Online MS in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence | #cybercrime | #infosec

Develop In-Demand Skills to Combat Cybercrime

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), from 2020 through 2025, there have been more than $71 billion in losses due to cybercrime—with over a million complaints received in 2025 alone. Cybereconomy research firm Cybersecurity Ventures asserts that by 2031 global cybercrime damages will exceed $12.2 trillion per year.

As cyber threats worldwide increase in complexity and frequency, there is a significant rise in the demand for specialized expertise in cybercrime investigation. The 2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study—including practitioners and leaders from North America, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—revealed that 59 percent of respondents cited critical or significant need for skills within their organizations, especially around the areas of AI, cloud computing, risk, and application security. Thirty percent noted that they can’t find the talent to hire.

The Master of Science in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence (MSCII) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) seeks to offset the talent shortage by developing the applied skills and technological expertise to protect against, detect, and investigate cybercrime. Bridging cybercrime investigation and cyber intelligence, the MSCII prepares you to meet critical workforce needs across government and private sectors, helping strengthen law enforcement capabilities, national security, and corporate integrity.

The master’s in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence is a STEM-designated program with a curriculum that reflects the unique needs of law enforcement, homeland security, technical cyber investigations, and intelligence. Integrating the distinct academic disciplines of criminal justice and computer science, the MSCII focuses on the techniques and principles used during investigative and legal procedures by law enforcement and intelligence professionals, as well as private-sector practitioners engaged in cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, and threat intelligence investigation and prosecution. Coursework covers critical areas of cybercrime investigation essential to the field and addresses the technical, investigative, analytical, and legal dimensions of cyber-enabled crime—including areas such as AI and deep fake cybercrime investigation.

With rapid advances in digital technology and increasing reliance on cyber-enabled systems across government, military, and private sectors globally, the vast majority of contemporary criminal cases involve digital evidence. For those seeking to confront this challenge, cyber and forensic literacy—as well as international collaboration across borders and jurisdictions—is essential. The online Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence master’s program can prepare you to make a difference.

The MS in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.

Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence consists of a total of eight courses (32 units): four required courses and four general electives*.

Core Courses

(Four courses/16 units)

MET CJ 610 Cybercriminology

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Why do individuals and groups commit crimes in digital environments? In this course, you will explore how criminological theory helps explain cybercrime and how these insights inform modern criminal justice responses. Drawing on both micro-level and macro-level theories of crime, you will examine how traditional criminological frameworks are adapted to understand offenses such as online fraud, hacking, and other forms of cyber-enabled crime. Through case studies of real cybercrime incidents, the course explores patterns of offending, victimization, legal responses, and the broader social costs of cybercrime. By the end of the course, you will understand how theory, law, and policy shape strategies for preventing and responding to cybercrime within contemporary justice systems.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Choi	Independent	M	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	STH B20

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Choi	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CJ 620 Cyberterrorism and Cyber Defense

4 credits. Fall and Spring

How can cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure be identified, analyzed, and prevented? In this course, you will examine the evolving nature of cyberterrorism and the risks posed to national security, public safety, and critical systems. Drawing on cyber intelligence methods and real-world case studies, the course explores how malicious actors conduct information attacks, target infrastructure systems, and exploit digital technologies to advance extremist or criminal objectives. Working in a laboratory environment, you will analyze cyber incidents, examine attack strategies, and develop defensive and policy responses. By the end of the course, you will understand how cyber intelligence, digital investigation, and security strategies are used to detect, assess, and counter cyber-enabled threats to critical infrastructure.

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Choi	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CJ 710 Cybercrime Investigation

4 credits. Fall and Spring

How is digital evidence recovered and analyzed during cybercrime investigations? In this course, you will develop practical skills for conducting forensic examinations of computers, digital devices, and networks. Working in the Virtual Security Lab, you will learn how investigators identify, preserve, analyze, and document digital evidence related to cybercrime incidents. The course introduces industry-standard digital forensic tools and methods used in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Through hands-on exercises and case-based scenarios, you will examine digital artifacts, reconstruct events, and prepare forensic documentation suitable for investigative and legal contexts. By the end of the course, you will understand the principles of digital forensic investigation and how digital evidence supports cybercrime enforcement and prosecution.

