Nova Southeastern University

Graduate Certificate in Information Security - MCIS

Introduction
Curriculum
Course Descriptions

The Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Information System Security) program requires a total of 15 credit-hours (five courses).The graduate certificate are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum for compliance with the requirements of 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.

MCIS 683   Secure Computer Systems
MCIS 684   Applied Cryptography
MCIS 685   Database Security
MCIS 686   Advanced Network Security
MCIS 687   Information Security Project

Course Descriptions

MCIS 683  Secure Computer Systems  (3 credits)
This course will focus on design principles of trusted computing bases (TCB). Issues regarding authentication, access control and authorization, discretionary and mandatory security policies, secure kernel design, secure operating systems, and secure databases will be covered from a systems architecture perspective. Emphasis will be on the design of security measures for critical information infrastructures. Prerequisites: MCIS 615, 630, 650.

MCIS 684  Applied Cryptography  (3 credits)
Analysis of cryptographic algorithms, cryptanalysis, symmetric cryptography, public key cryptography, DES, AES, RSA, hash and MAC functions, digital signatures, pseudo-random generators, cryptographic protocols, SSL/TLS, SET. Prerequisites: MCIS 502 (or equivalent), 615, 650.

MCIS 685  Database Security  (3 credits)
This course will focus on issues related to the design and implementation of secure data stores.  Emphasis will be placed on multilevel security in database systems, covert channels, and security measures for relational and object-oriented database systems. Prerequisites: MCIS 615, 630.

MCIS 686  Advanced Network Security  (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts, principles, and practical networking and internetworking issues relevant to the design, analysis, and implementation of enterprise-level trusted networked information systems. Topics include networking and security architectures, techniques, and protocols at the various layers of the Internet model. Security problems in distributed application environments will be analyzed and solutions discussed and implemented. Prerequisites: MCIS 615, 650.

MCIS 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 Concentration in Information Security. The class focuses on techniques for protecting critical information infrastructures through case studies, application development, and systems assessment. Prerequisites: MCIS 683, 684, 685, and 686.