Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security, M.S.

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College of Arts and Sciences (AC)
Department: School of Information

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

This Major shares a core with the Intelligence Studies, M.S.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity Intelligence and Information Security is an applied graduate major designed to develop information security/cybersecurity professionals who specialize in the intelligence function. The Major is grounded in an innovative STEM-based model for professional analytic education. Based on an integrated technical-analytic curriculum, the program includes a foundation of technical courses that address principles and practices for identifying, assessing, and managing threats to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of an organization’s informational assets; the role of cryptographic algorithms and systems in protecting against those threats; and, the technical and operational aspects of data/computer communication networks, including network management and security. Specialized cyber intelligence courses prepare graduates to collect on, and assess the intentions, capabilities, and activities of potential adversaries, malign actors, and insiders in the cyber domain. Cyber Intelligence helps organizations to understand their specific attack surfaces and move beyond a cybersecurity model of perimeter defense to a model that is more proactive by strategically aligning the defensive capabilities with the value/risk of specific company assets.

Major Research Areas: Cybersecurity, Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Intelligence Analysis, Cyber Analytics, Information Analytics, National Security

Admissions Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

GRE is not required
250-500 word essay describing academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing the degree, and professional goals pertaining to information security and cyber intelligence
Current professional resume or CV
Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should come from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential. If the applicant is unable to provide the letter from a former professor, with approval from the program’s admission coordinator, letters from other professional sources will be accepted.
Technical foundation in computing that includes a fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems; an understanding of modern operating systems concepts and structure; knowledge of network protocols, architectures, and applications; an understanding of the principles of computational thinking and problem solving; and basic competency in an object-oriented programming language
- The technical foundation can be acquired through academic coursework or substantial work experience. An undergraduate degree in a computing discipline such as information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, or information systems, will meet the technical foundation requirement.
- An online “bridge” option is available for students with a solid academic record, who do not have an undergraduate degree in a computing discipline or a sufficient technical foundation.
The graduate admissions committee may request a video or phone admission interview or additional documentation, if necessary.
Successful students in this program (particularly for LIS 5802) have completed undergraduate coursework in statistics or have otherwise acquired a strong foundation in the fundamentals of exploratory data analysis, sampling techniques, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and applying statistical concepts to derive insights from data and effectively communicate findings.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 33 Credit Hours

Shared Core Requirements - 9 Credit Hours
Additional Required Courses - 21 Credit Hours
Practicum - 3 Credit Hours

Shared Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)

LIS 6703 Core Concepts in Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
LIS 6700 Information Strategy and Decision-Making Credit Hours: 3
LIS 6107 Advanced Professional & Technical Communication for Analysts Credit Hours: 3 Students are required to earn at least a B in LIS 6107

Additional Required Courses (21 Credit Hours)

ISM 6328 Information Security & Risk Management Credit Hours: 3
EEL 6787 Data Network, Systems, and Security Credit Hours: 3
ISM 6577 Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Credit Hours: 3
MAD 5474 Applied Cryptography Credit Hours: 3
LIS 6709 Cyber Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
LIS 6670 Advanced Cyber Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
And one of the following:
LIS 6702 Advanced Intelligence Analytic Methods Credit Hours: 3 OR
LIS 5802 Information Analytics Credit Hours: 3

Non-Thesis

No thesis is required.

Comprehensive Exam

During the semester in which the student is scheduled to graduate, the student will be required to submit an electronic portfolio demonstrating completion of core major competencies in cybersecurity and in the area of concentration. This competency-based portfolio will substitute for the written comprehensive exam because the portfolio permits the capstone assessment to align exactly with the degree program’s objectives. Each objective in the portfolio is reviewed and rated by graduate faculty for Content (demonstrating knowledge of accepted practices, procedures, and trends in the field) and Critical Thinking (ability the student’s ability to analyze a problem, organize a response, synthesize perspectives, and draw practical, testable conclusions).

Student competency in the major area may also be assessed through successful completion of practical/applied exercises (e.g., security operations analyses and/or cyber intelligence analytic scenarios) using knowledge and skills that correspond to the content of the major.

Practicum (3 Credit Hours)

LIS 6946 Practicum Credit Hours: 3 (Experiential Learning - Practicum or Equivalent)

University of South Florida

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