technology

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

Department of Computer Science & Information Technology

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Defend Cyber Networks and Collect Digital Evidence

Gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving field

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field and a critical component of our global society. The need for qualified professionals who can prevent and solve cybercrimes has never been higher. As a student in the FEPAC-accredited digital forensics and cybersecurity program, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to defend cyber networks, respond quickly to cybersecurity incidents, and collect and examine digital evidence that can be used in court proceedings.

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Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from now until 2032. Approximately 16,800 openings are projected each year to meet demand and support the industry.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Job Titles Include:

  • Cyber Defense Analyst
  • Data Evidence Specialist
  • Digital Forensics Examiner

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Employers Include:

  • Lockheed Martin
  • National Security Agency
  • Citizens Bank
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare
  • Kentucky State Police

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • 100% job placement for digital forensics & cybersecurity graduates
  • Accredited by Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
  • Partnership with Kentucky State Police provides students with the opportunity to work directly with professionals in the digital forensics satellite laboratory

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Computer Science
  • Informatics
  • Mathematics Systems

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Applied Data Science

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

need info about FEPAC (Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission) accreditation here

Curriculum & Admission

Learn essential skills for today’s cyber security careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation designed to provide students with skills for a career in digital forensics, coursework focuses on a range of technical knowledge, prevention strategy, and forensic techniques.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

Mission of the Program
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity at Eastern Kentucky University is to provide students with an education that will prepare them to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in digital forensics and cybersecurity and develop a career in the related professional fields.


After 3-5 years of their graduation:

  • PEO 1. Our graduates will be productive professionals in the digital forensics and cybersecurity fields.
  • PEO 2. Our graduates will develop professionally through continued formal education and/or professional activities.
  • PEO 3. Our graduates will demonstrate leadership skills at work.
  • PEO 4. Our graduates will contribute to community as digital forensic and cybersecurity professionals.

By the time of graduation, students will be able to:

  • SLO 1. Understand programming and computing hardware and software systems.
  • SLO 2. Design, implement and secure a computing network or data system.
  • SLO 3. Set up systems and policies for cybersecurity incident response.
  • SLO 4. Detect, identify and document the security breaches of a computing network or data system.
  • SLO 5. Contain the harm or damage caused by security breach to a computing network or data system, eradicate the intrusion, and recover or restore the system to its original state.
  • SLO 6. Work collaboratively and effectively with team members, law enforcement, and related personnel for cybersecurity incident response or to accomplish a digital forensic investigation.
  • SLO 7. Conduct digital forensic investigations that conform to accepted professional and ethical standards.
  • SLO 8. Apply appropriate laws, regulations and procedures to handle digital evidence in a digital forensic investigation.
  • SLO 9. Identify potential digital evidence, and necessary techniques, skills, and tools needed for preserving and collecting the evidence.
  • SLO 10. Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for digital evidence analysis.
  • SLO 11. Present digital evidence in a professional and legal environment.

Enrollment/Graduation Data by Academic Year

2024-20252023-20242022-2023
# of FT students Enrolled665748
# of students graduated1257

four-year graduation rate (five-year average): 52.1%

2024-2025 Academic Year

Type of Experience (internship, research, or capstone):Title or Topic of project / area of study:Location (applicable if internship is the ‘type of experience’):
Capstone Course (Required by the major)
10 students		Computer Forensics Capstone (CSC549)
Internship
6 students		– Kentucky State Police Digital Forensics Satellite Lab on EKU campus (5 students)
– Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (1 student)
Research Projects
3 students		– Forensic Data Extraction and Analysis on Smart Watches
– Security Awareness Training: A Study on Its Effectiveness Against Phishing Attacks
– Cybersecurity Incidents from Average Users’ Perspectives

2023-2024 Academic Year

Type of Experience (internship, research, or capstone):Title or Topic of project / area of study:Location (applicable if internship is the ‘type of experience’):
Capstone Course (Required by the major)
7 students		Computer Forensics Capstone (CSC549)
Internship
5 students		Kentucky State Police Digital Forensics Satellite Lab on EKU campus
Research Projects
1 students		Cybersecurity in the Internet of Things Era

2022-2023 Academic Year

Type of Experience (internship, research, or capstone):Title or Topic of project / area of study:Location (applicable if internship is the ‘type of experience’):
Capstone Course (Required by the major)
4 students		Computer Forensics Capstone (CSC549)
Internship
4 students		Kentucky State Police Digital Forensics Satellite Lab on EKU campus
Research Projects
2 students		– Investigation on the Utilization of Location Tracking Technologies by Law Enforcement Entities
– The Advancement and Impact of Social Engineering on Cybersecurity

Representative Employers of Program Graduates:

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

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Heather Davis

Senior Director of Enrollment and Intervention

859-622-3524
cstem.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
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Robert Munafo

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-3101
robert.munafo@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Cruz Macias

    EKU Computer Sciences, Cyber Security & Digital Forensics Student
    EKU made it possible for me to fulfill my goal of completing a graduate degree in an area related to my career path without infringing on my ability to earn and work full-time. That is a game changer.

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News & Updates

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First Gen, First in Cyber

Ervin Daniels, ’94, sets the standard as a first-gen graduate and cybersecurity expert With First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, Ervin Daniels, ’94, serves as an example of how first-generation students can build powerful firewalls of perseverance to reach their dreams. Daniels has achieved considerable success as a first-generation college graduate and now a […]

EKU College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Congratulates Fall 2024 Graduates

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduates of Eastern Kentucky University! EKU proudly celebrated over 1,300 students during the commencement ceremonies held on December 5 and 6, 2024, at the EKU Center for the Arts. This milestone honors the hard work and accomplishments of the remarkable graduates from all of EKU’s academic colleges. Family, friends, faculty, staff, […]

EKU Graduate Partners with PayPal to Help Latino Students at EKU

As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household of Latino heritage, Ivan Olivas found a sense of community and began to envision the exciting possibilities while being a student at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Olivas became very involved with the Latinx community on campus through El Centro, which has grown to be a significant […]

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Contact Information

Department of Computer Science & Information Technology

Wallace Building
Room 417
4366 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2398

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