FRA103 - Introduction to Computer Forensics

Course Overview

Build foundational knowledge of digital forensics and explore how electronic evidence is identified, collected, preserved, analyzed, and reported in fraud investigations, forensic accounting, and litigation support.

24 Instructional Hours | Fully Online & Asynchronous | Year-Round Registration

Registration is available year-round, and an open section of FRA103 is always available.

Planning to complete the full Forensic Accounting Certificate? View the Certificate and Bundle Options

Introduction to Computer Forensics introduces the foundational concepts, processes, and professional applications of digital forensics within forensic accounting, fraud investigations, and litigation support.

Participants examine how digital evidence is created, identified, collected, preserved, analyzed, and reported. The course explores investigations involving computers, email, web activity, mobile devices, networks, and other sources of electronic evidence.

Participants also examine relevant legal considerations, e-discovery, incident response, digital crime scenes, search and seizure, evidence management, report preparation, and the role of digital-forensics professionals in litigation and expert testimony.

Through quizzes, discussions, practical exercises, case-based activities, and applied assignments, participants explore how digital evidence can support fraud investigations and other financial or legal matters.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role of digital forensics in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, litigation support, and incident response.
• Identify relevant laws, regulations, and procedural considerations that affect digital-evidence collection and analysis.
• Describe the digital-forensics process from evidence identification and acquisition through analysis, reporting, and presentation.
• Apply principles of evidence preservation, chain of custody, and forensically sound acquisition in simulated investigative scenarios.
• Examine common sources of digital evidence, including computers, email, web artifacts, mobile devices, and networks.
• Analyze digital evidence and case information to identify findings relevant to an investigation.
• Develop clear investigative documentation and reports that communicate digital-forensics findings.
• Explain the role and responsibilities of a digital-forensics professional in litigation and expert testimony.

Key Topics

• Context and Purpose of Digital Forensics
• Relevant Laws and Legal Considerations
• E-Discovery
• Incident Response
• Digital Crime Scenes
• Search and Seizure
• Digital Evidence Acquisition
• Evidence Preservation and Management
• Web Artifacts
• Email and Messaging Evidence
• Mobile-Device Forensics
• Network-Related Evidence
• Digital-Forensics Analysis
• Report Preparation
• Litigation Support and Expert Testimony

How the Course Works

FRA103 is delivered fully online and asynchronously, with no required live class meetings.

The course includes 24 instructional hours. Participants receive at least six weeks to complete the course and may have additional time depending on when they register and the published course end date.

A recommended six-week pacing guide is included for participants who prefer a more structured schedule, but participants may work at their own pace within the published access period.

Course content was developed by experienced forensic accounting professionals who reviewed the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) bodies of knowledge to help align the curriculum with relevant industry topics. Instructors review applied assignments and provide individualized feedback to help participants strengthen their understanding and professional application of course concepts.

What if I need more time?

Contact the Program Director before your course access ends to request a transfer into a future section. Transfers are subject to program policies and section availability.

Course Completion Requirements

To successfully complete FRA103, participants must:

• Earn an overall course grade of at least 70%.
• Complete all required course assessments.

Participants pursuing the full Forensic Accounting Certificate must successfully complete all three required courses within two years of their first enrollment date.

Part of the Forensic Accounting Certificate

FRA103 is the third course in the recommended sequence for UNC Charlotte's three-course Forensic Accounting Certificate.

The recommended course sequence is:

1. FRA101 - Principles of Forensic Accounting
2. FRA102 - Fraud Prevention and Detection
3. FRA103 - Introduction to Computer Forensics

Participants who successfully complete all three courses receive a UNC Charlotte Forensic Accounting Certificate, 7.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and a Credly digital badge.

Choose How You Want to Enroll

You may register for FRA103 individually or enroll in the complete three-course certificate bundle.

Individual Course: $1,495

Forensic Accounting Certificate Bundle: $3,812
Includes all three required courses and saves $673 compared with registering for each course individually.

View the Forensic Accounting Certificate and Bundle

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements prior to enrollment.

Review Technical Requirements

English Proficiency

If English is not your native language, we recommend English-language proficiency equivalent to a minimum score of 557 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 83 on the internet-based TOEFL.

TOEFL scores are not required for enrollment in this course.

Ready to Get Started?

Register for FRA103 individually by clicking "add to cart" on this page or explore the complete three-course certificate before enrolling.

View the Forensic Accounting Certificate

Accrediting Associations

• CPE for Self-Reporting to your state accountancy board 24.0 CPE self-reporting

Applies To The Following Certificate

• Forensic Accounting Certificate : Required