Skip to Navigation
George Mason University
    George Mason University
   
 
 
 
2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Information Security and Assurance, MS


Banner Code: VS-MS-ISA

School: Volgenau School of Engineering  
Department: Computer Science  

The Department of Computer Science’s MS degree in Information Security and Assurance prepares graduates to fill the current and future need for information security and assurance professionals. Graduates work in a wide variety of capacities, protecting the information systems of different types of organizations and supporting the nation’s information infrastructure. The master of science in information security and assurance provides students with the general and technical knowledge and skills to understand the relationship between information security and advancing information systems technology. The program gives graduates a theoretical understanding of the science and methodologies for ensuring the secrecy and integrity of data, as well as the availability and legitimate use of data and information systems.

Students focus on the technical and management aspects of information security and examine ways to provide secure information processing systems by investigating operating systems security, distributed secure system architectures, database security, software applications security, security policies, secure e-commerce, network and distributed systems security, cryptography, and security protocols. Graduates of the program are actively recruited by federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector. Typical employers include Internet-based companies, software companies, banks and insurance companies, and in general any organization that depends heavily on the use of IT. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the information technology applied computer science  or computer science  bachelor’s programs.  See each listing for specific requirements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a four-year (120-credit) baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credits. Other requirements are as follows:

  •  Submit the appropriate application with three letters of recommendation from people directly knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic competence, a one-page goals statement, and a work résumé.
  • Complete the self-evaluation section of the online application. This information is used by the admissions committee to assess an applicant’s academic preparation for the MS program. Students with some deficiencies in preparation may be admitted provisionally pending completion of foundation courses required for the program. 
  • The GRE is only required for those who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree from a US Institution.
  • International students must submit their English Proficiency scores.

Foundation Requirements

To ensure that students have an adequate background in mathematical methods and computer science, the program requires the following four foundation courses, or their equivalents: INFS 501 - Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems , INFS 515 - Computer Organization Course and Operating Systems , INFS 519 - Program Design and Data Structures , and SWE 510 - Object-Oriented Programming in Java .

Prospective students are asked to complete a department self evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. On acceptance, students are advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum.

Students may test out to indicate that they have the requisite knowledge for those foundations courses. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only be present at the date, time, and location specified with some form of photographic identification. Detailed information is available on the department web site. Students failing any one of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses.

Advising

The department holds orientation meetings each January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the department web site.

The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the student advising form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom to confer on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. This serves as a planning guide for the student.

Degree Requirements


Completion of the degree program requires a minimum of 30 approved graduate credits (10 courses). Students must choose one of the two concentrations – Network and Systems Security (NSS) or Applied Cyber Security (ACBS) described below. To continue in the program, students are required to obtain a B- or better grade in the core courses.

Required Core Courses (9 credits):


To provide the necessary background and fundamentals of information systems security and assurance, the program has three courses that are required of all students:

Concentration Areas (15 credits):


Students fulfill the requirements of a concentration by completing five courses from one of the two options below.

▲ Concentration in Network and System Security (NSS)


Two Additional Courses (6 credits):


All students must select the remaining two courses from any combination of the following:

  • ISA courses at the 500, 600, and 700 level
  • CS courses at the 500, 600, and 700 level
  • Courses from the list of pre-approved electives provided below
  • A thesis option is available whereby a student may elect to complete a 6-credit thesis ISA 799 

Students may choose other graduate electives with the consent of their faculty advisor and the graduate coordinator.

Pre-Approved Electives


A full list of pre-approved electives is given below by program:

Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Total: 30 credits