M.S. in Computer, Information and Network Security 2005

The Master of Science in Computer, Information and Network Security is intended for those students who wish to specialize in the security aspects of the Information Technology (IT) field. It is suited for students who wish to pursue work in a security related field. Students who complete the program will be prepared to:

Assess the information security risks faced by an organization;
Understand technology and human factors related to these risks;
Evaluate tools and resources currently available to limit risk, mitigate the effects of hostile action and recover from attack;
Manage the development, implementation and evolution of a security infrastructure;
Assess the impact of policy, legislation and market trends on organizational security objectives;
Design, implement and maintain software systems designed to support security policy and goals;
Develop and maintain a network architecture consistent with mitigating risk and preventing hostile attack; and
Be lifelong learners in the information security environment.

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

Upon acceptance into the master’s degree program, the student will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted master’s student. In the Core Knowledge phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within their chosen degree. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Core Knowledge Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

Grade and GPA requirements

Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses. GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.90 or higher will graduate with distinction.

Prerequisite Phase

The following courses are required for the Information Systems Security concentration:

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase.

All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Foundation Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Graduate phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCTI.

Foundation Phase

The following two (2) courses are required for the Computer Security Concentration:

The following two (2) courses are required for the Information Systems Security Concentration:

The following two (2) courses are required for Network Security Concentration:

Foundation Phase GPA Requirements

To progress to the Advanced Phase of the degree, a student must complete the Prerequisite Phase and Foundation Phases.

A student must achieve an average grade of 3.0 or better in the five (5) courses that form the Foundation Phase.

A student who does not meet the grade requirement must retake the course with the lowest grade. If a number of such courses exist, then it is up to the student to choose which class to retake. Only the higher grade will count toward the average grade for the purpose of completing the GPA Requirement.

Students that do not meet the GPA requirements, and do not want to re-take a class are encouraged to see faculty advising guidance to discuss their options.

A maximum of four (4) courses in the Advanced Phase can be taken before a student completes the Foundation Phase and fulfill the GPA Requirement.

Advanced Phase

CINS Concentration Area

According to their concentration a student must meet the following requirements:

CINS Elective

Student must complete 1 additional course from any CINS concentration area. It can be from their concentration area or any others. That course can not be used to fulfill a student’s CINS Concentration Area requirement.

CTI Open Electives

Elective courses are in the range of 420-699 and must be from the school of CTI.

Capstone or Thesis Requirement

The capstone class provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate and assess the skills they have developed during the rest of the degree.