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.

Students must complete the requirements of one of the three concentrations: Computer Security, Information System Security, or Network Security.

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

• Prerequisite Phase
• Foundation Phase
• Advanced Phase

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.