Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science (online)
Overview
An online Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science requiring 30 to 36 credits, with a capstone research thesis course.
- Official program name
- Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science (online)
- Awarded degree
- Master of Science · major: Digital Forensic ScienceSource: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Degree level
- Master's
- Subject focus
- Dedicated degreeThe degree itself is in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science or a closely related justice subject.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Forensic type
- Digital forensicsDigital evidence and forensic investigation. It is distinct from generic cybersecurity.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- School
- Location
- Burlington, VTFor the online option this is where the school is located — not a residency requirement, and not a guarantee that you may enroll from your state.
- Subjects
- Digital Forensics — core of the degree (“Digital Forensic Science”)
- Required credits
- 30-36 total creditsSource: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Duration
- 10 months estimated time to completion with 2 courses per term (2 courses per term)A minimum under the stated conditions, not a typical length.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Why this program is listed
Dedicated online MS in Digital Forensic Science, stated to be entirely online.
Degree title names digital forensic science; includes a capstone research thesis.
Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026We list associate, bachelor's, master's and research-doctorate programs in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science and related subjects at institutionally accredited US schools — degrees in the subject and formal concentrations, never certificates or one-elective degrees. Eligibility rules
Format and attendance
- Formats offered
- OnlineSource: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Online delivery
- Fully onlineAll coursework is online and the institution states no required campus attendance for the online option.All coursework is online and the institution states no required campus attendance for the online option.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Campus visits (online option)
- Campus visits: not verified
- Class schedule (online option)
- Not verified
- Internship
- Internship requirement: not verified
- Study intensity
- Not verified
The program page does not say whether the online option requires campus visits. Ask the school before you apply — missing information is not “no requirement”.
Curriculum
Thesis
- Capstone research thesis course (DFS 580, 3 credits) concludes the program.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Digital evidence focus
- Coursework includes operating system analysis with tools such as The Sleuth Kit and Volatility.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Careers and licensure
Career and licensure statements for this program: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
A degree does not guarantee police academy admission, sworn officer certification, federal employment, a security clearance, a position with a named agency, a forensic laboratory job or eligibility to practice as a psychologist. Those have separate training, scientific prerequisites, examinations or hiring requirements set by the agency, state or licensing board. Academic degrees vs police academy training
Admissions
Technical preparation
- Prerequisite courses
- OptionalApplicants meeting stated requirements are waived from CMIT 500 and DFS 500 (30 credits); others take them (33-36 credits).Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Prior degree
- RequiredBachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
- Minimum GPA
- RecommendedMinimum 2.5 — A minimum 2.5 GPA is recommended; exceptions may be made case by case.Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Tests
Entrance and English-language test policy: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
We do not publish acceptance rates or estimate admission chances.
Start dates and deadlines
- Upcoming
Application deadline
December 29, 2026 · for Spring term 1 2027
Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Tuition and fees
| Category | Amount | Basis and year |
|---|---|---|
| All students — Online graduate tuitionFrom the school's online tuition table | $608 | per credit · 2026-27Source: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026 |
Other published fees
- One-time graduation fee
- $150 entire programSource: online.champlain.edu · verified October 24, 2026
Scholarships and funding
Program-specific scholarships: not verified. We publish this only when the institution states it on an official page.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) — accreditedSource: ope.ed.gov · verified October 10, 2026
FEPAC program accreditation
This program does not appear in FEPAC's accredited-program list. FEPAC accredits forensic science programs only and is optional; its absence is not a sign that a program is illegitimate, and the school's other programs or institutional accreditation do not imply it.
State authorization (online students)
Not verified — check the school's state authorization page before applying from outside Vermont.
International applicants
Not verified for the online option.
Sources and verification
- online.champlain.edu/degrees-certificates/masters-digital-forensic-science — Official program page, verified October 24, 2026
- DAPIP — NECHE institutional accreditation record (data files downloaded 2026-10-10) — U.S. Department of Education dataset (IPEDS / DAPIP), verified October 10, 2026
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Similar programs at other schools
Same degree level and focus. Listed for discovery, not ranked.
North Carolina A & T State University
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Virginia Commonwealth University
Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
Criminal Justice Degrees is independent and not affiliated with Champlain College. Information is collected from official pages and directories and can change; confirm requirements, costs and deadlines with the school.