Core Courses

Information Security Degrees

IA7020 Information Security Systems and Organizational Awareness

In this course, students utilize a subset of five of the ten domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in information security as a framework to critically analyze security awareness issues and to evaluate best practices in implementing security systems within the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA7030 Legal and Ethical Practices in Information Security

In this course, students utilize a subset of five of the ten domains of the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in information security as a framework to critically analyze ethical decision-making and to evaluate the best practices employed in security operations planning and management.  (3 credits)

IA7040 Information Security and Organizational Change

In this course, students analyze the principles of change management as they apply to the requirements and regulations of information security.  Students evaluate the factors which affect corporate decision-making when implementing security programs and the ability of the manager to translate corporate needs into information security projects. (3 credits)

IA8010 Business and Security Risk Analysis

This course provides students with an overview of risk management principles.  Methods to identify, quantify, and qualify internal and external risks to the organization are examined.  Students apply these principles and methods to the current business and risk environment. (3 credits)

IA9200 Strategic Analysis in Information Security

In this integrative course, students assess the information security risk associated with an identified management problem. Students then develop a risk mitigation strategy which integrates principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning, and change management. (3 credits)

Prerequisites: IA7040, IA8010, PM8100

PM8100 Information Security Project Management

In this course, students utilize PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a framework to apply project management concepts in the information security arena.  Each student develops a project plan for a security assessment which incorporates the technical and behavioral characteristics of high performance teams.  (3 credits)

Enterprise Management Degrees

EM7020 Organizational Behavior and Awareness

In this course, students critically analyze organizational behavior and awareness issues and evaluate best practices in implementing programs within the enterprise. (3 credits)

EM7030 Legal and Ethical Practices

In this course, students critically analyze ethical decision-making and evaluate the best practices employed in operations planning and management. (3 credits)

EM7040 Organizational Change

In this course, students analyze the principles of change management as they apply to the requirements and regulations of an enterprise.  Students evaluate the factors which affect corporate decision-making when implementing enterprise-wide programs and the ability of the manager to translate corporate needs into projects.   (3 credits)

EM8010 Business Risk Analysis

This course provides students with an overview of risk management principles.  Methods to identify, quantify, and qualify internal and external risks to the organization are examined.  Students apply these principles and methods to the current business and risk environment. (3 credits)

PM8000 Project Management

In this course, students utilize PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a framework to apply project management concepts in the enterprise.  Each student develops a project plan for a program assessment which incorporates the technical and behavioral characteristics of high performance teams. (3 credits)

EM9200 Strategic Analysis

In this integrative course, students assess the risk associated with an identified management problem. Students then develop a risk mitigation strategy which integrates principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning, and change management. (3 credits)

Prerequisites: EM7040, EM8010, PM8000

Specialization Courses

IA8020 Security Policies, Standards and Procedures

In this course, students examine the role of security policies, standards and procedures in addressing business and technical risks and develop a security governance report to evaluate compliance across the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA8030 Design, Development and Evaluation of Security Controls

In this course, students transform high-level policies and procedures into quantifiable and measurable controls and mechanisms that enforce data and process integrity, availability and confidentiality. (3 credits)

IA8050 Security Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

In this course, students explore advanced techniques and tools for identifying and categorizing vulnerabilities which allow penetration of networked systems and environments. (3 credits)

IA8060 Intrusion Detection, Attacks and Countermeasures

In this course, students examine common attack methods, technologies and countermeasures.  Students also gain skills needed to recognize various stages and methods of attack on the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA8070 Design and Development of Security Architectures

In this course, students evaluate the principles, attributes and processes used in designing and deploying a comprehensive and resilient layered security architecture that supports the business and technical objectives of the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA8080 Security Solution Implementation

In this course, students compare, contrast, and evaluate contemporary practices in the implementation of security solutions. (3 credits)

IA8110 Certification and Accreditation

In this course, students analyze an enterprise-wide view of information systems and the establishment of appropriate, cost-effective information protection programs.  Within this context, students examine a set of standard policies, procedures, activities, and a management structure to certify and accredit information systems for the protection of the data as well as the systems. (3 credits)

IA8125 Information Security Policy Planning and Analysis

In this course, students develop information assurance policies and deployment plans as part of the comprehensive strategic plan and operational objectives for the enterprise. (3 credits)

IA8140 Business Continuity Planning and Recovery

In this course, students explore tools and strategies for Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) activities.  Topics include business impact assessment methods, recovery strategy approaches and solutions and continuity planning. (3 credits)

IA8190 Forensic Evaluation and Incident Response Management

In this course, students explore the essentials of electronic discovery and analyze issues related to cyber evidence. Using this evidence, students identify and analyze the nature of security incidents, the source of potential threats and the methods used in incident management and mitigation.  Students also analyze the technical and business issues which affect the actions of the enterprise in responding to a security incident. (3 credits)

