So I just realized this and I never really talked about my major and what I can possibly do when I graduate. I was contacted by one of my readers Matthew Schanke. He had a couple of questions based on my major. He originally noticed a post that I made on a website called: www.computerforensicsworld.com and posed some questions regarding what the major is like.

Here are Matt's questions:

What kind of computer forensic / security jobs you feel you're capable of applying for after taking many of the classes?
If you have done the job searches, did you think you matched any of the security jobs pretty well?
Have you taken any certifications since taking any of the classes?

Jobs that I would be able to take at this stage of the game would be more of an internship. Then after I graduate, I might end up in a position ranging from 30k to perhaps 50k per year. This definitely varies depending on where I go. This field relies heavily on experience, and how knowledgeable one is when it comes to this.

At this point in time I feel like I will match a good deal of my searches since I am aiming at entry level positions. Some of the more advanced positions require knowledge of networking programs, which also really depends on what sector you decide to go in. In our major, it is recommended to have an internship, but it is not required because we are able to take various IT related jobs in the area.

As for certifications: Certs cost a good amount of money when you take the classes. My friend Dave took the CCE which stands for "Certified Computer Examiner" Basically it's a boot camp where you attend a class for 6 hours every day during a week, then you take a written exam, then you have to complete 3 data acquisition projects which includes the recovery of data and then writing up a complete report. That boot camp cost $2800 and then to take the test that was about another $300. I would have taken this certification had it not been for the money, Dave put it on his student loans, but I wasn't too keen on that (I already owe enough). But I will keep my eyes open for more possibilities.

The thing that I have to remind myself when it comes to my field is that, my education does not stop at Champlain.I'm going to constantly have to reapply for my licenses and certifications because as we all know, this field is rapidly expanding, and sometimes it is tough to keep up. There are new ways that criminals can hide information. The nice thing about being in a work field that allows me to make a great sum of money is that it would be easy to swallow to drop about 3 grand on a certification.

Another great resource for folks if you're deciding on this major is http://digitalforensics.champlain.edu/gck/ It belongs to Gary Kessler, the program director for C&DF Majors. Please take a look at that for more information. Also take a look at the site for CCE: http://www.isfce.com/

I hope this answers some questions!

Cheers!
MSK