Cybercrime, M.S.

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College: Behavioral & Community Sciences
Department: Criminology

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

Concentrations:

Cyber Criminology
Digital Forensic Investigations

This major shares core requirements with the M.A. in Criminology.

This is a self-supporting program. A cost comparison of tuition and fees can be found here.

Please note: With the exception of the Department of Children and Family (DCF) waivers, all other waivers (including State of Florida and USF employee) are not accepted for Self-Funded/Self-Supporting or Market Rate Tuition program courses. For additional information, visit: USF Tuition Waiver.

The Master of Science in Cybercrime is a fully online major designed to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the application of criminological theory, research, and practice to the study of criminal activity that involves the internet, computer systems, and digital technologies. Students in the Cyber Criminology Concentration will master current criminology theory and research as it relates to the social and behavioral aspects of cybercrime and develop an understanding of the types and extent of crimes involving digital technologies. Students in the Digital Forensic Investigations Concentration will learn investigative methodologies, tools of inquiry, and evidence collection and analysis.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

A statement of purpose detailing reasons for seeking a graduate degree in Cybercrime
A professional or academic writing sample providing evidence of the candidate’s academic capabilities.
Two letters of reference speaking to the applicant’s academic capabilities

Students who have completed graduate coursework prior to admission to the Major may have their transcripts evaluated to determine coursework that could be applicable toward completion of the M.S. in Cybercrime.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours - 30 Credit Hours

Shared Core Requirements - 11 Credit Hours
Concentration - 18 Credit Hours
Capstone: 1 Credit Hour

Shared Core Requirements (11 Credit Hours)

CCJ 6118 Introduction to Criminology Theory Credit Hours: 4
CCJ 6705 Research Methods in Criminology Credit Hours: 3-4 (3 credits for this program)
CCJ 6706 Quantitative Analysis in Criminology I Credit Hours: 4

Select one of the following Concentrations:

Cyber Criminology Concentration (18 Credit Hours)

Complete the following 15 Credit Hours:

CJE 6688 Cybercrime and Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6698 Cyber Victimology Credit Hours: 3
CCJ 6602 Profiling Cybercrime Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6690 Cybercrime Law and Social Policy Credit Hours: 3
CCJ 6637 Technology Adoption and Crime Credit Hours: 3
And select one course (3 credit hours) from the following:
CCJ 6935 Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 3 Topics will vary. More than one CCJ 6935 topic/course may be offered at a time. Current Special Topic Courses Include: Homeland Security for a Networked Nation (3 Credit Hours) Undercover Cyber Investigations (3 Credit Hours) Mobile Forensics (3 Credit Hours)
CJE 6627 Digital Evidence Recognition and Collection Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6626 Digital Forensic Criminal Investigations Credit Hours: 3
CCJ 6905 Directed Independent Study Credit Hours: 1-12 (1-4 Credit Hours for this program). Independent Study in which the student must have a contract with the Instructor. Offered only upon authorization by the Graduate Director and Instructor.

Digital Forensic Investigations Concentration (18 Credit Hours)

Complete the following (15 Credit hours):

CJE 6627 Digital Evidence Recognition and Collection Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6624 Introduction to Digital Evidence Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6625 Network Forensic Criminal Investigations Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6216 Mobile Device Forensics Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6626 Digital Forensic Criminal Investigations Credit Hours: 3
And select one course from the following (3 credit hours):
CCJ 6935 Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 3 Topics will vary. More than one CCJ 6935 topic/course may be offered at a time. Current Special Topic Courses available for the Digital Forensic Concentration include Homeland Security for a Networked Nation (3 credit hours) and Undercover Cyber Investigations (3 credit hours). CCJ 6935 offered as Mobile Forensics is required and may not be used as an elective.
CJE 6698 Cyber Victimology Credit Hours: 3
CCJ 6602 Profiling Cybercrime Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6688 Cybercrime and Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 3
CJE 6690 Cybercrime Law and Social Policy Credit Hours: 3
CCJ 6905 Directed Independent Study Credit Hours: 1-12 (1 to 4 credit hours for this program). Independent study in which the student must have a contract with the instructor. Offered only upon authorization by the Program Director and the Instructor.

Center of Academic Excellent Certification Option for Digital Forensic Concentration (12 Credit Hours)

For students wanting further NSA/DHS CAE (Center of Academic Excellence) certification for their degree, 4 additional out-of-college courses (12 credits) are required. These classes fulfill the complete CAE certification requirement.

ISM 6328 Information Security & Risk Management Credit Hours: 3
ISM 6577 Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Credit Hours: 3
MAD 5474 Applied Cryptography Credit Hours: 3
EEL 6787 Data Network, Systems, and Security Credit Hours: 3

Capstone (1 Credit Hour)

CCJ 6057 Cybercrime Capstone Credit Hours: 1

Comprehensive Exam / ePortfolio

The student will be required to submit an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) demonstrating completion of core program competencies in the Cybercrime M.S. Degree program. This competency‐based portfolio will substitute for a written comprehensive exam. The ePortfolio will be completed and submitted during CCJ 6057 Cybercrime Capstone ePortfolio.

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