Semester Requirements
Dianne Bills, Graduate Program Director
(585) 475-2700, Dianne.Bills@rit.edu
Program overview
This advanced certificate provides the fundamental knowledge and expertise in network security and forensics necessary for information assurance in networked environments. Students learn to make computers and networks resistant to attack by closing off vulnerabilities and by monitoring intrusions. The application of forensics allows successful attacks on computer systems to be detected. This involves gathering information on the nature and extent of the attack for presentation in a court of law, as well as assessing the extent of the damage to an organization. Courses taken as part of this certificate can transfer into the MS program in computing security.
Curriculum
Information assurance, advanced certificate, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| CSEC-744 | Network Security | 3 |
| CSEC-603 | Enterprise Security and Forensics | 3 |
| CSEC-742 | Computer System Security | 3 |
| CSEC-730 | Advanced Computer Forensics | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the advanced certificate program in information assurance, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with course work or extensive work experience in networking theory and practice, systems administration, programming (C/C++), and OS scripting (Perl preferred),
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B average or a first class degree from a foreign university),
- Submit transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Complete a graduate application.
While GRE scores are not required, they are strongly recommended for applicants with an undergraduate GPA that is lower than required. Relevant employment experience can strengthen a candidate's application for admission.
This certificate is intended for part-time study; therefore RIT cannot issue I-20 paperwork. International students may complete the program part-time through online learning.
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Click to view program requirements in the Quarter Calendar
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
This advanced certificate provides the fundamental knowledge and expertise in network security and forensics necessary to provide information assurance in networked environments. Students learn to make computers and networks resistant to attack by closing off vulnerabilities and by monitoring intrusions. The application of forensics allows successful attacks on computer systems to be detected. This involves gathering information on the nature and extent of the attack for presentation in court, as well as assessing the extent of the damage to an organization. Courses taken as part of this certificate can transfer into the MS in networking and systems administration or the MS in computing security and information assurance.
This certificate is intended for part-time study; therefore RIT cannot issue I-20 paperwork. International students may study part-time through online learning.
Curriculum
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their graduate program adviser with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Information assurance, advanced certificate, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 4055-755 | Secured Wireless and Wired Networks | 4 |
| 4055-780 | Computer System Security | 4 |
| 4055-841 | Advanced Computer Forensics | 4 |
| 4055-882 | Enterprise Security | 4 |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 12 | |
Information assurance, advanced certificate, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NSSA-744 | Network Security | 3 |
| NSSA-603 | Enterprise Security and Forensics | 3 |
| NSSA-742 | Computer System Security | 3 |
| NSSA-730 | Advanced Computer Forensics | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the advanced certificate program in information assurance, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with course work or extensive work experience in networking, systems administration, programming (C++) and OS scripting (Perl preferred),
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (or a first class degree from a foreign university),
- Submit transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Complete a graduate application.
While GRE scores are not required, they are strongly suggested for applicants with an undergraduate degree but with a lower GPA than required. Strong scores, or a proven record of achieving a grade of B or better in more recent course work, could strengthen a candidate's application for admission.