Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Master of Science in Management Information Systems

Program Overview

This dual degree program combines an MS in Management Information Systems with an MS in Cybersecurity, allowing students to complete both degrees in a reduced time frame. The program prepares graduates for careers in cybersecurity management, with a focus on both technical and managerial aspects of the field. The MS MIS is STEM-designated, enabling international students to extend their stay in the US for practical training. The program leverages the expertise of both the College of Engineering and the Lee Business School.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The program allows students to pursue two complementary degrees (MS Management Information Systems and MS Cybersecurity) simultaneously in a reduced time frame, sharing credits and concepts, enabling completion with less total credits than pursuing them separately. This dual degree is designed for individuals seeking technology-related careers, particularly in cybersecurity, with a broader perspective on cyberseucirty as a technical specialization within their skill set. The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS MIS) prepares graduates for IT management careers, emphasizing the application of technology to achieve organizational goals and address business problems. MS MIS students develop competency in IT, integrated within a business context, offering comprehensive preparation for high-demand occupations. Graduates pursue roles such as business analysts, systems analysts, security analysts, and IT managers. The MS MIS has been designated as a STEM-designated degree by the Department of Education, enabling international students to remain in the US for up to 12 months for training through work experience under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Graduates from STEM degree programs may remain for an additional 17 months with an OPT STEM extension. The MS MIS program is interdisciplinary, offered by the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. The high demand for skilled individuals in computer, network, and risk management fields has sparked the creation of the cybersecurity program. The Department of Labor and other sources have identified it as one of the most in-demand professions, while traditional education sources struggle to meet the growing need. Students in the program will receive training in both the technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. The program leverages the expertise of the Computer Science department in the College of Engineering, providing the technical foundation in data, computer, and network management. It also draws upon the strengths of the management information systems group within the Management Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) department in the Lee Business School, providing expertise in cybersecurity management, compliance, and risk management. The graduate program in cybersecurity allows current professionals to enhance their managerial skills, enter cybersecurity management, or transition from related fields into cybersecurity. This focus distinguishes it from undergraduate cybersecurity degrees, which typically focus on foundational skills.

Outline:

MS MIS Degree (24 Credits):

• MIS 740 - Software Concepts
• MIS 746 - Information Systems Project Management
• MIS 760 - Data Communications and Systems
• MIS 762 - Systems Analysis, Modeling and Design
• MIS 766 - Data Management
• Six credits of MS MIS electives or other courses approved by the MS MIS program director
• MIS 781 - Client Project (culminating experience)

MS Cybersecurity Degree (24 Credits):

• CSEC 700 - Security Operations
• CSEC 701 - Secure Communication Protocols
• CSEC 702 - Security Data Analytics
• CSEC 703 - Cyber Physical Systems Security
• CSEC 704 - Human Factors in Cybersecurity
• CSEC 705 - Enterprise Security Administration
• CSEC 706 - Cybersecurity Strategy and Governance