IA8210 Risk Management and Compliance

In this course, students evaluate the procedures and results of risk analysis, as well as compliance processes which address the regulatory requirements that drive the need for risk analysis within the enterprise.  Security-related regulations such as SOX, GLBA, FISMA and HIPAA are examined. (3 credits)

Research Courses

Comprehensive Exam Courses

CEX8220 Security Program Strategies and Implementation (Level I)

In this course, students independently explore the components of a security program for an enterprise and develop a strategy for its implementation.  Students must complete a written exam paper which demonstrates mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

CEX8230 Legal and Ethical Management Issues in Information Security (Level I)

In this course, students independently explore issues with respect to the legal and regulatory environment of security and the challenges faced in developing and managing policy related to enterprise security. Students must complete a written exam paper which demonstrates mastery of literature-based research skills and APA format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

CEX8240 Strategic and Technological Trends in Information Security (Level I)

In this course, students independently assess and evaluate technical trends and emerging technologies in information assurance and examine their impact on the implementation of security programs. Students must complete a written exam paper which demonstrates mastery of literature-based research skills and APA format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

CEX9200 Research Topics in Information Security (Level II)

In this course, doctoral students enrolled in the DSc program must complete a written research exam paper which demonstrates mastery of a selected CBK domain, literature-based research skills and APA format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

 

Research Methods Courses

RM6000 Effective Writing in Information Security Analysis

In this course, students utilize secondary research to analyze a current best practice or process in one of the10 domains of Information Security. Students write and present a position paper providing a rationale for research to evaluate the effectiveness of that practice or process. (3 credits)

RM6100 Effective Writing

In this course, students utilize secondary research to analyze a current best practice or process in an enterprise. Students write and present a position paper providing a rationale for research to evaluate the effectiveness of that practice or process. (3 credits)

RM8200 Web-Based Research Methods

In this course, students acquire information retrieval skills and research competencies to identify and evaluate industry-relevant sources of information for the purposes of analysis and research in the enterprise. Students compare and contrast the utility of publicly-available and subscription-based information sources for the purposes of meeting academic and professional requirements. (3 credits)

RM8250 Web-Based Research Methods in Information Security

In this course, students acquire information retrieval skills and research competencies to identify and evaluate industry-relevant sources of information for the purposes of analysis and research in information security. Students compare and contrast the utility of publicly-available and subscription-based information sources for the purposes of meeting academic and professional requirements. (3 credits)

RM8500 Research Foundations for Information Security Practitioners

In this course, doctoral students are introduced to the purpose and nature of primary research in Information Security. Students explore the foundations and concepts of applied field research. The Qualifying Exam is administered at the end of this course. (3 credits)

RM9100 Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

In this course, students compare, contrast, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis for solving information assurance problems and conducting information security-related field research. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: RM8500

RM9150 Feasible Problem-Driven Research in Information Security

In this course, students identify a research site and utilize problems occurring there in order to identify feasible topic areas for their field research study.  Students apply the concept of problem-driven research as the basis for selecting a feasible and non-trivial research topic or problem assessment. (3 credits)

RM9200 Designing Solutions to Information Security Problems

In this course, doctoral students enrolled in the DIA program continue to evaluate the feasibility of their proposed research site and the potential solutions to be studied. Students present their proposed project at the Dissertation Bootcamp at the end of this course. (3 credits)

RM9250 Building a Knowledge-Base in the Information Security Discipline

In this course, doctoral students enrolled in the DSc program continue to evaluate the feasibility of their proposed research site, the research topic identified, and the potential dependent variables to be studied. Students present their proposed project at the Dissertation Bootcamp at the end of this course. (3 credits)

 

Research Preparation Courses

RES8110 Research Needs and Requirements Analysis

In this course, students articulate the business problem and problem statement, refine their research question, and develop the rationale for the research project by clearly identifying and specifying the needs and requirements which justify a proposed improvement in professional practice. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: RM9200

RES8120 Identification of Evidence-Based Solutions

In this course, students conduct a literature review in Information Security and other relevant bodies of research to identify a proposed solution to the business problem. Using this literature review, they present support for the selection of the proposed solution and identify criteria to be used in assessing its feasibility. (3 credits)

RES8130 Operational Design and Specification

In this course, students finalize the operational requirements of the proposed research study and specify their proposed improvement in professional practice. Students document the methodology to be utilized in the proposed project in the Feasibility Study Specification (FSS) which is the final course deliverable. (3 credits)

RES8140 Continuing FSS Development

Doctoral students requiring additional time to produce an approved Feasibility Study Specification (FSS) enroll in this course until the document is approved by the Candidacy Committee.  (1 credit)

RES8510 Research Topic Rationale

In this course, students articulate the business problem and problem statement which will be addressed by their research project. In addition, they conduct a preliminary literature review to develop the rationale for their research and the research questions that will guide their study. (3credits)

