http://www.nssa.rit.edu/

Program overview

Developers and practitioners need to understand the importance of building security and survivability into systems, rather than trying to add it once systems are installed.

The MS in computing security and information assurance gives students an understanding of the technological and ethical roles of computer security in society. Students develop a specialization in one of several areas by selecting four related elective courses under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students conclude their program of study with a thesis, completed under the guidance of program faculty. The program enables students to develop a strong foundation, preparing them for leadership positions in both the private and public sectors of the computer security industry, for academic or research careers in computer security and information assurance, or for an advanced degree.

The program is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as computer or electrical engineering.

Curriculum

The program consists of core courses, electives, and a thesis for a total of 48 quarter credit hours.

Electives

Electives provide breadth of experience in security-related areas within computer science, information technology, and software engineering. Students who wish to include courses from departments outside of approved program electives need permission from the graduate program director. Students also may choose elective courses from departments in other RIT colleges; however, these courses may require additional prerequisites.

Master's thesis

The capstone for this program is a thesis. In order to register, a student must complete Research Methods (4055-726) and submit an acceptable proposal to the program faculty.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in computing security and information assurance, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, computer engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or computer engineering technology (exceptional students from other fields may be admitted on a contingent basis),
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0,
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
• Submit a minimum of two recommendations from well-qualified individuals who are able to assess the applicant's potential for success, and
• Complete a graduate application.
• International applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (Internet-based) are required. Applicants who have completed course work at foreign universities must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. GRE scores are also recommended for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

Prerequisites

Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in mathematics (integral calculus, discrete mathematics) and computing (computer programming [e.g. C++], operating systems, OS scripting, software engineering, and computer networking).

Bridge program

Students whose undergraduate preparation or employment experience does not satisfy the prerequisites required for the program may make up these deficiencies through up to one year of additional study. Bridge courses, designed to close any gaps in a student's preparation, may be recommended. Bridge courses could cover curriculum in mathematics, computing, or programming languages. Generally, formal acceptance into the program is deferred until the applicant has made significant progress through these additional courses.

Students may be admitted to the program on the condition that bridge courses are completed with a grade of B or better. Courses with lower grades must be repeated. Bridge courses are not counted toward the 48 credit hours required for the master's degree. Grades earned form bridge courses are not included in a student's graduate grade point average.

A bridge program can be designed in different ways. Other courses may be substituted, and courses at other colleges may be applied. All bridge course work must be approved in advance by the graduate program director.

Additional information

Study options

Students may pursue the degree on a full- or part-time basis. Some, but not all, of the courses are available in online-learning format. A full-time student, who takes three courses per quarter, may be able to complete the course work in five quarters; part-time students may finish in two to four years. The time required to complete a master's thesis varies according to the student and the scope of the thesis; however, two quarters is typical.

Faculty

Faculty members are actively engaged in consulting and research in the information assurance areas, including cryptography, databases, networking, and software engineering. There are many opportunities for students to participate in research activities toward thesis or independent study work.

Maximum time limit

Requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years of the date of the oldest course counted toward the student's program. Bridge courses are excluded.