Academic Programs in Information Security

M.S. in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security

For additional information, including admission requirements and course descriptions, see the Graduate Catalog of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences.

The M.S. in Computer Information Systems focuses on the technological foundations of computer information systems including areas such as database systems, human-computer interaction, data and computer communications, information security, computer graphics, software engineering, and object-orientation. It is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth. The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world problems. Its formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the degree in 15 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 21 months. The program is available on-campus or online.

The M.S. is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum for compliance with the requirements of NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators).

The M.S. in Computer Information Systems with concentration in information security, requires a total of 42 credit hours (14 courses). Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. Students who complete the concentration may also request the graduate certificate.

Option for Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program

This option provides the opportunity for master’s students in computer information systems to earn the Ph.D. in computer information systems or information systems in a shorter time. In addition to the requirements for early admission specified in the Master’s Brochure or Graduate Catalog the student must have completed MCIS 611 Programming Languages, MCIS 615 Operating Systems, MCIS 620 Information Systems, MCIS 630 Database Systems, and MCIS 645 Software Engineering. (See Graduate Catalog for additional information).

The Curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security

Required courses are listed below (three credits each):

MCIS 611   Programming Languages
MCIS 615   Operating Systems
MCIS 630   Database Systems
MCIS 645   Software Engineering
MCIS 650   Computer Networks
MCIS 665   Client-Server Computing
MCIS 670   Artificial Intelligence
MCIS 671   Decision Support Systems
MCIS 680   Human-Computer Interaction
MCIS 683   Secure Computer Systems
MCIS 684   Applied Cryptography
MCIS 685   Database Security
MCIS 686   Advanced Network Security
MCIS 687   Information Security Project