Prerequisite: RM9250

RES8520 Review and Synthesis of Prior Research

In this course, students expand the literature review and synthesize relevant empirical research in order to provide justification for the proposed research.  In so doing, students narrow the focus of the proposed topic, formulate the final research question, identify the opportunity to contribute to knowledge in the Information Security arena, and describe the theoretical foundation for their research. (3 credits)

RES8530 Proposed Research Methodology

In this course, students operationally define the study variables, identify the measures of these variables and justify the approach to be taken in the study (qualitative vs. quantitative, exploratory vs. hypothesis-testing). Students document their proposal with the completion of the Proposed Research Plan (PRP). (3 credits)

RES8540 Continuing PRP Development

Doctoral students requiring additional time to produce an approved Proposed Research Plan (PRP) enroll in this course until the document is approved by the Candidacy Committee.  (1 credit)

RES8550 Research Design: Data Collection Plan

In this course, students develop the data collection plan based upon the selected research approach and design type.  This plan specifies the methods to be utilized for measuring the variables as well as the data collection procedures to be followed. (3 credits)

RES8560 Research Design: Results and Findings

In this course, students develop the data analysis plan based upon the selected research approach and design type.  This plan specifies the data analysis methods and procedures to be utilized in the research. (3 credits)

RES8570 Research Design Specification

In this course, students finalize the operational requirements of the proposed research study by producing the Research Design Specification (RDS). (3 credits)

 

RES8580 Continuing RDS Development

Doctoral students requiring additional time to produce an approved Research Design Specification (RDS) enroll in this course until the document is approved by the Candidacy Committee.  (1 credit)

Dissertation Development Courses

DST811X Feasibility Testing and Planning

In this course, doctoral candidates implement the approved feasibility study by collecting and analyzing data relevant to the criteria identified for the adoption, integration and implementation of  the proposed improvement to professional practice. (1-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Approved FSS

DST8120 Continuing Dissertation Development

Doctoral candidates requiring additional time to produce an approved dissertation enroll in this course until the dissertation is approved for defense. (1 credit)

DST813X Dissertation Documentation and Defense

In this course, candidates present their findings to the Dissertation Committee at the defense. (1-6 credit)

Prerequisite: Approval to Defend

DST851X Data Collection and Preparation

In this course, doctoral candidates implement the approved research design by collecting data and preparing data for analysis, including cleaning the data set, providing data variable names and coding. (1-6 credits)

Prerequisite: Approved RDS

DST852X Data Analysis and Findings

In this course, doctoral candidates implement the approved data analysis plan and review findings with advisors. (1-6 credits)

DST8530 Continuing Dissertation Development

Doctoral candidates requiring additional time to produce an approved dissertation enroll in this course until the dissertation is approved for defense. (1 credit)

DST854X Dissertation Documentation and Defense

In this course, doctoral candidates present their findings to the Dissertation Committee at the defense. (1-3 credits)

Prerequisite: Approval to Defend

Elective Courses

IA9310 Research Topics in Certification and Accreditation

In this course, students independently explore emerging trends in procedures, activities, and management structures utilized to certify and accredit information systems for the protection of the data and systems. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9320 Research Topics in Security Policy and Governance

In this course, students independently explore emerging security policies, standards and regulations and their impact on the enterprise. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9330 Research Topics in Risk Management and Compliance

In this course, students independently explore emerging trends with respect to compliance processes which address the regulatory requirements that drive the need for risk analysis within the enterprise. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9340 Research Topics in Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery

In this course, students independently explore emerging strategies for Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP) activities. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9350 Research Topics in Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

In this course, students independently explore leading tools, technologies and methodologies used in identifying, prioritizing and mitigating information system threats and vulnerabilities. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9360 Research Topics in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Methods

In this course, students independently explore emerging trends in attack methods, detection technologies and tactical countermeasures employed in protecting enterprise resources.  Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9370 Research Topics in Security Architecture Design Methodologies

In this course, students independently explore the critical factors influencing the selection and implementation of security solutions which support a “defense-in-depth” security architecture.  Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9380 Research Topics in Wireless and Mobile Security

In this course, students independently explore emerging topics such as risks and vulnerabilities, assessment methods and standards associated with wireless and mobile technologies. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

IA9390 Research Topics in Forensic Evaluation

In this course, students independently explore emerging topics related to electronic discovery and analysis of cyber evidence. Students produce a research paper which demonstrates knowledge of the topic area, mastery of literature-based research skills and American Psychological Association, 6^th edition (APA) format and citation requirements. (3 credits)

Professional Development Courses

IC7000 (ISC)² Official CISSP Review Seminar

This course, taught by (ISC)² (an authorized education partner of the University) provides students with CBK domain review materials and instructor guidance in preparation for the (ISC)² CISSP certification exam. (0 credits)