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 are recommended to have access to Microsoft Project. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site.

Telecommunications networks are a critical component of the global economic and social infrastructures. Securing critical infrastructure is an established priority within Information Security Management. This course examines the field of secure telecommunications networks, including emerging threats, system vulnerability, network evolution, and network defense mechanisms.

This course examines the tenets of Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention, and Incident Handling. Intrusion Detection focuses on the methods to detect attempts (attacks or intrusions) to compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of an information system. Also included is an analysis of the principles and practices of intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, and incident handling; network-based, host-based, and hybrid intrusion detection; identifying attack patterns; deployment of resources and responses to handle the incident, surveillance, damage assessment, risk assessment, data forensics, data mining, attack tracing, system recovery, and continuity of operation.

The course analyzes computer and systems security measures by examining a model for information assurance; it also examines the components of a comprehensive Information Assurance plan. Topics included are: asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment and ethical considerations, IA policy, as well as computer and network security tools.

This course is an advanced study of the principles, practices, procedures, and methodologies to assure the protection and availability of vital digital information systems assets. It examines information assurance, incident management and response, and security standards; and it appraises the convergence between information security, information systems security, and information warfare. This course appraises organizational, legal, technical, and ethical issues related to securing vital digital assets. Topics include: the role of the corporate security officer, corporate cybercrime, electronic commerce, cryptography, and international standards, policies, and security acts. Prerequisite: ISSC660

Pre Reqs: Information Assurance(ISSC660)

This course examines the phases, processes, standards, the levels, and the process areas of the INFOSEC Assessment Capability Maturity Model (IA-CMM). The IA-CMM minimizes false indications of quality and maturity by relating the IA-CMM process areas to the INFOSEC Assessment Methodology (IAM). This course appraises the principles and methodologies of the IA-CMM; and applies it to develop an organizational ratings profile to provide a measure of maturity. The ratings profile is used to develop strategies to mature the organizational processes Prerequisite: ISSC660

Pre Reqs: Information Assurance(ISSC660)

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.