Program Overview

M.S. in Information Networking (MSIN)

The M.S. in Information Networking (MSIN) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in information networking. The program is offered by the Information Networking Institute (INI) at Carnegie Mellon University.

Program Curriculum

The MSIN program curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in information networking. The curriculum consists of the following components:

• Core Courses [72 units]
  • SYSTEMS CORE (24 UNITS):
    • 12 Units: Choose One Course Below:
      • 14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems
      • 15-605: Operating System Design and Implementation
      • 15-746/18-746: Storage Systems
    • 12 Units: 14-736: Distributed Systems: Techniques, Infrastructure, and Services
  • NETWORKING CORE (12 UNITS):
    • Choose One:
      • 14-740: Fundamentals of Telecommunications and Computer Networks
      • 14-760: Advanced Real-World Data Networks
      • 18-756: Packet Switching and Computer Networks
  • BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT CORE (12 UNITS):
    • 14-776: Fundamentals of Business and Management
  • MSIN DEGREE-SPECIFIC CORE (24 UNITS):
    • Courses from ECE/SCS in the areas of Software Systems & Computer Networking and Signal Processing & Communications
• Program Electives [48 Units]
  • Fulfilled by courses in INI, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), School of Computer Science (SCS), Engineering & Public Policy (EPP), Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) or Integrated Innovation Institute (III), and/or approved courses in the Heinz College or Tepper School
• Academic & Professional Development 1 [3 Units]
  • 14-601: INI Academic and Professional Development 1

Study Options

The MSIN program offers four study options:

• Standard [123 Units]
  • Program length: 3 Semesters
  • Internship Requirement: No Internship
  • Distribution of units:
    • Core [72 Units]
    • Electives [48 Units]
    • APD 1 [3 Units]
• Applied [129 Units]
  • Program length: 3 Semesters
  • Internship Requirement: Required Internship
  • Distribution of units:
    • Core [72 Units]
    • Electives [48 Units]
    • Internship [3 Units]
    • APD 1 [3 Units]
    • APD 2 [3 Units]
• Advanced Studies [159 Units]
  • Program length: 4 Semesters
  • Internship Requirement: No Internship
  • Distribution of units:
    • Core [72 Units]
    • Electives [48 Units]
    • Advanced Studies [36 Units]
    • APD 1 [3 Units]
• Applied Advanced Studies [165 Units]
  • Program length: 4 Semesters
  • Internship Requirement: Required Internship
  • Distribution of units:
    • Core [72 Units]
    • Electives [48 Units]
    • Advanced Studies [36 Units]
    • Internship [3 Units]
    • APD 1 [3 Units]
    • APD 2 [3 Units]

Advanced Studies

Students in the Advanced or Applied Advanced Studies options can pursue one of the following:

• Master's Thesis: Delve deeply into a problem and create a novel solution for a research-based project
• Development-Based Project: Increase knowledge and skills by defining an important problem and demonstrating successful possible industry solutions

Internship

Students in the Applied or Applied Advanced Studies options will gain real-world professional experience by completing a 3-unit internship in an industry or research setting.

Academic & Professional Development 2

APD 2 is a 3-unit course designed to prepare students for the required internship by offering a deeper focus on career-related topics for building industry experience. Only students in the Applied and Applied Advanced Studies programs will take APD 2.

Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Track (CyFIR)

The CyFIR track can be completed through an appropriate combination of degree-specific courses and program electives. Students interested in the CyFIR track should discuss course sequencing with their faculty advisor before registering for classes.