M.S. in Computer
Information Systems (MCIS)
Optional Concentration in Information Security
Introduction
Curriculum
Course Descriptions
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems is a 36 credit-hour program. It focuses on the information technology foundations of computer information systems including areas such as database systems, human-computer interaction, data and computer communications, artificial intelligence, information security, computer graphics, and software engineering. It is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth. The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world problems. Its formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the degree in 12 months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 16–24 months.
In addition, students have the option to earn the M.S. in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security, which requires a total of 42 credit hours (14 courses), or the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Information System 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 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. These programs are available online or on-campus. Students who complete the concentration may also request the graduate certificate.
Graduates with the M.S. in Computer Information Systems are able to: (1) communicate computer information systems concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally; (2) apply knowledge of computer information systems to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to the field of computer information systems; and (4) use software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.
Program Formats
Students select a preferred format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications, but once admitted may take courses in either format. 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 Blackboard 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, Blackboard 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.
Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program
This option provides the school’s M.S. students the opportunity to earn the Ph.D. in a shorter time. Minimum requirements for early admission are the completion of 24 credits in the M.S. program with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and the completion of specific master’s courses (see master’s program sections in the graduate catalog for details). If admitted into the Ph.D. program, students will take the remaining 12 credits for the M.S. degree in the Ph.D. program. Master’s students may apply for early admission no sooner than during the term in which they will be completing 24 credits. The application for early admission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and must include the items listed under the Minimum Admission Requirements section for the Ph.D. program (the Office of Admissions will supply the Admissions Committee with the student’s current transcripts). The applicant is encouraged to request evaluation forms from GSCIS professors familiar with his/her academic capabilities and potential. Upon successful completion of 12 credits in the Ph.D. program, the student may apply for the master’s degree (contact the program office for a degree application).
Core courses and electives are listed below. Students must take all ten core courses and two electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all ten core courses plus six thesis credits. Students who wish to take an additional elective must request approval from the program office prior to registration. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.
Core Courses (three credits each)| CISC 610 | Programming Languages |
| CISC 640 | Operating Systems |
| MMIS 625 | Computer Graphics |
| MCIS 630 | Database Systems |
| CISC 680 | Software Engineering |
| CISC 650 | Computer Networks |
| MCIS 665 | Client-Server Computing |
| CISC 670 | Artificial Intelligence |
| MMIS 671 | Decision Support Systems |
| MCIS 680 | Human-Computer Interaction |
Electives (three credits each)
| MMIS 623 | Information Privacy and Ethics |
| MCIS 652 | Information Security |
| MMIS 654 | Electronic Commerce on the Internet |
| MMIS 681 | Multimedia Systems |
| MCIS 683 | Secure Computer Systems |
| MCIS 684 | Applied Cryptography |
| MCIS 685 | Database Security |
| MCIS 686 | Advanced Network Security |
| MCIS 687 | Information Security Project |
| MCIS 691 | Special Topics in Computer Information Systems |
Curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Information Security
| CISC 610 | Programming Languages |
| CISC 640 | Operating Systems |
| MCIS 630 | Database Systems |
| CISC 680 | Software Engineering |
| CISC 650 | Computer Networks |
| MCIS 665 | Client-Server Computing |
| CISC 670 | Artificial Intelligence |
| MMIS 671 | Decision Support Systems |
| MCIS 680 | Human-Computer Interaction |
| MCIS 683 | Secure Computer Systems |
| MCIS 684 | Applied Cryptography |
| MCIS 685 | Database Security |
| MCIS 686 | Advanced Network Security |
| MCIS 687 | Information Security Project |
MCIS 500 Assembly Language and Architecture (3 credits)
A comprehensive examination of the fundamental concepts and architectural structures of contemporary computers. Assembly language programming and the influence of low-level computer architecture on modern computer applications.
MCIS 501 Java Programming Language (3 credits)
An in-depth study of the Java programming language. Principles of the object-oriented paradigm. Object-oriented programming theory and practice.
MCIS 502 Mathematics in Computing (3 credits)
Graph theory, lattices and boolean algebras, state models and abstract algebraic structures, logical systems, production systems, computability theory, recursive function theory.
MCIS 503 Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
Sorting and searching, algorithms for tree structures, advanced data structures, graph algorithms, complexity, dynamic programming, optimization problems. Prerequisite: MCIS 501 or equivalent.
MCIS 630 Database Systems (3 credits)
Methodologies and principles of database analysis and design are presented. Conceptual modeling and specifications of databases, database design process and tools, functional analysis, the entity-relationship model, and advanced semantic modeling methods are discussed. Topics include theories of database systems, including the architectures of database systems, logical and physical database organizations, data models for database systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented model), relational algebra and calculus, query languages, normal forms, null values and partial information, relational database design utilizing dependencies, view design and integration, concurrency control, query optimization, client-server database applications, distributed databases, object-oriented databases, and the current research and development trends of database analysis, design, modeling, and applications.
