At a Glance

Completion Time
8
Months
Credits Required
16
Tuition
$14,478–$16,230
Part-Time*

*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees.

Certificate Details

The online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to develop proficiency in digital crime scene investigation.

Build Expertise in Evidence Recovery, Investigation, and Digital Security

The fundamental role of digital systems in business—from computers and networks to all manner of smart devices—brings serious security challenges. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than $10 billion in losses have been reported since 2015, much of that as a result of hackers, criminals, and other “bad actors” attacking organizations through schemes such as business email compromise (BEC), ransomware, phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches (to name just a few).

To mitigate such risks to valuable information, it is important for IT specialists to obtain a comprehensive overview of digital forensics. The specialized BU MET online certificate program in Digital Forensics provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of digital crime scene investigation and introduces topics such as forensic analysis policy and procedures, forensic analysis tools, data recovery, and investigation, among others.

The Online Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.

Curriculum

Boston University’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics consists of four required online courses (16 units).

Academic units earned toward the online Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics may be transferred to the Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems.

Plus one of the following:

Dates & Deadlines

View BU MET’s academic calendar for online programs, including important dates and deadlines.

Application Requirements

Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.

Image of a digital thumbprint on a large computer screen

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

A BU credential can help lay the foundation for career advancement and personal success.

  • Enjoy an average 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio in courses that are 100% online, while tackling complex issues alongside peers with solid academic and practical experience.
  • Work closely with highly qualified faculty and seasoned industry leaders in a wide range of technology fields who are committed to teaching the latest technologies within the framework of ideas, concepts, and methods that drive innovation.
  • Boston University is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense and Research. BU MET’s information security programs are certified by the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).
  • BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field. In addition, BU’s Center for Reliable Information Systems and Cyber Security (RISCS) offers opportunities to collaborate and participate in research on system reliability and information security.
  • BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over its four decades, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.

Rankings & Accreditations

U.S. News & World Report - Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology - 2026

#12, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs

MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Best Online Programs - Newsweek

#4

America’s Top Online Colleges 

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as chief medical information officer, clinical application developer, clinical data analyst, EHR application specialist, EHR system integration specialist, health informatics specialist, health information manager/director, health information technician, quality officer, safety/privacy officer, among others.

Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET

You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.


Interested in Learning More?

Recent News

Free AI Courses Are Everywhere. Here's Why You Still Need an AI Master's Degree.

In February 2026, Governor Maura Healey announced that every Massachusetts resident could access Google’s AI Professional Certificate — and a full suite of career training programs — at no cost, through a new statewide partnership with Grow with Google. The courses, which normally run $49 a month, cover AI tools, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, […]
Read More

How Fast Can I Get My Online Master's Degree?

Earning a master’s degree is a significant investment, but how long does it really take? The answer depends on your goals and schedule structure. At Boston University, online master’s programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your path or spread out your coursework, understanding your options can help you plan […]
Read More

What Comes After an MBA? Why Leaders Are Turning to AI

The MBA is the defining credential for a generation of business leaders. It builds financial acumen, strategic thinking, and cross-functional fluency — the toolkit for managing complexity and driving organizational performance. For decades, it was the answer to the question every ambitious professional eventually asked: What’s my next move? That question is back. And for […]
Read More
Area of Study