Oct 06, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, Information Security, M.S.


Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is competitive. Preference is given to students with undergraduate preparation in computer science or professional experience in computing. Strong students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply. Students judged able to complete the program but lacking background in computing can be admitted with a conditional requirement to complete a preparatory course sequence in computer science. The Master of Science program in computer science is not currently accepting students for its concentration in digital forensics and its five-year concentration in digital forensics.

Mission

The graduate program in computer science prepares highly skilled professionals with advanced expertise in creating and maintaining secure and reliable computing systems. Two different concentrations are available: information security and digital forensics. Both concentrations lead to the M.S. degree in computer science and include courses in core areas of computer science.

Information Security

We are committed to providing a premier information security education that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement and maintain secure modern information infrastructures and systems. InfoSec is a distance-education offering, completely Internet-based. Students can expect to finish their studies in two to two and one half years.

Director: Dr. M. Hossain Heydari

This concentration is offered in a remote, electronic distance-learning format that, while satisfying all requirements for the Master of Science program, is especially appropriate for people with professional interests in information security. Further information can be obtained from the InfoSec website. The distance-learning courses are available only to students in the information security concentration, who will pay a different tuition rate than students taking traditional courses at the university.

Students completing this concentration will also receive two NSA approved certificates: Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals (NSTISSI No. 4011) and Information Systems Security Officers (CNSSI No. 4014).

Concentration Requirements


Total: 27 Credit Hours


Thesis Route


Total: 33 Credit Hours

Non-Thesis Route


  • Approved Electives 6 Credit Hours
Total: 33 Credit Hours

Preparatory Courses


Depending on undergraduate background and work experience, students may be required to take one or more of the following preparatory courses. These courses do not satisfy degree requirements for the information security concentration.

Certificate Courses


Eligible students may take certificate courses CS 502  -CS 506  to receive specific security certificates.