Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Cyber Forensics and Security is a cross-disciplinary program that focuses on technology, management, compliance, and legal issues. Experienced information technology professionals and those new to the field can become cybersecurity and forensics practitioners, investigators, managers, and leaders.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's
• Degree: M.A.S.
• Department: Information Technology and Management
• College: College of Computing
• Program Location:
  • On Campus
  • Online
• STEM Designated: Yes
• Meets F-1 Visa Requirements: Yes

Curriculum

The program builds a comprehensive understanding of essential elements such as information security, information assurance, ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis and control, securing databases, steganography, mobile device forensics, operating system security, business continuity response, disaster recovery, legal and ethical issues, auditing, evidence, and intrusion detection. Students work with forensic tools and techniques used to investigate and analyze network-related incidents and preserve digital evidence.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found employment in companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, including Zelle, Citibank, and Motorola. Others have gone on to work in law enforcement, including the Chicago Police Department and the FBI. Graduates of the Master of Cyber Forensics and Security program can fill roles such as:

• Information security analyst
• Security manager
• Security administrator
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Cybersecurity specialist
• Computer forensic examiner
• Forensic analyst
• Vulnerability researcher/exploit developer

Admission Requirements

Admission to Illinois Tech is required to enroll in this program. Previous coursework or experience in technology is helpful but not required. Additional coursework may be required for those with no previous background in information technology.

Program Objectives

At the conclusion of their studies, graduates of the Master of Cyber Forensics and Security should be able to:

• Deliver optimal technical and policy technology solutions for the problems of business, industry, government, non-profit organizations, and individuals in each student’s particular area of focus.
• Work with, lead, and manage teams in an enterprise environment to collaboratively arrive at optimal technology solutions.
• Manage and deploy information resources applicable to each student’s particular area of focus in an enterprise setting.
• Conduct and report on significant research in information technology and/or the management of information technology.

Featured Faculty

• Maurice E. Dawson: Associate Professor, Director, Center for Cyber Security and Forensics Education
• Yong Zheng: Associate Professor of Information Technology and Management

National Recognition

The United States Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have designated Illinois Institute of Technology as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.