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Virginia Commonwealth University

M.S. in Forensic Science –

Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Informational Session 2025

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Introductions

Tracey Dawson Green,

Professor & Chair

Baneshwar Singh,

Assoc Professor & Graduate Program Director

Jo Murphy,

Dept & Community Engagement Coordinator

Patrick Siewert,

Director of Digital Forensics & eDiscovery, ArcherHall

Adjunct Professor

Jesse Lindmar,

Digital & Multimedia Evidence Section Supervisor

Virginia Department of Forensic Science

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What is Forensic Science?

Application of science to the law

Day-to-day professional activities

Evidence Analysis
Data Analysis
Talking to Investigators
Report Writing
Testify in Court

Disciplines within the field

Chemical applications: Trace, Toxicology, Drugs Analysis
Biological applications: DNA, Serology
Physical areas: Firearms and Toolmarks, Fingerprints Impressions, Crime Scene Investigation
Digital Forensics & Incident Response: Devices, Images, Audio/Video

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Digital Forensics

Collection (seizure), processing, & analysis of electronic information for:

Criminal prosecution
Civil prosecution
Incident/threat response
Weaponized code analysis

Major areas: digital media, memory analysis, network analysis (cyber security), mobile devices, Cloud analysis, malware/reverse engineering

Evidence types: audio/video recordings & devices, graphical images, cell phones, cameras, other electronic devices

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Digital Forensics & Incident Response

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Digital Forensics involves collecting data from physical devices, while Incident Response encompasses gathering and preserving data from the cloud, servers, and managing network security, breach, and intrusion detection.
Although these are distinct areas, digital forensics and incident response have integrated into a single forensic specialty.
The increasing reliance on digital devices, networks, and cloud-based systems in personal and professional contexts has led to a growing volume of digital data and potential security threats.

This proliferation has resulted in a need for experts who can investigate and respond to incidents involving digital assets.

The rise in cyberattacks, data breaches, and other forms of digital crime has intensified the demand for professionals skilled in identifying, mitigating, and investigating these threats.
The escalating demand underscores the necessity for highly skilled professionals in the field of Digital Forensics and Incident Response

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Digital Forensics – Why?

Formally recognized by DOJ as a crime lab discipline in 2014

FEPAC accreditation standards

Interdisciplinary & technology oriented

Fastest growing area of crime lab community

Public labs with dedicated section have nearly doubled since 2002*
26% increase in backlogged requests for services in publicly funded labs over recent 5 year period*
“Digital is the new DNA”

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*2014 DOJ CPFFCL report

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Digital Forensics – Why?

Careers span private industry & government

Median salary for this career path is $103,590,

Named one of "top 100 careers with big growth, great pay, and satisfying work" in CNN Money's list of the Best Jobs in America.**
Starting salaries w B.S. entry level mean $66,007^

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**Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020 report

^Salary.com, January 2022

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Why VCU?

Meets goals – Quest 2028

Innovative, transformative learning
“Interdisciplinary collaboration with multiple knowledge communities”

Centrally located, near major digital forensics hub

Full-service Forensic Science Department

Strong partnerships with CMSC & INFO

Only one M.S. major in VA

Few other degree programs nationally; no accredited M.S. programs in Mid-Atlantic region

VCU would be only with accredited FEPAC and a NSA/DHS Center

VCU is already National Center for Academic Excellence for Cybersecurity Center (for Research)

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Future expansion areas (beyond MS & BS) include:

B.S. degree
Accelerated BS/MS
Post-Bacc Certification program
Minor

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M.S. Forensic Science – Graduate Curriculum Basics

Full-time, 2 year program

42 graduate credits required

21 core
21 specialized

Extensive laboratory work & hands-on learning

Required coursework

Foundational & advanced concepts
Digital technology & software tools
Evidentiary procedures
Legal considerations
Ethics & QA
Crime lab structure/function
Expert testimony

Directed research

Faculty or practitioner guided project

https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/ms-in-forensic-science/dfir-concentration/#d.en.743481

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Designed to be eligible for FEPAC accreditation
The curriculum provides students with an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to advanced digital forensic case analysis, testimony, and leadership preparation.

Students will develop a practical understanding of crime laboratory structure and function, emphasizing legal procedures and evidence rules to forensic science as well as ethical practices, bias, quality assurance, and forensic expert testimony in a courtroom setting.

