Information And
Communications
Technology

The Information Systems Security master's degree specialty is offered online or on campus at the University of Denver in the evenings, or in a combination of both, to meet the needs of busy adults. A master's degree specialty in Information Systems Security from University College—a designated Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education—combines technology, management, and business skills to prepare graduates for an exciting, high-demand career in IT security.

Master's degree students receive applied instruction as they learn to navigate real-world security challenges, such as setting up a secure network, securing servers, and problem solving hypothetical security situations. You learn to effectively analyze security needs, provide viable solutions, and develop the breadth of knowledge needed to for success in the global arena of information assurance. Information Systems Security master's degree students will learn to design secure applications, implement access controls, establish secure operations, control physical security, and use encryption.

University College uses innovative lab experiences to provide hands-on expertise with industry-current security tools. Students also garner career-relevant knowledge on related IT subjects to better relate the challenges of the rapidly evolving world of cyber security and cyber threats to other key trends in the ICT industry. To ensure up-to-the-minute knowledge and skills, the curriculum was designed around the Common Body of Knowledge for CISSP certification developed by the International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium (ISC)². In addition, the program was developed in collaboration with the Colorado Springs and Denver chapters of the Information Security Systems Association (ISSA), and the courses have been mapped to the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) standards. The University of Denver has been designated by NSA/DHS as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. With technical skills and a strategic business background, you'll meet current industry demands, plus the demands of tomorrow. Customize your Information and Communications Technology master's degree through the innovative Professional Options Curriculum using our convenient online degree builder tool, which allows you to select courses that cater to your specific career needs.

This degree prepares students to:

• Develop and implement security policies and procedures


• Design secure applications


• Implement access controls


• Establish secure operations


• Control physical security


• Use encryption


• Secure networks


• Plan for business continuity


• Investigate incidents and handle legal issues


• Determine Return on Security Investment (ROSI)

Information and Communications Technology Outcomes

This program prepares students to:

• Define an enterprise architecture including hardware, software, databases, and communications networks and protocols
• Evaluate, select, and apply software design and development methodologies that incorporate software development, acquisition, and/or re-use
• Identify the operational and economic impact of system architecture and software applications in areas such as computer processing, data communications, network design, and software maintenance and support
• Apply best project management practices
• Apply good design processes and methods to develop production-quality systems
• Plan and evaluate, select, and apply appropriate systems and software quality assurance methods and tools
• Lead and coach others in the development of systems and software components
• Communicate effectively with technical peers, management, customers, and end-users
• Assess current and emerging telecommunications technologies
• Identify practices in information assurance

Careers in Information Systems Security

Titles
Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Security Officer, Information Technology Specialist, Advisor, IT Manager, Information Assurance Officer, Strategist, Security Technology Architect.

Duties
Develop and maintain system security plans, management, training, policy interpretation, architecture, security testing, decision−making, policymaking.

Outlook
Information systems security jobs are in high demand, as technology continues to expand and become more complex, plus a severe shortage of IT security professionals. Former federal officials have estimated there are only 1,000 US security specialists with the interdisciplinary skills needed to fill 10,000 to 30,000 cyberspace and IT security positions, according to intelligencecareers.com. While the jobs may exist, the competition is fierce; earn the extra edge with a graduate degree, interdisciplinary IT knowledge, and focus on a specific industry of your interest, according to brighthub.com. The top information systems security jobs in demand include computer forensics, wireless security, identity management, VoIP security, and disaster recovery.