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Master of Science in Information Technology - Security Management Specialization

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program is designed to provide students with a strong computing and essential managerial background as well as systematic, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that enable them to contribute as a knowledgeable professional to a variety of information technology related technical roles, including but not limited to Computer and Information Systems Managers, Computer Systems Analysts, Information Security Analysts, and Computer Network Architects.

The MSIT degree includes core curriculum designed to provide the relevant and advanced instruction in a set of information technology (IT) subjects such as the computer technologies and their applications for strategic management, project management, network infrastructure management, enterprise system architecture, security, and data management. In addition, the MSIT program has a General track and three concentrations: Network Management, Security Management and Project Management. Each concentration provides a set of courses which are designed to equip students with additional domain knowledge such as principles, processes and methodologies, as well as best practices on how to apply relevant information technologies in the concentration subjects.

 

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification.  As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Program Accreditation and Alignments

National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have recognized Colorado Technical University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD). The CTU cyber security curriculum was certified thereby to map to the DHS/NSA cybersecurity knowledge units. This recognition and certification is valid through 2021.

This CAE IA/CD designation is applicable to this degree program.

Outcomes

General:

  • Analyze complex computing problems and user needs, and apply advanced technologies to produce computing-based solutions to complex computing-based systems.
  • Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to design, implement, and evaluate advanced computing-based solutions to meet the requirements in the context of Information Technology.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts and in writing Information Technology topics to conduct and communicate results of applications research.

Concentration Learning Outcomes

Security Management

  • Apply various enterprise level policies, standards and procedures to develop and implement effective security infrastructure to support the organization needs.

Degree Requirements

Courses: Core

CS651Computer Systems Security Foundations

4

CS663Enterprise Systems Architecture

4

IT621Enterprise Data Management

4

IT640Networking and Telecommunications

4

MGMT690Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments

4

PM600Project Management Processes in Organizations

4

Total Credit Hours:24

Courses: Specialization

CS632Data and Applications Security

4

CS652Operating Systems Security

4

CS653Network Security

4

CS654Security Management

4

IT635Information Systems Auditing

4
IT697Information Technology Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:24

Total Credit Hours: 48

MSIT Foundation Requirements

The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is built upon the expectation that students will enter the program with a solid information technology background. Therefore, the MSIT program requires students to have prior foundational knowledge in all core information technology disciplines to be successful.

Students entering into the MSIT program without a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, or information systems will be required to successfully complete two MSIT foundation courses (IT502 and IT504) covering the following discipline areas of information technology: networking; network security; virtualization; cloud computing; information system architecture; and database systems.

If a student can show evidence of satisfying the foundation course objectives through coursework from an accredited institution, the foundation requirement can be waived.

The foundation courses are also available to students with an undergraduate information technology degree who wish to refresh their knowledge in these subject areas.

The MSIT foundation course IT502 must be completed and passed prior to beginning courses in the MSIT program. Students will need to complete and pass IT504 prior to the end of the first quarter.

Students must be able to exhibit proficiency by successfully completing the foundation course with a minimum 70% passing score. If after 5 attempts (applies to each course separately) students do not pass the foundation course, students are encouraged to work with the Student Success department if they have questions regarding these foundation courses, timeframes for completion, or for alternative programs of study as needed.

Students who do not meet the MSIT foundation requirements will be withdrawn, canceled or transferred from the MSIT program.

Locations

  • Colorado Springs
  • Aurora (Denver Area)
  • Virtual Campus

Area of Study

  • Information Technology

Degree Level

  • Master