As with all concentrations within the MS in Forensic Science, the proposed concentration will require students to complete a directed research project which begins sometime after the 1^st semester - this is an intensive research project mentored by either full-time faculty or collaborating practitioners in crime laboratories or private companies throughout the country and world.

The direct research project will allow students the opportunity to further specialize in a specific area of digital forensics or incident response and apply their coursework training to practical and real questions at the leading edge of digital forensic science research/development/evaluation

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Core M.S. Requirements

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Digital Forensics & Incident Response – �Concentration Requirements

https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/ms-in-forensic-science/dfir-concentration/#d.en.743481

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Benefits of VCU M.S. Program

Small program in a large University

Benefits of a large University

Convenience of location
Services (Gym, Dining, Career etc.)

High Faculty: Student ratio (1:5)
Opportunities outside of classroom

Service events
Social events
FGSO, Forensic Science Student Club

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Benefits of VCU M.S. Program

Recognized leader in forensics community

Existing accredited programs
Autonomous Department
Established viable research program

Student support

Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Dedicated scholarships & travel funds
Dedicated staff

finance, HR, instrumentation/lab coordinator

Dedicated faculty

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Benefits of VCU M.S. Program

Faculty are experienced forensic practitioners

82% of full-time spent at least 5 years in a forensic laboratory

Many still perform case or laboratory consulting
Active in many professional organizations

Strong local adjunct pool
Multidisciplinary – technical, legal, investigative

Research, Publication, and Funding

On average, 16 publications/year and >25 oral/poster presentations

75% of M.S. students have first-author or co-authorship

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Benefits of VCU M.S. Program

Broad exposure with strong, specialized curricula

Lecture-lab hybrid courses

Lends itself to some online offerings

Modern technology & software tools
Small class sizes (12-14)
All classes led by faculty

Designed by practitioner community

Prepares for certifications

Focus on post-graduate placement

Faculty advisors
Networking opportunities

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Benefits of VCU M.S. Program

Strong ties with forensic practitioner community

Classrooms

Full-time and adjunct faculty
Guest speakers
Weekly seminar series

Research collaborations
National/regional meetings
Large alumni network

Opportunities for relevant research

Directed Research Projects

On-campus

Forensic science
Computer science

VCU Cybersecurity Center

Information Systems

Off-campus

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Digital Forensics & Incident Response – �Practitioner Partners

ArcherHall

Digital Forensics & eDiscovery

MetaData Forensics, LLC
GE

Forensics & eDiscovery

Univ Wisconsin PD

Investigative Services

Virginia – Department of Forensic Science
FBI
US Office of Attorney General
Virginia State Police

High Tech Crimes Division
Computer Evidence Recovery Section

Culpepper County Sheriff’s Office�

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M.S. in Forensic Science

Application & Admissions

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M.S. – Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Admissions criteria

Degree in forensic or natural science, computer science, electrical engineering, business or information systems, information technology, or related with equivalent coursework
GPA >2.9
16 credits in information technology, computer science, business/systems security

Including 6 credits in a programming language(s)
Relevant employment experience, certifications, and/or prior coursework may substitute

GRE is not required

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Applying to VCU Graduate School

Admissions criteria (cont.)

Personal statement:

Why Forensic Science?
Why your particular chosen concentration?
Any particular personal stories or reasons for academic or other history?
Why VCU?

3 letters of recommendation

At least one professor from a relevant course(s)
Professional references, where available
Personal references not appropriate

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Applying to VCU Graduate School

Visit Graduate School Website http://www.graduate.vcu.edu/

Rolling admissions process

Review begins mid-December
Deadline March 1 extended!!
“Wait List”

Online Application process – “APPLY TO VCU”

Create account, keep your login information!
Upload supporting documents
If needed, email additional documents to program @ fos@vcu.edu

Visit VCU Admissions https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/graduate-professional/

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We want you to apply to VCU!

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https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/ms-in-forensic-science/dfir-concentration/#d.en.743481

https://forensicscience.vcu.edu/

Tracey Dawson Green, Professor & Chair

tcdawson@vcu.edu

Baneshwar Singh,

Assoc Professor & Graduate Program Director

bsingh@vcu.edu

Jo Murphy,

Department Coordinator

jsmurphy@vcu.edu

CONTACTS:

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