Nova Southeastern University

Graduate Certificate in Information Security - MMIS
(Administration of Information Security)

Introduction
Curriculum
Course Descriptions

Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Administration of Information Security), which requires a total of 15 credit-hours (five courses). The concentration and graduate certificate are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum under NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. This program is available online or on-campus.

Program Formats

Students select a preferred format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications, but once admitted may take courses in either format (except for the courses in the M.S. in information technology in education program, which are offered only online). Students electing the online format may participate in online classes from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available. On-campus classes are held on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. Each class meets once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 16 weeks in the fall and winter terms and 14 weeks in the summer term. All degree programs include an optional six-credit thesis (the six credits for thesis are in lieu of course credit hours).

GSCIS students are provided NSU computer accounts but must obtain their own Internet service providers and use their own computer systems. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information, and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of WebCT as a course management system. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations. In addition, WebCT enables students to submit assignments online in multimedia formats and to receive their professors’ reviews of assignments online in the same formats.

Attendance Policy

Master’s degree students are expected to be present at each meeting of their classes on campus. Exceptions to this rule may be made in the case of illness and possibly in other instances when approved by the course professor. Students should advise their course professors in advance of any anticipated absences. Additional work may be required by a course professor for any absence. Excessive absences will result in a failing grade. For online master’s courses, participation/attendance policies will be covered in the syllabus of each course.

Students must take the five courses listed below. Each of these courses has prerequisite requirements which may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite courses listed in the course descriptions or by demonstrating equivalent experience or the completion of equivalent courses taken elsewhere.

MMIS 683   Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS 684   Information Security Management   
MMIS 685   Information Security Policy, Privacy, and Ethics   
MMIS 686   Information System Auditing and Secure Operations 
MMIS 687   Information Security Project

Course Descriptions

MMIS 683  Fundamentals of Security Technologies  (3 credits)
This course investigates fundamental assurance technologies that can be applied to interface specifications, architectures, and implementations of information security mechanisms. Principles of testing are discussed and applied to demonstrative and vulnerability testing. The selection of appropriate security applications, security lifecycles, and interoperability issues will also be covered. Prerequisites: MMIS 610, 627.

MMIS 684  Information Security Management  (3 credits)
This course will integrate concepts and techniques from management and organizational behavior in order to identify, understand, and propose solutions to the problems of computer security and security administration. Particular focus will be on the role of managers in the security process and the development of effective policies and procedures. Prerequisites: MMIS 620, 621.

MMIS 685  Information Security Policy, Privacy, and Ethics  (3 credits)
This course will cover the development and need for information security policies, issues regarding privacy, and the application of computer ethics. The course will also focus on legal issues and legislation that impacts the design, implementation, and administration of secure infrastructures. Prerequisite: MMIS 620.

MMIS 686  Information Systems Auditing and Secure Operations  (3 credits)
Information security ultimately depends upon correct usage of available security features. This course covers principles and practice related to secure operation of existing information technology. Topics related to security auditing and accountability will also be discussed. Prerequisites: MMIS 620, 621.

MMIS 687  Information Security Project  (3 credits)
This project course integrates all of the knowledge accumulated through the previous courses and serves as a capstone for the Specialization in Information Security. The class focuses on best practices demonstrated through case studies and systems assessment. Students may enroll in this class only after completing all of the information security concentration courses. Prerequisites: MMIS 683, 684, 685, and 686.