Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management, M.S.


School of Information Systems and Management
 

The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management prepares students for leadership, managerial and domain-specific roles in Cybersecurity and for employment in managerial and operational positions that require quick analytical thinking, decision-making under uncertainty regarding critical resources, and domain-specific technical skills for managing secure operations. It is also expected to prepare students for information assurance positions that require secure management of data in information systems. Students can expect to gain expertise in information security controls, the regulatory environment, information risk management, and incident response.

Because this is a graduate-level major, to ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge for academic success, students admitted to this major are most likely to be successful if they have academic or work experience in the areas of information systems, programming, computer networks, algorithms, and data structures. 

Major Research Areas: 

Cyber, Cybersecurity, Cyber Security, Information Assurance, Information, Analytics, Intelligence, Computer, Network, IT, Software, Testing, Security, Analytic Communication, Data Communications, Information Security, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery. 

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

To be admitted to the major, students

  • preferably should have an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, MIS, or IT,
  • preferably should have a background in accounting information systems, database management, and systems analysis and design,

The following is required for application:

  • A 250-500 word essay in which the student describes her or his academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing this degree, and professional goals pertaining to cybersecurity
  • Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should come from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential. If the applicant is unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with approval from the program’s admission coordinator, letters from other professional sources will be accepted
  • Current Resume or CV
  • Scores from the GRE General Test. Applicants with degrees from accredited U.S. universities, however, may request a waiver of the GRE requirement.

The graduate admissions committee may request a video or phone admission interview or additional documentation, if necessary.
 

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS


Total Minimum Hours: 30 credit hours

  • Core Requirements – 9 credit hours
  • Additional Required Courses – 18 credit hours
  • Practicum – 3 credit hours

Additional Required Courses (18 Credit Hours)


Students must take the following course:

Comprehensive Exam


During the semester in which the student is scheduled to graduate, the student will be required to submit an electronic portfolio demonstrating completion of core major competencies in information assurance. This competency-based portfolio will substitute for the written comprehensive exam because the portfolio permits the capstone assessment to align exactly with the degree program’s objectives. Each objective in the portfolio is reviewed and rated by graduate faculty for content (demonstrating knowledge of accepted practices, procedures, and trends in the field) and critical thinking (ability the student’s ability to analyze a problem, organize a response, synthesize perspectives, and draw practical, testable conclusions)

Non-Thesis


Because the primary aim of the M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management is to train highly skilled practitioners for the workforce, the Degree does not include a research thesis requirement.

Practicum (3 Credit Hours)


Satisfactory completion of a three (3) credit hour applied learning experience (practicum) is a requirement for all students pursuing the M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Management. The practicum experience is arranged and managed through the coordinator.