Contents
Catalog Links

Master of Science in Computer Science - Computer Systems Security Concentration

Beginning January 2018, this concentration is no longer offered under this name and is now Cybersecurity Engineering.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program centers on a set of core courses which are designed to provide the student with an understanding of operating systems and networking, as well as knowledge of computer system architecture and the software system engineering process. The MSCS program is designed for Computer Science professionals seeking to advance their careers in a broad range of computer fields.

Building on the MSCS program core, the concentration courses provide the foundation and focused knowledge for those interested in the systems security field. Protecting vital enterprise computer systems from unauthorized change, improper access, theft of information and monetary theft has always been important. It is becoming more so with the rapid growth of networking, the Internet and e-business. This concentration presents an overview of computer systems security, together with the opportunity to attain education competencies necessary to develop a security policy, formulate an implementation plan, design and implement security measures, and monitor and manage computer systems security.

 

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

Outcomes

MSCS Program Outcomes: Core

  • Apply effective leadership strategies and skills
  • Critically evaluate the issues that affect the development and modification of complex software systems
  • Conduct professional, scholarly, applied research
  • Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the field of computer science
  • Select analytical and critical thinking skills for effective decision analysis and problem solving in a specific situation

Outcomes: Concentration

  • Assess the need for, and make recommendations on the technical requirements necessary for the implementation of an effective security infrastructure
  • Recommend and defend the implementation of security components at the operating system and network level to include considerations for cloud computing and virtualization.
  • Develop effective enterprise level security policies, standards and procedures including business continuity

MSCS Program Competencies:

  • Critically evaluate the issues that impact the development and modification of complex software systems
  • Apply analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills in diverse, appropriate situations
  • Construct domain-specific computing or information system solutions
  • Identify gaps in the body of knowledge
  • Conduct professional, scholarly, applied research

Degree Requirements

Courses: Core

CS627Design and Analysis of Algorithms

4

CS630Modern Operating Systems

4

CS635Computer Networking

4

CS651Computer Systems Security Foundations

4

CS660Database Systems

4

CS672Systems Engineering Methods

4

CS698Computer Science Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:28

Courses: Concentration

CS631Digital Forensics

4

CS652Operating Systems Security

4

CS653Network Security

4

CS654Security Management

4

CS661Software Information Assurance

4

Total Credit Hours:20

Total Credit Hours: 48

Preparatory Requirements

The CTU Master of Science in Computer Science degree program is designed to provide technical depth in computer science and in the three concentration areas—software engineering, security and database management systems. In order to achieve this depth a solid foundation in mathematics, computer science, and the student’s concentration area is required. In addition, the student must have an intermediate level of ability to program in a current object-oriented programming language such as C++ or Java, such as is provided by CS215 or IT215. Students who have the required background but need to refresh their mathematics skills are highly encouraged to take MATH501. Students who have the required background but need to refresh some of their computer science skills are highly encouraged to take CS500. 

Area of Study

  • Engineering & Computer Science

Degree Level

  • Master