The increasing need to examine computer systems and digital devices in most criminal and civil investigations is why digital forensics is a growing field in high demand.

The Digital Forensics and Private Investigation Certificate, available to earn at Eastfield, issues proper training for jobs like private investigator, digital forensics technician, security specialist and other criminal justice fields. Digital evidence possession, extraction, preservation, operating systems, cybercrime and criminal investigation, homeland security, computer fraud and data security are all topics covered throughout the program.

The Texas Private Security Board has recognized this certificate as a substitute for some of the required experience for a private investigator license since 2015. The next step for students who complete the program and have an associate degree in criminal justice is to pass the license exam. If private investigation is a student’s intended career path, they will gain those relevant skills through the hands-on and scenario-based training of the program.

Digital forensics and private investigation is often an expert-level field, however, there can be entry-level positions available for students if a certification or associate’s degree is earned. “There are many jobs available: law firms, attorneys, private companies, banks and insurance agencies,” Criminal Justice Curriculum Chair Patrick Patterson said. He added,“One must have a Private Investigator license if hired by an attorney in Texas to access information from a client’s digital device.”

This program is designed for a student who enjoys digging deep to master the body of knowledge needed to become an expert in a field that plays a critical role in the criminal justice system. “There are no prerequisites before taking the Private Investigation course,” Patterson explained. “In the state of Texas, one can become a Private Investigator at 18 years of age.” He added, “Eastfield is the only school in the State of Texas that offers a technical and credit program in Private Investigation. The course can take up to 25 students and you can complete the entire certificate in one semester.”

The Digital Forensics and Private Investigation program brings together a mix of technical, legal and investigative knowledge. Other jobs in criminal justice can benefit from these courses because of the ever-growing technological advances. “Since the world of cybercrimes is evolving, I would say both are interesting,” Patterson said, referring to the fact that whichever career path a student takes after acquiring the certificate will be fascinating.