The Executive Management of Secure Information Systems MS, an interdisciplinary program offered by the Volgenau School of Engineering, the School of Business and the Schar School of Policy and Government prepares professionals for the challenges of modern computerized information systems that have become increasingly complex and vulnerable to cyber-attacks, resulting in a significant number of government regulations. Consequently, those responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of such systems need to grasp their technical aspects and be familiar with both the principles of management and the public policy impact of regulatory and organizational decisions.
Total credits: 36
Program Requirements
2015-2016 Academic Year
The Executive Management of Secure Information Systems MS, an interdisciplinary program offered by the Volgenau School of Engineering, the School of Business , and the School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs ; prepares professionals for the challenges of modern computerized information systems that have become increasingly complex and vulnerable to cyber-attacks, resulting in a significant number of government regulations. Consequently, those responsible for the safe, secure, and efficient operation of such systems need to grasp their technical aspects and be familiar with both the principles of management and the public policy impact of regulatory and organizational decisions.
The program is run as a cohort with no electives. The entire program has a duration of 16 months including about seven days of study abroad, which is included in the tuition. Applicants to the program are expected to have at least three years of full-time relevant work experience.
MS-MSIS Admission Requirements
Applicant requirements include:
- Application form and application fee.
- A bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an approved institution, recognized qualifications equivalent to a degree.
- Official copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended in the United States and abroad.
- Two professional letters of recommendation.
- Goals statement (statement of how and why applicants would benefit from the program).
- A current resume.
- English proficiency standards as required of all Mason graduate students. In particular, applicants who have earned a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States, Canada (excluding province of Quebec), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are considered to have met that standard. All other applicants are required to take an English proficiency examination and meet minimum scores set by Mason in order to be considered for admission. The TOEFL or IELTS exams can be used to meet this requirement. The minimum scores are: TOEFL: IBT (88 total with 20 points minimum in each section); CBT (230); and PBT (570); IELTS – Academic: 6.5 total band score.
- GMAT (recommended score: the mean GMAT scores of an entering class should meet or exceed 550 with an individual minimum of 500) or GRE (recommended score: 308). The GMAT or GRE may be waived if the applicant's record demonstrates the ability to succeed in a competitive and quantitative program.
- A minimum of three years of significant full-time work experience is required.
MS-MSIS Degree Requirements
Students are responsible for familiarization and compliance with the Academic Policies in this catalog.
Required Courses (36 credits)
- MSEC 510 - Foundations of Cyber Security
- MSEC 511 - Security Practices in the Enterprise
- MSEC 520 - Networking Principles
- MSEC 620 - Networking Security
- MSEC 630 - Secure Information System Governance, Regulation, and Compliance
- MSEC 640 - Privacy and Ethics in an Interconnected World
- MSEC 641 - Enterprise Security Threats
- MSEC 642 - Enterprise Security Technologies
- MSEC 650 - Seminar: Enterprise Security Case Studies
- PUBP 610 - Organizations, Management, and Work: Theory and Practice
- PUBP 611 - Critical Infrastructure Protection in Theory, Policy and Practice
- MSIS 611 - Leadership and Change Management
- MSIS 614 - Financial and Cost Accounting
- MSIS 620 - Economics of Technology Management
- MSIS 641 - Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship
- MSIS 643 - Managerial Finance
- MSIS 711 - Deriving Strategic Value from IT Investments
- 3 credits of MSIS 735 - Capstone Project or MSEC 720 - Capstone Project in Management of Secure Information Systems (1-3 credits)
- 2 credits of MSIS 750 - Global Practices in Security of Information Systems or MSEC 710 - Global Residency (1-4 credits)
Opportunities
The Executive Master’s Degree of Secure Information Systems Management at Volgenau combines business coursework with intensive study of secure information systems. Mason graduates, who are prepared to manage the unique technical demands of secure enterprises, are highly sought after in corporate and government markets due to the expanding demand for secure information streams. Mason’s long history in information security makes our program one of the most desirable in the country due to our collaboration with various government agencies. This program prepares graduates to seek advancement to such positions as chief technology officer, computer and information systems management, IT project manager and MIS director. The growth rate for such positions in the next decade is 15 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professional certifications are recommended for further enhancement of employment prospects.