MCIS 652 Information Security (3 credits)
Concepts and applications of system and data security. Topics include risks and vulnerabilities, policy formation, controls and protection methods, database security, encryption, authentication technologies, host-based and network-based security issues, personnel and physical security issues, issues of law and privacy. Areas of particular focus include secure network design, implementation and transition issues, and techniques for responding to security breaches.
MCIS 665 Client-Server Computing (3 credits)
Concepts and principles of client-server architecture, protocols, networks, and distributed computing are presented. The focus of this course is on distributed application design and implementation. Topics include inter-process communication, the role of the GUI and front-end development tools, middleware, multi-tier architectures, distributed objects, and database interaction. Discussions include the various relationships between client-server computing and business processes. Migration from legacy systems is considered along with concerns for meeting customer requirements.
MCIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined along with applying knowledge and theory of systems concepts to computer information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview of HCI as a sub-area of computer information systems. Areas to be addressed include user-centered design approaches to computer information systems, user interface and software design strategies, web site usability, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, and collaborative systems technology. Suitable methods will be examined for collecting users’ requirements. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests that apply to current computer information systems technology.
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 630, CISC 640, and CISC 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), CISC 640, and CISC 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 630 and CISC 640.
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: CISC 640, 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.
MCIS 688 Continuing Thesis in Computer Information Systems (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.
MCIS 691 Special Topics in Computer Information Systems (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.
MCIS 699 Master’s Thesis in Computer Information Systems (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategies to achieve the goal are supplied. Registration for MCIS 699
must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.
MMIS Course Descriptions
MMIS 501 Introduction to Java Programming (3 credits)
An introduction to the Java programming language. The course includes an introduction to the concepts of object-oriented programming and shows how Java supports this programming paradigm. Students learn about the Java environment and write both applets (programs that execute in a web browser) and applications (stand-alone programs). In addition to learning about basic language statements, students learn how Java provides support for such diverse applications as web pages, multimedia, education, etc.
MMIS 610 Survey of Computer Languages (3 credits)
A study of high-level languages, fourth-generation languages, and command languages used in the development of software for management information systems. The logical and physical structure of programs and data. Concepts of structured programming. Data structures, file management, and their use in problem solving.
MMIS 615 Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
An introduction to the basic quantitative tools needed to support problem solving and decision making in the information systems environment. Emphasis on application of these tools in a case-based, real-world environment.
MMIS 620 Management Information Systems (3 credits)
The application of information system concepts to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. Issues such as personnel selection, budgeting, policy development, and organizational interfacing are discussed. Conceptual foundations and planning and development of management information systems. The role of MIS in an organization and the fit between the system and the organization.
MMIS 621 Information Systems Project Management (3 credits)
Practical examination of how projects can be managed from start to finish. Life-cycle models/paradigms. Life-cycle phases. Project planning and risk analysis. Project control including work breakdown structures, project scheduling, activities and milestones. Software cost estimation techniques and models. Software quality assurance and metrics for software productivity and quality. Inspections, walkthroughs, and reviews. Documentation and configuration management. Automated project management tools. Software maintenance. Procurement of software services and systems and development of IS project specifications. Project management skills including leadership, team building, planning, time management, resource allocation, conflict management, and using IS project management in strategic planning. Ethics in project management. Case studies are used throughout the course to support concepts, principles, and problem solving.
MMIS 623 Â Information Privacy and Ethics (3 credits)
Building on a foundation in classical ethics, we examine the impact of the computer and the Internet on our society. Topics include ethical decision making; professional codes; whistle-blowing; computer crime; copyrights, patents and intellectual property; privacy; and risk management. Students analyze case studies and write a research paper.
MMIS 625 Computer Graphics  (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of computer graphics useful to information managers. Topics include an introduction to raster graphics, concepts of 2-D and 3-D graphics, modeling, rendering, graphic file formats, color, graphical user interfaces and virtual reality, and the graphical presentation of information.
MMIS 627Â Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures (3 credits)
Focuses on enterprise-level information systems, technologies, and infrastructures that are emerging as the first generation 21st century application integration design strategies and tools. Included are managing web-based client/server and distributed environments, evaluation of vendor strategies, legacy system migration issues, performance, interoperability, scalability, and security concerns, web services foundations, types of middleware, vendor architectures, distributed applications, the context for integration, service-oriented application integration, multi-enterprise portals, mobile devices, business process integration, Java-based middleware standards, web services APIs, and emerging standards. Cases of enterprise systems and architectures are analyzed.
MMIS 630 Database Systems (3 credits)
The application of database concepts to management information systems. Design objectives, methods, costs, and benefits associated with the use of a database management system. Tools and techniques for the management of large amounts of data. Database design, performance, and administration. File organization and access methods. The architectures of database systems, data models for database systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented model), client-server database applications, distributed databases, and object-oriented databases.
MMIS 640 System Test and Evaluation (3 credits)
An analysis of the verification and validation process. Methods, procedures, and techniques for integration and acceptance testing. Reliability measurement. Goals for testing. Testing in the small and testing in the large. Allocation of testing resources. When to stop testing. Test case design methods. Black box software testing techniques including equivalence partitioning, boundary-value analysis, cause-effect graphing, and error guessing. White box software testing techniques including statement coverage criterion, edge coverage criterion, condition coverage criterion, and path coverage criterion. Test of concurrent and real-time systems.
