For Candidate Students
Question 1: What is Digital Forensics Engineering?
Answer 1:
In today's world, the widespread use of the internet, personal computers, and smart devices, along with the storage of personal information in digital environments, has led to an increase in unauthorized access attempts. Unauthorized access and hacking have introduced the concept of cybercrime. To combat these threats, which affect even state-level entities, the discipline of Digital Forensics Engineering has emerged. The term "forensic" originates from the Latin word forensis, meaning "before the forum." Its history dates back to Roman times, where criminal charges were presented before a public forum.
This field addresses significant risks for organizations and government bodies. Security units, encountering a new concept of crime distinct from traditional criminal activity, have started dealing with these matters. As a result, cybercrime has become a recognized issue at the state level. While technological advancements bring numerous benefits to organizations, they also become tools for criminals.
Digital Forensics Engineering aims to collect evidence, conduct forensic analysis, and combat cybercrimes through specialized training. In Turkey, nearly all institutions utilize internet infrastructure, and most store their data electronically. With the advent of e-government applications, citizens' information is stored digitally. Private companies, businesses, and organizations also actively use internet and IT technologies.
The widespread use of IT technologies highlights the necessity of protecting this data. Countries worldwide prioritize information security, and measures are also being taken in Turkey. This has created the need for professionals who can ensure information security, respond to cyber incidents, and handle related challenges.
Digital Forensics Engineering is a branch of engineering designed to train experts in these areas.
Question 2: What is the purpose of Digital Forensics Engineering?
Answer 2:
Digital Forensics Engineering combines fundamental engineering education with specialized courses to enable individuals to become experts in the field.
The program has three main objectives:
Prevention Before Incidents: The first objective is to take necessary precautions to prevent crimes within institutions and organizations, minimizing potential harm. This includes selecting, planning, and properly configuring IT systems; implementing necessary security measures; conducting penetration tests (pentests); and acquiring knowledge to detect and prevent attacks.
Evidence Collection and Analysis: The second objective is to correctly collect, analyze, and report data related to crimes committed through IT systems. This involves gathering and preserving evidence, creating forensic copies, analyzing evidence using appropriate tools, reporting findings, using forensic examination software and hardware, and evaluating situations from a legal perspective.
Legal Awareness: The third objective is to ensure sufficient knowledge of legal regulations related to digital crimes in the country where the education is provided. Thus, the curriculum must include information on local legal frameworks and responsibilities.
The program aims to provide students with the necessary practical and theoretical courses to ensure they graduate with sufficient knowledge in these areas.
Question 3: Are there national and international examples of this program?
Answer 3:
At the undergraduate level, there is no equivalent program in Turkey. Fırat University is the first to offer an undergraduate program in Digital Forensics Engineering in the country. Internationally, many universities offer programs in this field. Below is a list of some universities and their programs:
| Program | University |
|---|---|
| Digital Forensic Undergraduate and Graduate Programs | Abertay University |
| Digital Forensics Undergraduate and Graduate Programs | Sam Houston State University |
| Forensic Science Center Course Programs | Marshall University |
| Computer Forensic Certificate Programs | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Digital Forensics Course Programs | University of Rhode Island |
| Digital Forensics Undergraduate Program | Bloomsburg University |
| Digital Forensics Course Program | Ball State University |
| Computer Forensics Master's Program | Westminster University |
| Computer Forensics Undergraduate Program | Liverpool John Moores University |
| Computer Forensics Master's Program | South Wales University |
| Forensic Computing Undergraduate Program | Birmingham City University |
| Computer Forensics Course Program | George Mason University |
| Computer and Digital Forensics Undergraduate Program | Teesside University |
| Forensic Computing Undergraduate Program | Portsmouth University |
| Computer Forensics Undergraduate Program | Sunderland University |
| Forensic Computing Undergraduate Program | De Montfort University |
Question 4 - What are the career opportunities after graduation?
Answer 4:
The goal of Digital Forensics Engineering is to train highly skilled engineers who can meet the needs of institutions or private sector companies operating in the field of information technology. Graduates are qualified specialists who protect organizations or companies from cybercrimes. Providing evidence and information in accordance with laws and regulations in legal cases related to cybercrimes is also among the department's objectives. Therefore, graduates of the program will be experienced in producing and implementing forensic software, forensic hardware, and legal solutions tailored to the needs of organizations or companies.
