Cybersecurity and Information Assurance MS

Program Overview

The Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CSIA) MS program equips students with the skills to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, including operating systems, computer networks, cryptography, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis. The program prepares students for careers in network security administration, secure software development, and other cybersecurity roles. Graduates may also pursue further education or advanced certifications in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CSIA) MS program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to prevent, detect, and respond to cyberattacks. Students will gain a holistic understanding of operating systems, computer networks, cybersecurity, applied cryptography, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis. By learning to establish information security protocols, build firewalls, use encryption, regulate access to data, and implement business continuity plans, graduates will be prepared to protect the information infrastructure, computer networks, and systems of various organizations.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and information assurance, particularly in the areas of network security administration and secure software development.
• Enable students to continue their education to obtain advanced certifications or degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, and related fields.
• Foster ethical and responsible professionals who are aware of societal needs and problems.

Outline:

Prerequisites and Requirements:

• Prerequisite Courses (12 credits):
• CSCI5505 Introduction to Computer Programming
• CSCI5535 Survey of Computing Security
• CSCI5557 Data Structures and Algorithms
• CSCI5565 Assembly Language
• Core Requirements (15 credits):
• CSCI6638 Operating Systems
• CSCI6731 Computer Networks
• CSCI6738 Cybersecurity
• CSCI6747 Applied Cryptography
• CSCI6870 Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Analysis
• Project (3 credits):
• CSCI6806 Cybersecurity Masters Project
• Electives (12 credits):
• Courses can be chosen from a list of approved electives based on interests and career goals.
• Option 1: 3 courses from one of the following focus areas and 1 more course from the list of approved electives.
• Option 2: 4 courses from the list of approved electives.

Focus Areas:

• Network Security Administration
• Secure Software Development

Approved Electives:

• CSCI6620 Software Engineering
• CSCI6623 Database Systems
• CSCI6753 Machine Learning
• CSCI6811 Advanced Special Projects
• CSCI6836 Computer Algorithms
• CSCI6860 Secure Software Development and Analysis
• CSCI6863 Supply Chain Security & Systems Certification
• CSCI6869 Network Security
• CSCI6873 Firewalls & Intrusion Detection Systems
• CSCI7783 Information Security
• CSCI7875 Linux System Administration

Careers:

Career Paths:

The CSIA MS program prepares students for various career paths in the field of cybersecurity and information assurance. These may include:

• Network security administration
• Secure software development
• Information security analyst
• IT manager
• Software developer
• Computer systems analyst

Opportunities and Outcomes:

The MSCSIA program offers excellent career opportunities with an outstanding average starting salary, excellent median long-term salary, and good job growth prospects. Graduates may also pursue further education to obtain advanced certifications or degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, or related fields.