Washington Computer Forensics

How to Become a Computer Forensic Examiner in Washington State-WA

Washington Computer Forensics Schools

• University of Phoenix, Milwaukee Campus, (BIT) – Information Systems Security
• American Intercontinental University, (BIT) - Computer Forensics
• DeVry University in Federal Way, Bachelor of Technical Management - Criminal Justice
• DeVry University in Bellevue, Bachelor of Technical Management - Criminal Justice
• Kaplan University, BSCJ - Computer Crime

For many, it does not come as a surprise that farming, lumber, and tourism are major industries in the state of Washington. Another major industry in The Evergreen State, which may not be as obvious, is computer software. Therefore, there computer forensics is a growing field in Washington. 

With the ever-growing demand for computer forensic professionals, more and more schools are rushing to make computer forensic degrees more readily available for interested students.  While campus-based computer forensic programs can be difficult to find, Washington has several options available to its residents. However, only a few of these campuses offer computer forensic related degrees, most are only certificate programs. University of Phoenix, Eastern Washington Campus in Spokane Valley, offers a bachelor’s in Information Technology/Information Systems Security program;  Edmonds Community College, in Lynnwood, offers a Digital Forensics Certificate Program; Lake Washington Technical College, in Kirkland, offers an associate’s in Information Assurance and Computer Forensics; Spokane Falls Community College offers a Computer Forensics/Network Security Certificate Program; and University of Washington, in Seattle, offers a Certificate Program in Computer Forensics.

However, if you do not live near the areas that offer campus-based programs, or do not like the idea of having to commute to go to class, online options may be a better fit for you.  With a more flexible curriculum that students are able to complete on their own schedule, online colleges seem to be beating campus schools to the punch.
To learn more about online computer forensic degrees available to Washington residents, click here.

Washington Computer Forensic Salaries

In Washington, individuals in the computer forensics field make far greater money than the average pay across all professions in the state.  According to the United States Department of Labor, Washington has an average state salary of $42,910 across all professions₁.  Computer forensics professions make significantly more at $68,000 a year₂. Of course, as with any profession, the pay for computer forensics varies by the specific city you practice in. For instance, Seattle and Tacoma pay quite a bit higher salaries for computer forensics than Spokane.

Specific breakdown of Computer Forensic Salaries in Washington

• Average salary for a computer forensic examiner in the state of Washington: $61,000-$68,000₂
• Average computer forensic salary in Olympia, Washington: $62,000-69,000₂
• Average computer forensic salary in Seattle, Washington: $63,000-70,000₂
• Average computer forensic salary in Spokane, Washington:  $55,000-$62,000₂
• Average computer forensic salary in Tacoma, Washington: $63,000-70,000₂

₁www.bls.gov
₂www.indeed.com

Washington Computer Forensics: Rules, Regulations, and Electronic Discovery

When it comes to standard operating procedure in computer forensics, every state has its own laws and procedures. Currently, Washington is operating with regards to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Amendments. No activity is expected for approximately one year, but the Rules Committee is conducting ongoing review into amending the Washington State Court Rules₃.   

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