The M.S. program in Digital Investigation Management is a 42-credit graduate program designed to address the specific needs of management in the field of digital forensics, which broadly covers computer analysis and examinations, digital and cybercrime investigations, and electronic discovery and litigation support. A report by Gary C. Kessler, MSDIM program director, and Don Haggerty, Associate Provost for Graduate Programs, titled "Pedagogy and Overview of a Graduate Program in Digital Investigation Management"describes the background, philosophy, and curriculum of the MSDIM program.

In 2002, Champlain College recognized a global lack of sufficient computer forensics professionals, and responded with an undergraduate degree program to educate professionals in this growing field. The Computer & Digital Forensics program started on campus in 2003 and has been offered online since 2004 (the online program is called Computer Forensics & Digital Investigation).

One of the seminal reports that convinced the original curriculum designers that such a program was necessary identified ten critical issues for local and state law enforcement with respect to computer crime: public awareness, data reporting, uniform training and certification, management assistance for on-site electronic crime task forces, updated laws, cooperation with high-tech industry, special research and publications, management awareness and support, investigative and forensics tools, and structuring a computer crime unit. By 2006, discussions with colleagues and practitioners in both the private and public sectors suggested that most of these critical issues remain inadequately addressed.

Most of the open issues, however, are not just about technology or personnel. In fact, all of these issues can be addressed—and to a large part resolved—through appropriate long-term management and policy creation. Just as computer forensics and digital investigations require specialized training and education, the management necessary to address these issues is also specialized. Most individuals running electronic or high-tech crime units are law enforcement officials who have risen through the ranks of law enforcement as digital investigators but who, largely, do not have this type of specialized management training. Private sector digital evidence practices are also staffed by a large number of former law enforcement computer forensics examiners.

The Decision

Discussions with a wide range of sources — including undergraduate students (many of whom are already experienced examiners), outside practitioners, organizations hiring computer forensics examiners, potential students, industry experts, academics, and our program's Advisory Board — convinced the program designers that the lack of a management focus on computer forensics was a growing concern in the field, both in the private and public sector. In addition, a management perspective is ideally suited to a graduate level of education; indeed, many examiners noted that their path for career advancement was best served by obtaining an advanced degree that would enable them to move into a management role.