The Information Systems Security concentration focuses on the organizational and management aspects of information security. Students will learn how to plan and implement security plans, to include risk assessment, threat and vulnerability analysis, implementation of controls and safeguards, and maintenance. Students will also learn about related areas such as regulatory compliance, legal issues in security, and disaster recovery.
Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
Foundation Courses
Advanced Courses
A maximum of four Advanced Courses can be taken before completing the Foundation Courses and fulfilling the GPA Requirement. Courses taken to fulfill the Foundation Courses requirement cannot be counted in this category.
Major Elective Courses
Students must complete 1 CNS course in the range of 421 or higher or a course from the list of courses below. That course cannot be used to fulfill a student's CINS Concentration Area or Foundation Courses requirements.
CDM Open Elective Courses
Students must complete 2 CDM open electives. Elective courses are in the range of 421-699 and must be from the College of CDM.
Capstone
- Choose 1 of the following courses:
TDC 411
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER AND NETWORK SYSTEMS
This course is an introduction to computer architecture and operating systems with an emphasis on network systems. Topics include computer components and functions, logic circuits, process management, memory management, file management, interrupts and I/O peripheral devices. Students will have several hands-on labs on the Linux environment and learn to write the Shell script for system and network administration. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 405
VOICE AND DATA NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS
This course provides an introduction to voice and data networking technologies, including public and private voice services, Ethernet and Internet data technologies, network security, business applications and network management. The structure, regulation, and history of the telecom and data network industry will be discussed as well. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CNS 418
INTRODUCTION TO HOST SECURITY
Principles of host based security. Review of security methods used to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information stored on a host. The class will cover OS configuration, access control, anti-malware, public facing application security, host-based intrusion detection/prevention, host-based firewalls and audit & compliance. Course includes laboratory work with both the Linux and Windows operating systems. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 411
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 444
IT AUDITING
Management and boards continue to recognize the importance of effectively managing information technology (IT) assets - to meet business objectives and to thoughtfully manage IT related business risks. This course examines the key principles related to auditing information technology processes and related controls and is designed to meet the ever increasing needs of IT audit and IT governance professionals. In addition, this course aids in the preparation for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 463
COMPUTER NETWORKS AND DATA SYSTEMS
A detailed discussion of the upper layers of network architectures. Network protocol organization will be discussed using TCP/IP as an example. IP addresses, subnetting, supernetting, and CIDR. Routing algorithms. Transport layer protocols. Application layer protocols. Introduction to IPv6. PREREQUISITE (S): IT263 or TDC261 or TDC425 or ECT425.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 477
NETWORK SECURITY
Network infrastructure security issues, including perimeter security defense, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks, Intrusion Detection Systems, wireless security, network security auditing tools and ethical considerations. Strategies for the deployment of "Defense-In-Depth" mechanisms in an enterprise computing environment. Pre-requisite(s): TDC 463 Computer Networks or consent from instructor (CNS 340 Foundations of Information Assurance recommended).