MMIS 642 Data Warehousing (3 credits)
This course includes the various factors involved in developing data warehouses and data marts: planning, design, implementation, and evaluation; review of vendor data warehouse products; cases involving contemporary implementations in business, government, and industry; techniques for maximizing effectiveness through OLAP and data mining.
MMIS 653 Telecommunications and Computer Networking (3 credits)
This course provides a framework for understanding computer network functionality, characteristics, and configurations. Topics include network topologies, protocols, and architectures and emerging trends in network technologies and services. The role of optical technologies in supporting national and international implementations is explored. Strategies for network planning, implementation, management, and security are introduced. Recent advances in standardization, internetworking, and deployment of LANs (local area networks), MANs (metropolitan area networks), and WANs (wide area networks) are introduced.
MMIS 654 Electronic Commerce on the Internet (3 credits)
This course examines the foundation, operation, and implications of the Internet economy. Topics include Internet technologies, online market mechanisms, interactive customers, knowledge-based products, smart physical products and services, pricing in the Internet economy, online auctions and e-marketplaces, digital governance, policies for the Internet economy and an outlook for the new economy.
MMIS 656 Web Design Technologies (3 credits)
A hands-on introduction to a variety of technologies involved in the design of web sites. Topics include aligning electronic business models with web site design, planning a web site, understanding the principles and elements of effective web site design, using web development and design tools, and evaluating web site effectiveness.
MMIS 660 Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
Analysis of requirements for information systems. Elicitation/fact-finding, problem analysis, decomposition, and the requirements document. Concepts, methods, techniques, and tools for systems analysis, modeling and simulation, and prototyping. Structured and object-oriented analysis. Role of the systems analyst in the organization. Gaining user commitment and fulfilling user needs. Concepts, tools, and techniques for systems design. Design principles, quality factors, decomposition of complex systems, and modularization techniques. Design methods such as object-oriented and function-oriented design. Comparison of analysis and design techniques.
MMIS 661 Object-Oriented Applications (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of the object-oriented paradigm and object-oriented programming languages. Notation and techniques for the analysis, design, and implementation of object-oriented systems. Mechanisms for reuse, including composition, inheritance, design patterns, and application frameworks. The use of object-oriented methods in common applications.
MMIS 671 Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
This course examines concepts of decision support in both automated and non-automated environments. The focus is on application of decision theory, analytical modeling, and simulation techniques to solve organizational problems. Group decision support systems, executive information systems, and expert systems are also discussed. Case studies of existing systems are used to reinforce concepts discussed in class. A major component of the course is a project entailing the design, implementation, and evaluation of a decision support system.
MMIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined with a blend of theory and practice pertaining to the study of information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and offers specific background relating to user-centered approaches in the design and evaluation of information systems applications. Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, web site usability, and collaborative systems technology. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests applied to current information systems technology.
MMIS 681 Multimedia Systems (3 credits)
Introduction to multimedia systems. Definitions of terms and concepts related to multimedia. Trends in the development and the use of multimedia. Tools, techniques, and guidelines facilitating the planning, design, production, and implementation of multimedia products.
MMIS 683 Fundamentals of Security Technologies (3 credits)
An overview of the technical aspects of information security. Issues discussed include authentication, confidentiality, access control, trust and non-repudiation. Investigation of fundamental assurance technologies that can be applied to interface specifications, architectures, and implementations of information security mechanisms. The selection of appropriate security applications, security lifecycles, and interoperability issues will also be covered. Prerequisite: MMIS 653.
MMIS 684 Information Security Management (3 credits)
Provides an understanding to implement effectively the information security vision and strategy set forth by the executive management. The emphasis will be on the management of an information security program. Focus is on the implementation of information security policy, information security planning, development of information security processes, and establishment of information security measures. Concepts and techniques from the management and organizational behavior disciplines will be integrated in order to identify and propose solutions to the problems of information security administration.
MMIS 685 Information Security Governance (3 credits)
Challenges and opportunities of effectively governing an organization’s information security requirements and resources. Information security governance lays out the vision for the information security program. Discussions include what constitutes good information security governance, and development of an effective information security strategy and policy. Also focuses on how to improve information security accountability, regulatory compliance, and maturity. Prerequisite: MMIS 684.
MMIS 686Â Information Systems Auditing (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts related to an information systems audit. Principles and practices related to secure operation of existing information technology. Information security accountability, development of internal control objectives and framework, and identification of appropriate audit procedures for a secure information system. Prerequisites: MMIS 683, 684.
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 Concentration 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.
MMIS 688 Continuing Thesis in Management Information Systems (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.
MMIS 691 Special Topics in Management Information Systems (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.
MMIS 699 Master’s Thesis in Management Information Systems (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategy to achieve the goal is given. Registration for MMIS 699 must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.
Connect with GSCIS on: