Master's in Cybersecurity Degree Online (2023)

This course is designed as an overview of the investigative methods and tools associated with computer forensics. Topics include: processing crime and incident scenes, digital evidence controls, recovery of information, network forensics, data acquisition, and legal and ethical issues associated with investigations.

This course addresses the issues relating to successful information security management. Topics include access control systems, network and software security, management practices, risk management, protection mechanisms, business continuity planning, and legal and ethical issues. The course allows for analysis of current security management models.

This course presents an examination of effective security methodologies based on comprehensive assessment of threats and implementation of a layered system of physical and electronic protection. Threat identification, countermeasures, and prevention are explored.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental components of security architecture. Topics include computer organization; hardware, software and firmware components; open and distributed systems; and protection mechanisms. Discussion also includes certification and accreditation; formal security models; and evaluation criteria. Assigned projects include designing a model secure system.

This course provides an exploration of the human aspects of Cybersecurity. Topics include human behavior and interaction, motivation and influence, and social engineering. Emphasis on the human element of cyber incidents in relation to protecting information and technology assets.

This course provides a technical study of offensive and defensive techniques for protecting cyber assets. Topics include security testing, risk mitigation techniques, and threat response. Discussion also includes penetration testing theory, techniques, and tools; network, systems, and application vulnerability scanning; risk analysis and response; and intrusion detection and response. Emphasis is placed on identification of system vulnerabilities and threats and techniques for preventing attacks.

This course provides an exploration of how organizations manage risks to information technology assets. Discussion includes the application of methodologies and models for managing such risks. Topics also include recognition of security threats and vulnerabilities and the analysis of associated risks. A systematic approach for acquiring and analyzing information to support decision-making in the protection of assets and the allocation of security resources is presented.

This course explores the concepts of governance and how it applies to information systems. Discussion includes the importance of compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as a means of minimizing risk through mandated security and control measures. Through this course, students also gain an understanding of Information Technology (IT) Auditing processes and principles.

This course presents an in-depth study of current trends in Cybersecurity threats. Discussion includes the identification and management of threats and vulnerabilities within an effective enterprise security program. Prior Cybersecurity education is synthesized through projects and assignments. Prerequisite: Must have 30 hours towards major requirements completed.

This course provides an introduction to the strategic use of information technology from a business perspective at the enterprise level. Emphasis is placed on the internal management of information systems services from the point of view of the Chief Information Officer. Alternative strategies and tactics available to management to achieve business goals are examined.

This course introduces the skills, techniques, tools and methodologies necessary to support information system analysis, design and implementation.

This course provides a brief overview of the field of ethics, computer privacy and security, computer crime and software piracy, intellectual property and information ownership, computers and gender, computers and social justice, and civil liberties in cyberspace. Additionally, ethical questions concerning professional codes of conduct and issues of moral responsibility for computer professionals are presented.

The subject of database management will be approached in its role as the back end of client/server technology. The focus will be relational database management with specific emphasis given to the use of relational database as an enabling technology in the area of Online Transaction Processing and Online Analytical processing. The use of SQL query language will be a second significant subject. Issues of databases including concurrency will also be covered. Prerequisite: CIS 535

This course examines what has become a key buzzword of 21st century security: cyber warfare and deterrence. The various forms and complexities of cyber war will be examined, including aspects of non-state actors, international law, financial flows, and state capabilities. Understanding how states try to protect themselves (and develop their own cyber weapons), in addition to comprehending the legal and ethical complications, will be a major element of the course. Finally the concept of deterrence will be evaluated, namely the various state attempts to produce it and the counter-arguments made against the concept overall.

This course is designed as an overview of the fundamental processes associated with waging war in an electronic age. Topics include strategic planning and tactical analysis for target identification, reconnaissance, and tool selection. The intent of this course is to focus on individual, corporate and national forms of warfare.

This course focuses on the architecture and security associated with cloud computing. Emphasis in placed on key drivers which lead to cloud computing adoption and issues associated with cloud computing governance. Additional topics will include infrastructure security, identity and access management, cloud services, data security and storage, and auditing and compliance. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing

This course addresses the complex and unique issues related to effectively managing projects in an Information Technology context. Focus is placed on processes, teams, technology, and global project management. The course is grounded on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) principles. Students will prepare project management deliverables based on actual problems provided within various business sectors and industries. The course provides students with an understanding of the problems inherent in managing integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholders.

This course covers the theory and practice of software testing. Emphasis is placed on the software testing design process, planning, criteria, evaluation and testing methods. Hands-on practice developing and using test plans based on various testing techniques is included.

This course explores common techniques, tools, and technologies for committing white-collar cyber crimes. Topics include fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, investigative methodologies, and protecting privacy. Case students will demonstrate real-world scenarios of white collar crimes, how to prevent or deter them, detection methods, and response techniques.

This course explores risks associated with Industrial Control Systems (ICS) within and across critical infrastructure and key resource sectors. Topics include a comparative analysis of IT and control system architecture, security vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies unique to the control system domain. This includes activities to reduce the likelihood of success and severity of impact of a cyber-attack against critical infrastructure control systems through risk-mitigation activities.

This course provides cybersecurity students with an advanced study of computer, network, and device forensics as a part of investigations. Students will conduct hands-on forensic research to identify how digital media and/or digital networks were compromised and the method(s) of intrusion employed. Students will be able to review what data is stored on a device, how the device services are consumed, and what methods attackers (and forensic analysts) deploy to retrieve information without an owner’s permission. Pre-requisite: CIS 607.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to identify the processes associated with business continuity planning and disaster recovery. Business continuity topics such as project scope and planning, assessing risk, developing policy and procedures, conducting business impact analyses, recovery strategies, recovery plan development, and implementation are explored. Disaster recovery will be discussed in terms of recovery plan development, implementation, and restoration.

This course builds on CYBR 525 and explores advanced concepts, methods and techniques in preparing and conducting penetration tests on computers, networks, and devices. Students will employ various tools as well as unravel complex methods for exploiting client-side, service side and privilege escalation attacks. They will use advanced tools, techniques, and technologies for determining vulnerabilities in information systems and applications. Students will construct a final report outlining discovered vulnerabilities, make suggested recommendations to remediate and/or mitigate those vulnerabilities. Pre-requisite: CYBR 525.

This course is designed to teach the importance of risk management in projects and provide information about the tools needed to effectively assess and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on managing risks associated with project changes and risks associated with information technology projects. Topics covered include recurring issues that lead to failure in IT projects, methods for addressing recurring issues, and assessing risk impact. Prerequisite: CIS 433 or CIS 633 or acceptance into the Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program.