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CNS 477
LEGAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE
This graduate course is a survey of legal issues arising under information security and control frameworks such as COBIT and IS017799. Topics include the basics of trademark, copyright, patent and trade secrets and protection strategies for each of them; software licensing issues; data privacy under state, federal and international law; evidence and digital forensic practices; ethics; the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act's boundaries for illegal access to computers; electronic surveillance and cyber traps; information security measures mandated by select federal statutes (HIPAA, Gramm-Leach-Bliley and Sarbanes-Oxley); and practical techniques on how to find and keep abreast of legal issues affecting information security. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 433
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 433
INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT
Survey of security considerations as they apply to information systems analysis and design. Vulnerability assessment. Security audits. Access controls for Internet-based and internal systems. Firewalls. Data protection. Physical access controls. Security policies. Personnel and equipment security. Risk management. Legal requirements and considerations. Privacy. PREREQUISITE(S): NONE.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 533
ENTERPRISE SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE CONTROLS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Design, implementation, support and management of control methods in enterprise environments. Focus is on how these controls can help organizations achieve regulatory compliance. Review of Sarbanes-Oxley and its impact on IT systems. Detailed study of how risk assessment methods, information security program management and ERP systems can be used to fulfill regulatory and legal requirements. Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT) guidelines and best practices for SOX compliance. Security management standards (ISO 17799, BS 7799 and ISO 27001) . PREREQUISITE(S): IS433
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 505
BUSINESS CONTINUITY/DISASTER RECOVERY THEORIES AND STRATEGIES
This course focuses on the knowledge necessary for an organization to prepare for a variety of major disruptions (floods, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, etc.). The goal is survival of the organization and its daily workflow despite major disruption. Students learn to analyze and prioritize risks and determine criticality ratings that are used to determine survival strategies. Students also learn how to organize employees to respond to a major disruption and how to document recovery plans. Course content includes coverage of current industry trends, as well as planning for the survival of Information Technology functions within an organization.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 506
BUSINESS CONTINUITY/DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGEMENT AND TACTICS
The course prepares students to lead an organization's business continuity and disaster recovery plans. Students learn the methodology needed to organize this function within an organization, evaluate an organization's business continuity and disaster recovery program according to established industry standards, and conduct a variety of quick-recovery drills. Students also focus upon industry-related human resources issues, crisis communications, and policies and procedures for setting up a command center. Course content includes coverage of current industry trends, as well as managing the survival of Information Technology functions within an organization. Prerequisite(s): IS 505
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.ECT 582
SECURE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
This course studies security requirements, threat modeling, and appropriate safeguards for e-commerce systems. Major topics include web application security, web service security, and web server security. PREREQUISITE(S): ECT 424
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 430
OBJECT ORIENTED MODELING
Object-oriented modeling techniques for analysis and design. Provides the tools and techniques needed to solve complex, real-world software engineering problems in an object-oriented manner, using the most effective elements of the Unified Process. The course covers the essential concepts and notation of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the standard notation for object-oriented analysis and design. Team project. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 212 or CSC 262 or CSC 300.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 482
REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING
Requirements Engineering (RE) plays a critical role in the software development process. This course will introduce related vocabulary, concepts, and techniques, and will examine the role of RE in software and systems engineering. The course will cover topics related to eliciting, validating, negotiating, analyzing, specifying, and managing requirements. Popular RE tools will also be introduced. Prerequisite: SE430 or SE450.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 529
SOFTWARE RISK MANAGEMENT
Identification, estimation, evaluation, planning, controlling, and monitoring of risk involved in the development, maintenance, operation and evolution of systems. PREREQUISITE(S): IT 223 and SE 430 or consent.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 577
NETWORK SECURITY II
This course is an advanced class in network security. Topics include: Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems; Security Engineering processes; Advanced firewall considerations; Honeypots; Incident response; Forensics; Enterprise security policy development and complex enterprise security infrastructure design and integration. PREREQUISITE(S) TDC 477 or TDC 572
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 588
ADVANCED NETWORK DEFENSE SYSTEMS
This course focuses on developing techniques for attack detection and mitigation in enterprise networks. The course includes: traffic/log analysis, anomaly detection, intrusion prevention, adaptive security policy, alarm analysis, and worm contaminating and quarantining, performance evaluation of defense systems. Special emphasis will be giving to developing intelligent network defense systems. Thus, students must be prepared to do programming projects using any platform or programming language. PREREQUISTE(S) TDC 477 and (CSC309 or CSC212 or CSC261)
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.ACC 500
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
This introduction to financial accounting provides both a theoretical foundation and an opportunity to apply accounting logic in increasingly complex situations. The accounting model and information processing cycle are developed. The content of the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows are studied in detail and analyzed.
