Master of Science in Information Technology

This course addresses information systems, to include their nature and role as key management resources. This course covers the information systems infrastructure, to include databases, knowledge management systems, enterprise information portals, telecommunications, the Internet, and wireless technology. It examines the topics of e-commerce, information systems in the global economy, managing global systems, securing information systems, and ethical and social issues in information systems. This course has been evaluated by the American Council on Education. Credit Recommendation - at the graduate level, 3 semester hours in Management Information Systems or Management.

This course examines the principles, practices, and methodologies of enterprise database systems from conceptual design to implementation; this includes architectures, models, design, management, implementation, and security. Included is a total life-cycle database design and implementation project that entails conceptual design, data modeling, normalization, optimization, and implementation. This course appraises object-relational and relational databases, examines Entity-Relationship (ER), Extended Entity-Relationship (EER), and Unified Modeling Language (UML) data models, and investigates relational algebra, calculus, dependencies, keys, relationships, cardinality, and referential integrity. It also evaluates query processing, performance tuning, transaction processing, concurrency, data integrity, database recovery, data security, data warehousing, data mining, and emerging technologies. Prior knowledge in a procedural database language such as PL/SQL or T/SQL using Oracle or MSSQL respectively is highly recommended.

This course is a study of computer networks and the evolution of modern communication systems. It examines the various layers of the basic reference models such as the five-layer IP model or the seven-layer OSI model, by scale, connection method, network architecture, or topology. This course also includes an in-depth analysis of transmission protocols, communications systems, and networks. A prior knowledge of networks and networking is recommended.

Information Security includes an evaluation of the techniques, policies and strategies to ensure that data stored in an organization's computers cannot be accessed or processed without the consent of the organization. Also included, is an analysis of Information Security & Risk Management, Access Control, Physical Security, Security Architecture & Design, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning, Telecommunications & Network Security, Application Security, Operations Security, Law, Compliance & Investigations. This course also reviews the building blocks of information systems and cryptography is provided to reinforce the scope of security management.

REQUIRED AS FIRST PROGRAM COURSE; MAY TAKE ANOTHER COURSE WITH IT. This course focuses on the research methods, tools, instruments, and devices used in Information Sciences and Information Technology; it appraises the logic of the scientific method, research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data for the purpose of conducting and reporting basic research in a scholarly and academic setting. Through concentration-based case studies, it investigates current trends, legal and ethical issues, global and societal impact, policies, and applications in the fields of information technology, information security, cyberlaw, digital forensics, and media management. This course evaluates methods to collect, classify, categorize, evaluate, assess, and report research data, to formulate valid research questions, and to derive logical conclusions. The principles, practices, tools, and methodologies presented in this course are applicable throughout the program of graduate studies.

This course explores successful project management for information technology projects. The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models are defined including the waterfall, spiral, incremental release, and prototyping models. Students will differentiate between these models and apply corresponding project management methods to identify critical checkpoints and reviews. Risk management, as applied to technology projects, is examined. Key project indicators are discussed, and students will explore defining measurement criteria for determining critical success factors on a project. The course defines the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities and includes a tutorial for Microsoft Project. Emphasis is placed on the three dimensions of the information technology project constraints: scope, time, and cost. Students must have access to Microsoft Project 2007.

This course examines information concealment techniques, technologies, hardware, software, and relevant legislation for cyber forensics to reveal and track legal and illegal activity. The course examines the process for investigation and introduces the tools and procedures required to legally seize and forensically evaluate a suspect machine. Also covered are the rules of evidence, chain of custody, standard operating procedures, and the manipulation of technology to conceal illegal activities, and revealing concealed information using cyber forensics.

The global reach of the Internet, the low cost of online activity, and the relative anonymity of users has led to an increase in computer related crimes. This course focuses on cybercrime investigation and prevention; it appraises the legal issues related to on-line criminal conduct, the collection of electronic evidence, and the onslaught of new technology. This course also analyzes the phases, processes, and challenges of cybercrime investigations, and it examines technical, legal, and social issues relating to the search and seizure of digital evidence and computer forensics. Students will encounter the challenges of the latency between technology and the law.

This course is an advanced study of information ethics, cyber privacy, and intellectual property. It examines the ethical, economic, and societal issues that face today’s information-entrenched society; this includes intellectual property rights, privacy, accessibility and censorship. The explosive growth of information technology, the increased competition in the global marketplace, and the surge in the use of information to protect society from terrorism has led to the unintended erosion of fundamental rights and values. This course appraises the current state of information ethics, the dangers and opportunities presented by information technology, and the potential solutions to the inherent risks in today’s information-bound society.

This course is an advanced study of the models of investigative methods for finding evidence in a wide scope of disparate digital devices such as computers, networks, mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and any device or appliance that carries an electronic circuit board which could potentially store data or information. It also examines the science, the evidence, and the law related to digital forensics, the validation of findings, and determination of acceptable and irrefutable evidence in a court of law. It also evaluates various digital forensics models for data identification, preservation, collection, examination, analysis, preparation, and presentation.

This course is an advanced study of the principles and methodologies of the e-discovery process and the increasing importance of digital evidence in litigation. Topics include contemporary investigative methods, legal issues, cost containment, collecting and prioritizing data sets, preservation of digital evidence, document review, metadata and spoliation considerations, comparative assessments, and forensic investigations.

Capstone course of studies completed toward the graduate degree in Information Technology. The student will complete a thesis, a major research paper, or project that demonstrates mastery and application of advanced research and analytic skills related to the learning outcomes of this degree program. The student must submit a research proposal, preferably two months prior to enrolling in the course, and obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Information Technology Programs.