The Design of an Undergraduate Degree Program in Computer & Digital Forensics

Gary C. Kessler

Champlain College
163 So. Willard Street
Burlington, VT  05401
+1 802-865-6460
+1 802-865-6446 (fax)
gary.kessler@champlain.edu

Michael E. Schirling

Burlington Police Department
1 North Avenue
Burlington, VT  05401
+1 802-658-2704
mschirling@bpdvt.org

ABSTRACT

Champlain College formally started an undergraduate degree program in Computer & Digital Forensics in 2003. The underlying goals were that the program be multidisciplinary, bringing together the law, computer technology, and the basics of digital investigations; would be available as on online and on-campus offering; and would have a process-oriented focus. Success of this program has largely been due to working closely with practitioners, maintaining activity in events related to both industry and academia, and flexibility to respond to ever-changing needs. This paper provides an overview of how this program was conceived, developed, and implemented; its evolution over time; and current and planned initiatives.