Prerequisites:
MS in Taxation students are restricted from registering for this class.ACC 503
ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND AUDITING
Accounting systems design and the audit process, and how they interact to aid management in controlling business operations. This course will enable the student to interface with accounting systems, and to participate in their design and audit. Comparisons and contrasts between internal and external auditors are discussed at appropriate points.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500 is a prerequisite for this class.A&S 491
ADMINISTRATIVE THEORY AND BEHAVIOR
This course concerns theoretical concepts and empirical research relating to administrative behavior in organizations with special reference to educational organizations. Concepts are examined within the typical decisional framework of supervisors, chief school business officers, principles, and superintendents, and similar positions in the helping professions. Assignments are individualized.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Advanced Masters Education student is a prerequisite for this class.ACC 541
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING THEORY & PRACTICE I
Intermediate theory and preparation of financial statements; review of accounting concepts and development of accounting models; methods and problems in valuation and reporting; with emphasis on current assets and liabilities, property, plant and equipment, and intangibles, review of relevant authoritative literature.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500 is a prerequisite for this class.ACC 547
AUDIT AND REGULATION OF CORPORATE FINANCIAL REPORTING
This course covers the theory of the auditing function. Topics covered include generally accepted auditing standards; the profession's ethical and legal dimensions; audit planning; the internal control structure; audit evidence; and auditor's reports. The development of the professional judgment needed to apply generally accepted auditing standards is emphasized. NOTE: This is a M.S.A. course.
Prerequisites:
ACC 541 is a prerequisite for this class.CSC 439
COMPUTER SECURITY
This course covers core principles of computer security. Topics include : user authentication; access control (discretionary, mandatory, role-based); security auditing; database security; software security, common vulnerabilities, and secure coding practices; malicious software; and operating system security. Prerequisite(s): CSC 374
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 440
CRYPTOLOGY
Introduction to the methods of cryptography and cryptanalysis. Topics include classical cryptography (codes, monoalphabetic and polyalphabetic substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers), modern block ciphers (such as DES, AES), and public key cryptography (such as RSA). Optional topics include zero-knowledge protocols, information theory, coding theory, error-correcting codes, steganography, stream ciphers, hashing algorithms, quantum cryptography, elliptic curve cryptography, and history. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 301 or CSC 383 or CSC 393
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 536
DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS II (FORMERLY SE 536)
An intermediate course on distributed systems. Topics may include: clock synchronization; mutual exclusion; distributed transactions; consistency models; distribution and consistency protocols; failure models; achieving fault tolerance; distributed object-based systems; distributed file systems. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 435 and CSC 309.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 557
FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SECURITY (Formerly SE 547)
This course provides an overview of foundational techniques in the specification and verification of computer systems in the presence of malicious attackers. Topics may include: formal models of interaction, attacker models, robust safety properties such as confidentiality and authenticity, information flow properties such as noninterference, and tools such as model checkers, type checkers and theorem provers. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 390 and CSC 416.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 525
SOFTWARE SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
Students in this course will learn architectural patterns for integrating security into software such as web applications. Topics include: an overview of software security; integration of authentication, access control, and auditing into software; programming with symmetric-key and asymmetric-key cryptography, including key distribution and key management, use of certificates, and SSL/TLS; security mechanisms in modern runtime environments, e.g., code signing, code verification, access control, and security policies. Students will get hands-on experience designing and implementing secure software. Prerequisite(s): CSC 435 and SE 450
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 526
SOFTWARE SECURITY ASSESSMENT
Students in this course will learn how to conduct software security assessment to identify software vulnerabilities in software such as web applications and operating system services. Topics include: common software vulnerabilities and attack vectors; malicious payloads, including shellcode structure; and application review techniques, including fuzzing and code auditing. Students will get hands-on experience identifying vulnerabilities in software. Prerequisite(s): CSC 435
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 468
NETWORK PROGRAMMING
The course covers the basic and advanced issues of TCP/IP networking programming such as multiple processes, I/O multiplexing, multi-threaded processes, multicasting and secure network programming USING C/C++. Application examples such as Internet browsing, instant messaging, proxy filtering and file transfer protocols are discussed. PREREQUISITE(S): (CSC309 or CSC262) and (TDC463 or CSC435).