By following a practical education program, the Digital Forensics Engineering department aims to enable its graduates to secure direct employment in various sectors and organizations. Digital Forensics Engineers graduating from the department will possess modern knowledge in software, systems, computer networks, cybercrime, legal responsibilities, and protection from cybercrime in any industry utilizing computers and technologies. They will be equipped to prevent the mentioned issues from arising in the institutions or organizations employing them. Graduates will make significant contributions to fulfilling the demand for skilled personnel in these areas, especially considering the increasing number of legal cases involving digital platforms in recent years. Many government agencies have started to procure digital forensics expertise from the private sector. The graduates of the Digital Forensics Engineering department aim to largely address the shortage of skilled professionals in this field.
Institutions Related to Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Prevention
Ministries, the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie Command, Forensic Medicine Institutions, Forensic Sciences Institutes, Universities, other public institutions, and the private sector are potential employers for Digital Forensics Engineering graduates.
Question 5 - What is the future outlook for the department?
Answer 5:
Today, information systems are widely used to enhance the efficiency of services in energy, banking, transportation, healthcare, education, and communication. The primary reason behind this is the growing use of the internet worldwide and in our country. The increase in the number of internet users can be seen in the following graph. The growing use of information technologies and their integration into daily life indicate that the demand for Digital Forensics Engineers will increase in the future.
Question 6 - What is the current status of the department?
Answer 6:
The Digital Forensics Engineering department at Fırat University offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. The department has been graduating students for four years. Since its inception, the department has fully filled its admission quotas. It ranks among the top engineering programs in terms of scores and preferences.
Question 7 - Will I need to pay tuition if I enroll in the department?
Answer 7:
The department offers dual education. For first-shift students, no tuition fee is charged under the rules of the Council of Higher Education. Second-shift students are required to pay only the tuition fee set by the Council of Ministers for the respective academic year. No additional fees are charged.
Question 8 - Does the 2+2 program with Sam Houston State University in the USA admit students? Is it a good choice?
Answer 8:
No. Students admitted to the department will complete a four-year program entirely at Fırat University.
Question 9 - What are the educational contents of the program?
Answer 9:
The department provides fundamental courses (Turkish Language, Foreign Language, History of Revolution, Engineering Mathematics, etc.), general engineering courses like Algorithms and Programming Languages, and field-specific courses such as Cybercrime Investigation Tools, Operating Systems, Cybercrime Investigation Software, Information Security Management, Digital Forensics Laws, Network and System Security, and Electronic Evidence Collection and Analysis. The program combines theoretical and practical courses, allowing students to learn processes hands-on. Students graduate with knowledge of how to protect computer systems and institutions from cyber threats and manage the entire forensic investigation process, from evidence collection to reporting to courts or prosecutors. The program also includes internship opportunities.
Question 10 - What will students gain from the program?
Answer 10:
The undergraduate program spans four years and includes 227 credit hours. The program comprises 155 hours of theoretical and 72 hours of practical courses, with 39% of the courses being practical and 61% theoretical. The distribution is as follows:
The curriculum aims to equip students with the following:
Question 11 - What is the laboratory infrastructure like?
Answer 11:
The department has computer laboratories and classrooms for both theoretical and practical training. It features eight dedicated laboratories for various tasks, including cybersecurity, forensic software, forensic hardware, data recovery, and network and system operations. These facilities allow students to perform forensic tasks and familiarize themselves with the software and hardware they will use professionally. For more detailed information, visit the department’s laboratory webpage.
Question 12 - What are the advantages of choosing Digital Forensics Engineering?
Answer 12:
Scientific advancements in information and technology demonstrate the global strides in technology. To compete internationally, Turkey must address its need for skilled researchers, making undergraduate programs in Digital Forensics Engineering critically important. There is a significant shortage of trained professionals capable of conducting scientific research in this field. Associate programs alone cannot meet this demand, as they do not address the high-level technological requirements expected from universities. Graduates of Digital Forensics Engineering will be pioneers in this emerging field in Turkey.
