Focused on Computer Forensics – Utah Valley University

A couple of months ago, we submitted a blog post titled, “Computer Forensics… How do I get Started?” In it, we shared some of the different ways in which a person might go about how someone begins a career in computer forensics. Much of that article focused on education and certification. Well, there is a school we’ve researched recently that an excellent information technology department. This department offers programs focused on computer forensics and cyber security that we’d like to mention in today’s blog article. That school is Utah Valley University.

Information Technology – Computer Forensics and Security Emphasis, B.S.

The College of Technology & Computing at Utah Valley University (UVU) offers a B.S. in Computer Forensics and Security. On its website, UVU states that this program provides students with, “a solid foundation for employment by government or corporate sector to work in a computer forensics lab as a forensic analyst or in information security.” Considering the curriculum that the school has developed for this program, which consists of 126 semester credits, there is no doubt that this should be on the short list of those pursuing a career in the field.

Information Systems and Technology Graduate Studies

You may also earn a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from UVU’s College of Technology & Computing. If you are serious about separating yourself from others in the field, this might just be that opportunity. In the website’s program description, it states that students who complete this program will have, “advanced technical and managerial knowledge of cybersecurity, preparing them for senior technical and leadership roles in the field.” There are those that do and there are those that do it better by going the extra mile. This program provides you with the opportunity to fall within those in the latter category.

UVU Prepares Students

Utah Valley University has established relationships with the National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in order to ensure that more students are being exposed to and educated in the field of cyber security. In an article from March, 2016, KUTV.com reporter Chris Jones shared that, “Utah Valley University is working with the National Security Agency to help supply new employees for the agency’s massive date collection center in Utah County.” So, not only are you getting a great education at UVU, but it’s highly likely that you will have great job prospects when you complete a program there.

UVU’s Professor Robert Jorgensen

In the aforementioned article, it mentions that, “students find themselves getting jobs even before they graduate.” Robert Jorgensen is the one who shared this information. He is the Cyber Security Program Director at UVU and this isn’t the first time his expert opinion was solicited for an article. Professor Jorgensen was also interviewed by Felicia Martinez of Good4Utah.com in an article titled Cyber Hacks: How to Protect Yourself. In it, professor Jorgensen shares how you can protect yourself from cyber hacks.

Professor Jorgensen has a ton of real world experience, which is extremely beneficial to the students in his classroom. In addition to experience, he is a highly educated individual. Not only has he earned a Master of Science in Information Systems from the University of Utah, he also holds numerous certifications. These certifications include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Certified Intrusion Analysts (GCIA), Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): Security. So, it’s pretty obvious why his opinion is valued and often solicited. There’s also no doubt that he will help to prepare you for a career in the field.

Final Word

Not only does Utah Valley University have programs that will prepare you for your future in computer forensics and cyber security, but it also is very active in terms of providing students with opportunities after they graduate. Having outstanding faculty members like Professor Jorgensen is a huge plus. If you’re interested in a career in this field, UVU should be on the short list of schools that you consider attending.