One of the continuing challenges facing society is the security and protection of information assets. Recent attacks on the nation's information technology infrastructure highlight the need for information security. In a 2003 CSI/FBI survey, 92 percent of respondents had detected computer security breaches in the previous year and 75 percent reported financial losses as a result.

The events of September 11 accelerated longstanding concerns about the threat of cyberterrorism and the vulnerability of the nation's information systems and communications networks. As a result, there is a recognized need for professionals trained in information security and assurance to address these issues.

Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Security and Assurance degree program at Robert Morris University prepares information technology professionals to recognize and combat information systems threats and vulnerabilities. The degree cultivates an appropriate knowledge of computer security, increasing the likelihood that the next generation of IT workers will have the background needed to design and develop systems that are engineered to be reliable and secure.

Course work covers the administration, management and technologies of information security. In this program, you will learn to:

• Describe threats to information security
• Identify tools and techniques for combating these threats
• Explain integral parts of good information security practices
• Understand issues related to access control
• Understand principles of good information security policies
• Develop information security policies
• Understand technical details of common countermeasures
• Evaluate countermeasures and understand appropriate use
• Create deployment plans for countermeasures
• Apply technical knowledge to simulated deployment issues
• Create deployment plans including impact and risk management

Program Prerequisite
A prerequisite for this program is coursework in any object-oriented computer language. This prerequisite can be satisfied by demonstrating a "C" grade or better in an equivalent undergraduate course or by successfully completing an approved undergraduate course at Robert Morris University.

Curriculum
The M.S. in Information Security and Assurance is a 30-credit degree program comprised of 21 credits of required courses and nine credits chosen from advanced communications and information systems electives.

Core Courses - 21 credits
INFS6210 Hardware and Operating Systems
INFS6231    Network Technology and Management (N+)
INFS6240   Database Management Systems
INFS6490   Computer Network Security
INFS6760   Information Technology Security, Control and Assurance
INFS6830   Secure Programming
INFS6840   Information Technology Governance 

Specialization Electives - 9 credits
Choose three graduate-level courses from selected communications and information systems offerings.

• Information Security and Assurance Check Sheet - Required Courses
• Information Security and Assurance - Internship Check Sheet - Required Courses

Application Procedures
Students should submit the following credentials to the Graduate Admissions Office:

1. A completed application and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Or apply online for free.
2. Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
3. Two current letters of recommendation.
4. A current résumé.
5. A brief essay outlining goals for the program.

All application materials must be received before an admission decision can be made.

Tuition
Tuition information can be found at Tuition Fees & Schedules.

Program Location
Offered in Moon Township.