Question 13 - How many students are currently enrolled in the department?
Answer 13:
As of 2017, the department has 345 students enrolled. The 2017-2018 academic year will see the first cohort of graduates.
Question 14 - Where can students do internships and workplace training?
Answer 14:
Internship opportunities include all government agencies and institutions where information technology is used, private firms, courthouses, forensic medicine, population directorates, police departments, and other locations deemed appropriate by the department.
Question 15 - Will I need to take mandatory preparatory English courses?
Answer 15:
No, English preparatory courses are optional per the Higher Education Council’s regulations. Students who choose to can attend a one-year English preparatory program at the School of Foreign Languages.
Question 16 - Where is the Digital Forensics Engineering department located?
Answer 16:
The department is located at:
Fırat University Technology Faculty, B Block, 3rd Floor, Elazığ (Across from the Faculty of Education).
Coordinates: 38°40'51.4"N, 39°11'44.9"E
Question 17 - Does the department offer postgraduate programs?
Answer 17:
Yes. In 2016, the master’s program was approved by the Council of Higher Education and began accepting students. Work is ongoing to establish a doctoral program. Currently, nine students are enrolled in the master’s program in the Digital Forensics Department.
Question 18 - Are there student clubs for Digital Forensics Engineering?
Answer 18:
Yes, there are two student clubs under the guidance of faculty advisors:
Question 18 - Is the title of Forensic Engineering recognized in the public or private sector?
Answer 18 - Forensic computing is a relatively new concept in our country, and both the public and private sectors have recently realized the necessity of ensuring data security and taking precautions in the event of a cyberattack. Given that all institutions now use IT infrastructure, it is inevitable that institutions will need to recognize this field. Considering the recent developments in our country, there are around 800,000 digital materials that need to be examined. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of cyberattacks in the media clearly shows the importance of the field and its growing relevance in the future. Last year, the Forensic Medicine Institute established the Forensic Computing Expertise Department by adding a seventh division to its six existing departments, acknowledging the need for forensic computing to be conducted by specialists. Additionally, according to the Official Gazette's decision dated 20/10/2012, No. 28447, the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications is responsible for preparing and coordinating national cybersecurity policies, strategies, and action plans in line with the National Cybersecurity Studies Management, Coordination, and Execution decision, under the Law on Electronic Communications No. 5809. The key principles outlined in the Ministry’s action plan include:
This shows that both the government and private sector organizations are aware of the importance of this field. Recently, institutions like Turkish Airlines (THY) have included the title of Forensic Engineer as part of their recruitment requirements. The establishment of cyber response teams, cyber armies, and similar task forces has become more frequent and is being developed. Therefore, there will not be a recognition problem in the future.
Question 19 - Can I register with a professional association with the title of Forensic Engineering? Is there a professional definition?
Answer 19 - Forensic computing is defined as one of the subfields under computer science. Therefore, it is of great importance for our graduates to be able to register with professional associations, enabling them to practice their profession according to specific principles and establish connections with their colleagues. In this context, discussions have been held regarding the possibility of our graduates joining the Computer Engineers Chamber, which operates under the Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects Chambers, and this process is nearing completion. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with the Vocational Qualification Authority regarding the professional definition of Forensic Engineer. Forensic Engineering is the only department at Fırat University for which a professional definition has been made, and this will ensure its recognition in both the public and private sectors in a short time.
Question 20 - What type of score is required for admission to Forensic Engineering, and what were the highest and lowest scores in the most recent year?
Answer 20 - Our department accepts students with the MF-4 score type. In the 2016-2017 academic year, the highest score for the first education program (Daytime) was 338.56, and the lowest score was 293.239. The placement ranking for first education was 147,000. For the second education program (Evening), the highest score was 292.623, and the lowest score was 261.791, with a placement ranking of 195,000. For the MTOK program, the highest score was 277.1, and the lowest score was 248.10. Detailed information about the department can be found on the Higher Education Institution’s website:
https://yokatlas.yok.gov.tr/lisans.php?y=103910743
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