Information Systems and Sciences - Information Assurance Concentration, MS

Graduate Program Coordinator: 

Dr. Hamdan Alabsi

Room 3326, Center for Business and Graduate Studies

The Master of Science in Information Systems and Sciences with IA Concentration is designed to prepare students for professional careers in information security and related fields. Students are equipped to be information systems security analyst, designer, auditor or manager, with an appropriate range of knowledge and skills to develop and manage security architectures, standards, policies and programs. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours consisting of 18 credit hours of Core Courses, and 12 credit hours of Concentration courses: six (6) credit hours concentration core courses and six (6) credit hours practicum or thesis courses.

Program Goals

The program goal is to produce information systems (IS) professionals, who will be able to:

• Prepare requirement specifications with both functional and non-functional requirements.
• Design solutions by developing data, process, and object models, architectures and integrating information technologies.
• Design, develop and maintain a data management solution for businesses.
• Design and develop data and analytics applications and products.
• Provide consulting in the applications of latest data analytics, communication, enterprise and e-commerce technologies.
• Lead digital strategy and innovation as well as pursue entrepreneurial opportunities using advanced and emerging information technologies. 
• Manage IS projects and IS units in organizations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for security and privacy of data and information.
• Consult in the field of information systems and cybersecurity for government and industries.

   

  Admission Requirements

  Applicants must submit evidence of completion of a baccalaureate from an accredited institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and satisfy other general admission requirements established by the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, and a one-page summary of interest in information/technology/information systems and their applications.

  The undergraduate degree coursework should include College Algebra, Statistics or Quantitative Methods, a Programming Language, Business and Management, and Computer Applications.  Applicants who do not meet the prerequisite conditions may be granted conditional admission and may be required to complete some or all of the following foundation courses:

• MGMT 241 - Principles of Management or equivalent
• ECON 351 - Business Statistics or equivalent
• INSS 500 - Introduction to Information Systems
• INSS 505 - Object Oriented Programming or equivalent

  Students who have some work experience and certifications in a related field, but do not have the requisite academic background may qualify for admission to the program. GRE or GMAT is not required for admission.