Master of Science in Information Security Management (MSISM)
This degree program prepares students to be strategic and tactical contributors in the development, implementation and evaluation of enterprise level security programs. Specializations allow students to pursue a program of study which relates to their professional interests and goals.
Specializations:
- Information Security Analysis (ISA)
- Information Security Auditing (IAU)
- Information System Certification (ISC)
- Information Security Engineering (ISE)
- Information Security Research (ISR)
Description
This degree program prepares students to be strategic and tactical contributors in the development, implementation and evaluation of enterprise level security programs. Specializations allow students to pursue a program of study which relates to their professional interests and goals.
Program Objectives
This program fosters the development of students who:
- Are recognized as knowledgeable and qualified practitioners in a specialized field of information security
- Possess a depth of knowledge in current cybersecurity practices
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to the cybersecurity community
- Utilize secondary research competencies in the investigation and selection of best practice solutions to information security challenges
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to address a specialized area of information security management
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:
- Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing information security issues relevant to the cybersecurity community
- Evaluate the impact of business constraints and processes on the implementation of information security programs
- Integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning and change management in the development of information security strategies
- Demonstrate secondary research skills in the investigation and selection of best practice solutions to address information security challenges
- Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of information security management
Credit Requirements
The MSISM degree program consists of 36 semester credits beyond a baccalaureate degree, including 18 credits of core courses, 6 credits of research methods courses, and 12 credits of specialization-specific courses.
Multiple Specializations
MSISM degree students may pursue multiple specializations through the completion of graduate certificates. Each specialization requires completion of four specialization-specific courses. Required specialization courses may apply to multiple certificates.
Earning Graduate Certificates
MSISM students complete the requirements for a graduate certificates as they progress through their programs. Upon completion of the required courses, they may elect to receive the applicable graduate certificate(s) listed under the Graduate Certificate Program section below.
Specialization Options
The University of Fairfax offers a variety of specialization options to meet the needs of information security professionals.
Information Security Analysis (ISA)
Students develop competencies in implementing an enterprise strategic security plan by integrating effective security policies, standards, procedures and controls.
Information Security Auditing (IAU)
Students develop competencies in forensically analyzing cyber evidence, enforcing data process controls, certifying information protection programs, and managing risk and compliance.
Information System Certification (ISC)
Students develop competencies in supporting a management structure to certify and accredit information systems by developing policies, standards and procedures in accordance with a prescribed set of criteria.
Information Security Engineering (ISE)
Students develop competencies in assessing network vulnerabilities and attack methods as well as in designing and deploying counter-measures and resilient security architectures.
Information Security Research (ISR)
Doctoral students who have completed a minimum of 36 semester credits of a University of Fairfax doctoral degree program, but wish to discontinue studies, may be awarded an MSISM degree in Information Security Research.