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 511
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRACTICUM
Introduction to the functionality and management of voice and data communications equipment in the Telecommunications and Local Area Networks laboratories. Emphasis will be on practical understanding and experience through laboratory exercises. PREREQUISITE(S): (TDC 311 or CSC 373), TDC 460, TDC 463.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 560
ADVANCED NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN
This course introduces advanced network technologies and design, including Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), MPLS Virtual Private Networks, IP storage networks, content distribution, capacity planning and traffic engineering. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 460, TDC 463
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 562
COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORK DESIGN & ANALYSIS
This course provides an in-depth study of Internet protocols from the perspective of network planning, simulation and troubleshooting. The course includes in-depth study of Internet traffic, traffic measurement techniques, network planning and simulation using simulation tools, and packet management techniques. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 463.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 563
PROTOCOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR DATA NETWORKS
Advanced topics in TCP/IP including IPv6, TCP traffic control, routing protocols, multicast routing protocols, and upper layer protocols supporting Quality of Service (QoS) in the new generation of the Internet; compression techniques; introduction to SNA and APPN, SNA and TCP/IP integration. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 463.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 567
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
The theory and practice of Telecommunication system design. Ongoing systems management. Telecommunication management including selection of vendors/systems, structuring an RFP systems proposal analysis, computer aided telecommunications management. Telecommunication management strategies from a business perspective. PREREQUISTE(S):TDC 463.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 568
NETWORK MANAGEMENT
The five major areas of network management--fault management, performance management, security, accounting and configuration management-are discussed. Advanced topics such as fault diagnosis and isolation, event correlation, MIB design, SNMP programming, performance monitoring, service level agreements and network security architectures are also discussed. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 463.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CNS 594
COMPUTER INFORMATION AND NETWORK SECURITY CAPSTONE
Design, setup and configuration of realistic enterprise computing and networking environments. Securing the infrastructure and integration of different services and technology in efficient, secured and redundant manners. Technologies will include: open-source and commercial products, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), authentication systems, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), advanced routing mechanisms (OSPF, BGP, IS-IS), highly redundant and robust networking. PREREQUISITE(S): TDC 477 or TDC 572
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 698
MASTER'S THESIS
A student who has made an original contribution to the area (through work done in CSC 695 typically but not necessarily) may choose to complete a Master's Thesis. The student and the student's research advisor should form a Master's Thesis Committee of 3 faculty. The student will need submit to the committee a thesis detailing the results of the research project. After a public defense, the committee will decide whether to accept the thesis. In that case, the student will be allowed to register for this course and the transcript will show the thesis title as the course topic. The thesis will be made available to the public as a CDM Departmental Master's Thesis Technical Report. PREREQUISITE(S): Successful defense of a Master's Thesis.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 698
MASTER'S THESIS
(2 credits) Students may register for this course only after their advisor has approved a written proposal for their thesis. Students must continue to register for this course every quarter after their first registration in it until they complete their project or thesis to the satisfaction of their advisor. They earn two hours of credit for each such registration but only four hours of credit will apply for degree credit. PREREQUISITE(S): Consent of advisor. Independent study form required.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 698
MASTER'S THESIS
Two credit hours.Students may register for this course only after their advisor has approved a written proposal for their thesis. Students must continue to register for this course every quarter after their first registration in it until they complete their project or thesis to the satisfaction of their advisor. They earn two hours of credit for each such registration but only four hours of credit will apply for degree credit. Independent study form required. (PREREQUISTE(S):Consent of advisor).
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.TDC 698
MASTER'S THESIS
(2 credit hours) Students may register for this course only after their advisor has approved a written proposal for their thesis. Students must continue to register for this course every quarter after their first registration in it until they complete their project or thesis to the satisfaction of their advisor. They earn two hours of credit for each such registration but only four hours of credit will apply for degree credit. PREREQUISITE(S): Consent of advisor. Independent study form required.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.ECT 698
MASTER'S THESIS
(2 credit hours) Students may register for this course only after their advisor has approved a written proposal for their thesis. Students must continue to register for this course every quarter after their first registration in it until they complete their project or thesis to the satisfaction of their advisor. They earn two hours of credit for each such registration but only four hours of credit will apply for degree credit. Independent study form required. PREREQUISITE(S): Consent of advisor.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.