Information Systems, MS Information Systems Security Specialization

With the proliferation of internet-enabled devices, social media use and software-dependent organizations, securing and safeguarding data, information and business processes is an ever-increasing urgent concern, especially in a post-9/11 world. The information systems security specialization focuses on timely and distinctive skills that allow students to design secured information systems and make recommendations for the protection of sensitive corporate data in accordance with commerce and privacy regulations. Students learn how to plan, budget for, and implement secure network systems (LAN, WAN, wireless, mobile, IoT, AR) and lead organizational staff in the secure exchange of digital information across a variety of platforms. Topics include: VPN, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and defensive strategies, cryptography, social engineering, phishing, anti-virus, anti-spam, ethical hacking, ransomware attacks and application security techniques. Students also learn the managerial and administrative aspects of information security such as risk analysis, vulnerability analysis and remediation, network security architectures, policy development and enforcement, legal/regulatory compliance issues, risk management, business continuity planning, and disaster recovery preparation and execution.

Curriculum

Core Courses (4 units)

Course Title
CIS 413-DLTelecommunications and Computer Networks
CIS 414-DLObject Oriented Programming
or MSDS 430-DL Python for Data Analysis
CIS 417-DLDatabase Systems Design & Implementation
CIS 498-DLComputer Information Systems Capstone Project
or CIS 590-DL Capstone Research

Specialization Courses (7 units)

Course Title
CIS 452-DLCybersecurity Attacks and Counter Measures
CIS 453-DLEnterprise Security Strategy
CIS 455-DLDisaster Recovery and Continuity
CIS 457-DLManagement of Information Security
Any three electives
Web Application Development
Database Administration
Practical Data Science Using Machine Learning
Data and Digital Platforms
Innovation with Blockchain Technology
Information Technology Management
Information Technology Strategy
Digital Transformation: Strategy and Planning
Digital Technologies
Leading Digital Transformation Execution
Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise Agility Frameworks
Business Writing and Communication
Information Technology Finance
Project Management

About the Final Project

Students may pursue their capstone experience independently or as part of a team. As their final course, students take either the individual research project in an independent study format or the classroom final project class in which students integrate the knowledge they have gained in the core curriculum in a project presented by the instructor. In both cases, students are guided by faculty in exploring the body of knowledge on information systems while contributing research of practical value to the field. The capstone independent project and capstone class project count as one unit of credit.

Course Title
Choose one
Computer Information Systems Capstone Project
Capstone Research