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Nay	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 595 Cybersecurity Fundamentals

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor’s consent. In this course, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity and how to apply them in developing security mechanisms and policies. Explore topics such as basic risk assessment and management, legal and ethical issues, cyber attack defense methods and tools, security principles, models, and components. You will also learn about different crypto protocols, techniques, and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used. You will learn to identify security threats and techniques to defend hardware, operating systems, networks, and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools will also be completed as part of the required coursework.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Arena	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	KCB 107

Section E1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Arena	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	KCB 107

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Pak	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

General Electives

(Four courses/16 units)

MET CS 684 Enterprise Cybersecurity Management

4 credits. Fall and Spring

This course covers important topics that students need to understand in order to effectively manage a successful cybersecurity and privacy program, including governance, risk management, asset classification and incidence response. Students are first introduced to cybersecurity & privacy policy frameworks, governance, standards, and strategy. Risk tolerance is critical when building a cybersecurity and privacy program that supports business goals and strategies. Risk management fundamentals and assessment processes will be reviewed in depth including the methodology for identifying, quantifying, mitigating and controlling risks. Asset classification and the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) will prepare students to understand and identify protection mechanisms needed to defend against malicious actors, including industry competitors and nation states. Incident Response programs will cover preparation and responses necessary to triage incidents and respond quickly to limit damage from malicious actors.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Campbell	Independent	W	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	MCS B37

Section O2, FALL 2026 Oct 27th to Dec 14th
Pak	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 693 Digital Forensics and Investigations

4 credits. Fall and Spring

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator’s office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus.

Section E1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Arena	Independent	S	09:00:00 AM–12:00:00 PM	MET 101

Section O1, FALL 2026 Sep 1st to Oct 19th
Navarro	Independent	ARR	12:00:00 AM–12:00:00 AM

MET CS 787 AI and Cybersecurity

4 credits.

Prerequisites: MET CS 577 or consent of instructor. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the critical intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, focusing on two interconnected themes: protecting AI systems from vulnerabilities and harnessing the power of AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges. As AI becomes a cornerstone of modern technology, ensuring the security of AI-powered systems against adversarial attacks, backdoor attacks, and model theft is essential. Simultaneously, AI offers transformative capabilities for malware detection, intrusion prevention, and malware analysis. Through a combination of theoretical foundations, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will delve into topics such as adversarial machine learning, backdoor injection and defense, IP protection, and privacy-preserving AI. They will also learn how to design and implement AI-driven tools for identifying and mitigating cyber threats in dynamic environments. The course emphasizes practical applications, encouraging students to build resilient AI systems and utilize advanced AI techniques to enhance system security and detect emerging threats. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.

Section A1, FALL 2026 Sep 2nd to Dec 10th
Zhang	Independent	M	06:00:00 PM–08:45:00 PM	BRB 121

*With advisor approval, students may choose to take courses outside of the general electives list.

Master’s Thesis Option

Dates & Deadlines

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

How You Benefit from a
Boston University Education

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

Benefit from a 24:1 average student-to-instructor ratio.
This is a STEM-designated program, so eligible graduates on student visas have access to an Optional Practical Training (OPT) of 12 months and an extension for up to 24 additional months.
Gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, while becoming adept in analytical thinking, digital evidence evaluation, and investigative problem-solving.
BU MET’s Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence program is supported by grants from the US Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
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.
Collaborate with faculty from a variety of disciplines across academic departments who have who have subject-matter expertise, research-based insight, and extensive field experience in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics, information security, forensic mental health, and many other areas.
Network with a global community of cybercrime investigation professionals.
Learn from the best—BU MET began offering information security programs in 2003; cybercrime investigation programs were introduced in 2015. Lead faculty member Dr. Kyung-shick Choi is founder of the International White Hat Conference.

All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.

Graduate with Cyber Investigation Expertise

Students who complete the master’s degree in Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence will be able to:

Analyze cybercrime and cyber-enabled threats using criminological theory, intelligence frameworks, and empirical data to support investigative and defensive decision-making.
Conduct cybercrime investigations and intelligence analysis by integrating digital forensics, OSINT, network analysis, and intelligence methodologies.
Collect, preserve, analyze, and present digital evidence in accordance with legal, ethical, and procedural standards to ensure evidentiary integrity and admissibility.
Assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities across networks, cloud environments, IoT ecosystems, and enterprise systems.
Investigate advanced technology-enabled crimes, including those involving mobile devices, cloud platforms, IoT systems, and cryptocurrency transactions across the clear net and dark web.
Develop intelligence-driven prevention, response, and resilience strategies that address cyber threats affecting individuals, organizations, critical infrastructure, and public safety.
Evaluate legal, ethical, and policy challenges in cybercrime investigation and cyber defense, including privacy, cross-border enforcement, and emerging technologies.

Advance Your Career

BU MET’s Cybercrime Investigation & Intelligence master’s degree program utilizes a STEM-designated curriculum to reinforce applied technical, forensic, and intelligence skillsets. These tools help you meet the qualifications necessary for specialized positions in cybercrime investigation, intelligence, and digital forensics, opening the door to federal, state, and local cybersecurity and cybercrime-related careers.

After graduating from this program, you will be prepared for roles such as digital forensic analyst, cybercrime investigator, and intelligence analyst within government agencies and national security environments, among others.

Career paths for graduates of the MSCII could include:

Digital forensic analyst
Cybercrime investigator
Intelligence analyst
Cybersecurity engineer
Cybersecurity analyst

Cybersecurity consultant
Cybersecurity manager/administrator
Cybersecurity architect

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.