Digital Forensics

The Ontario Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics is designed for professionals and recent graduates who want to build advanced skills in the fast-growing fields of cybercrime investigation and digital evidence analysis. Students learn to apply industry-standard forensic tools and investigative techniques to uncover, preserve, and interpret digital evidence across a wide range of systems and platforms. 

The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through labs, simulations, and real-world case scenarios. Students practice everything from forensic imaging and evidence recovery to preparing reports that can stand up in regulatory, corporate, or law enforcement contexts. Courses also integrate knowledge of cyber laws and ethics, ensuring graduates understand both the technical and legal aspects of modern investigations. 

A distinctive feature of this program is the opportunity to study at both Humber’s Lakeshore and North campuses. While based at Lakeshore, students spend one to two days per week at the North Campus, accessing state-of-the-art labs, connecting with faculty experts in cybersecurity, and building networks across related programs. This dual-campus model gives graduates a broader perspective, exposure to cutting-edge facilities, and an experience unique to Humber. 

The program also introduces students to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital investigations. Students explore how AI can support automation in evidence analysis, pattern recognition, and threat detection — critical skills as the scale and complexity of digital crime continue to expand. 

Graduates leave the program prepared to contribute to investigations in law enforcement, the private sector, and regulatory environments, equipped with both the technical depth and professional competencies needed for a career in digital forensics. 

The program incorporates experiential learning through hands-on labs, case study simulations, and scenario-based investigations using industry-standard forensic tools. Students will work on mock cases that mirror real-world cybercrime and digital investigations, including chain-of-custody documentation, evidence imaging, and report writing. 

Two courses in the program are specifically designed to focus on professional practice and capstone engagement, preparing students to apply their skills directly in investigative and organizational contexts. These courses ensure graduates are ready for the demands of the workplace and can demonstrate competency in both technical analysis and professional reporting. 

Where possible, partnerships with industry, law enforcement, and regulatory organizations will provide opportunities for guest lectures, workshops, and applied projects. Students will also complete a capstone project that synthesizes their skills into a professional investigative report or digital forensic case study. 

Graduates are prepared for investigative and technical roles in public and private sectors where digital evidence is central to incident response and justice processes. Sample roles include: 

• computer forensics investigator 
• digital forensics analyst 
• cybercrime investigator 
• incident response analyst 
• forensic examiner 
• eDiscovery specialist 
• fraud investigator (digital/financial crimes) 
• forensic consultant (private sector/law enforcement) 
• malware analyst 
• threat intelligence analyst 
• forensic data recovery specialist