Information Security, M.S.

30 credits – Thesis track

Purpose of degree

The purpose of the online Master of Science in Information Security program is to prepare future leaders in information security with in-depth knowledge in one or more specialty areas in information security. Graduate students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Information Security will earn up to six Federal certifications, as defined by the US Committee on National Security Systems. The curriculum is aligned with these certifications as follows: 

• NSTISSI 4011: National Training Standard for Information Systems Security Professionals 
• CNSSI 4012: National Information Assurance Training Standard for Senior Systems Managers 
• CNSSI 4013: National Information Assurance Training Standard For System Administrators 
• CNSSI 4014: Information Assurance Training Standard for Information Systems Security Officers 
• NSTISSI 4015: National Training Standard for Systems Certifiers 
• CNSSI 4016: National Information Assurance Training Standard For Risk Analysts 

Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will: 

• Understand the key principles of information assurance and the nature of the threats and vulnerabilities relating to information systems 
• Conduct risk analysis as appropriate in order to develop mitigation plans and determine system accreditation for approval to operate 
• Manage system configuration, patching, and reporting in a manner that protects information systems resources, services, and assets 
• Develop sound policy and user education programs that mitigate threats to information systems and enable prompt response to adverse incidents 
• Understand and adhere to the standards and ethics of conduct in the information systems profession 
• Comprehend the impact of their professional actions upon themselves and society while working diligently to achieve positive outcomes 
• Be proficient in performing research in the information security discipline, while reading, analyzing, and writing scholarly works within the standards of the computer science and information security disciplines 
• Be able to communicate effectively, and in a variety of modes, as required in the information security professional setting Identify and analyze issues critical to information security 
• Challenge and evaluate knowledge within the information security professional setting 
• Synthesize and integrate knowledge within the information security profession 
• Formulate new ideas pertaining to information security and information assurance. 

Special resources of the department 

The Computer Science Department has modern, well-equipped laboratories and an active externally funded research program. 

Admission Requirements: 

• Requirements for admission into the program include a Bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as Information Technology, Information Systems, or Computer Science, 
• or related field of study, along with all application and requirements established by the Graduate 
• College. 
• As an alternative, a Bachelor's degree in any field, and three to five years of professional experience in Information Technology with a written statement describing the work experiences, approved by the Information Security Graduate Program Coordinator, along with all application 
• and admission requirements established by the Graduate College. 
• Specific courses may be required by the Information Security Graduate Program Coordinator for student remediation. 

Typical time to finish 

Students will typically proceed through the program in a cohort, taking two classes per semester, including summers. This allows the student to finish in less than two years.

Illustrative plan of study

First Year Fall:

CPIS 511	Information Systems and Information Security	3 credits
CPSC 561	Legal Impacts of Computer Security Solutions	3 credits

First Year Spring:

CPIS 515	Information Security for System Certifiers	3 credits
CPIS 516	Information Security Risk Analysis	3 credits

First Year Summer:

CPIS 512	Information Security for Senior System Managers	3 credits
CPIS 570	Introduction to Research in Information Security	3 credits

Second Year Fall:

CPIS 513	Information Security for System Administrators	3 credits
CPIS 574	Information Security Research I	3 credits

Second Year Spring:

CPIS 514	Information Security for Information Systems Security Officers	3 credits
CPIS 575	Information Security Research II	3 credits

Second Year Summer:

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available through the department for students who pursue full-time graduate study. Prospective students should follow the application process established by the Graduate College.