Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)
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This program was developed to address the rapidly growing global problems of maintaining and securing computer information. Important areas addressed by the program include threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, authentication and access control, security models, network security, trusted computer systems, distributed systems security, Internet security, applications security, and security management and policies.
The program is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum forcompliance with the requirements of NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification,Federal agencies may sponsor civilian and military personnel to take the school’s certified graduate courses, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students.
The M.S. in Information Security is a 36 credit-hour program. It requires the completion of 12 courses or 10 courses and a six-credit thesis. Its formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the degree in 12 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree 16–24 months. The Graduate Certificate in Information Security is a 15 credit-hour program that requires the completion of five courses. Students who complete the M.S. may also request the graduate certificate.
A graduate with a M.S. in Information Security will have the ability to: (1) identify the physical and logical threats and vulnerabilities present in an existing information system infrastructure; (2) identify relevant security technologies and techniques, and identify administrative support services, necessary to secure an information infrastructure based upon the requirements specified in a security policy; (3) implement specific technical control measures necessary to satisfy the stated requirements for a secure information systems infrastructure; and (4) conduct an analysis of an existing information systems infrastructure to evaluate the validity and reliability of the security systems.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
These programs are designed for students with undergraduate majors in computer science, information systems, information technology, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Applicants must have knowledge of data structures and algorithms, assembly language and computer architecture, structured programming in a modern high-level language, and discrete mathematics. Applicants who do not have an adequate background may be required to take one or more of the following 500-level graduate courses during the first two terms of the student’s program.
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These are in addition to the required credit hours at the 600 level. Courses at the 500 level, when required, must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however some exceptions may be permitted by the program director. All 500-level courses must be completed with a grade of ‘B’ or higher to continue in the program. MCIS 501 is prerequisite to MCIS 503.
Option for Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program
This option provides the opportunity for master’s students in information security to earn the Ph.D. in computer information systems or information systems in a shorter time. In addition to the requirements specified in the section Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program, the student must complete all five security-related courses (MCIS 683, 684, 685, 686, and 687) and their prerequisites (CISC 640 and 650, and MCIS 630).
Curriculum for the M.S. in Information Security
Core courses and electives are listed below. Students must take all ten core courses and two electives. Students who wish to take an additional elective must request approval from the program office prior to registration. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all ten core courses and six thesis credits. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.
Core Courses (three credits each)Electives (three credits each)
