Attacks on computer systems and networks are one of the most significant threats facing today’s businesses. The exposure of sensitive data, customer information or financial records could cost a company dearly. Organizations are making significant investments to mitigate these risks, creating opportunities for information systems security professionals.

Taught by instructors, many of whom have relevant knowledge regarding the information system security skills that can be necessary to manage and protect the vital technology assets of today’s organizations, Colorado Technical University offers a Master’s of Science in Management in Information Systems Security. The MSM with a concentration in Information Systems Security focuses on preparing technical leaders in security management to combat threats in today’s environment through an understanding of security management, network security principles and certification and accreditation requirements.

In this industry-current Master’s of Science in Management degree in Information Systems Security program, our project-based Professional Learning Model™ can engage you with complex, real-world situations and help you understand how the loss or corruption of information systems can significantly affect the organization and result in a substantial loss of revenue. The CTU PLM™ is designed to place you in the active role of collaborative problem-solver and project initiator, helping you learn marketable skills as you can study and learn how information security specialists to implement security measures and make their organizations safe.

Your studies will also include a Project Management Institute (PMI®)-registered project management component that provides a solid base of knowledge to address today's most pressing management challenges.

This Master's degree in Information Systems Security is accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center (PMI-GAC) when offered at one of CTU's ground campuses.

CTU's MSM with a concentration in Information Systems Security may challenge students to understand how businesses and organizations throughout the world are constantly experiencing attacks or security-related incidents on their computer systems and networks. Successful completion of this Master’s of Science in Management in Information Systems Security degree program degree program can provide students with an applicable foundation of relevant qualifications, including how to:

• Plan projects effectively and successfully, taking into consideration the quadruple constraints of time, cost, resources and specifications.
• Develop from the basic project plan a work-breakdown structure to the lowest granularity permitted by cost.
• Determine and calculate project risks according to classical risk analysis.
• Plan and manage contractual purchasing issues, including, procurement and supply, outsourcing, and just-in-time acquisition.
• Evaluate and present project objectives, requirements, scope and budgeting effectively to upper management.
• Define technical requirements for the implementation of an effective security infrastructure.
• Identify and describe the impact of implementing security components at all OSI layers.
• Develop effective enterprise level security policies, standards and procedures.
• Identify and develop necessary enterprise/government systems certification and accreditation procedures and best commercial practices.

Core classes in CTU's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Information Systems Security include:

• Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments
• Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making
• Project Management Processes in Organizations
• Project Planning, Execution and Closure
• Schedule and Cost Control Techniques
• Contracting and Procurement in Project Management
• Information Technology Capstone

The MSM with a concentration in Information Systems Security includes a Project Management Institute (PMI®)-registered project management component that can provide a solid base of knowledge to address today's most pressing management challenges. Concentration courses in this program are focused on methods to combat threats to corporate technical resources, which in today's world is becoming a top priority for more and more businesses. For example:

• In Network Security, the course can provide a brief overview of the basic elements of networking concepts, topologies and protocols necessary to understand network security issues, including an in-depth analysis of privacy, integrity, availability and non-repudiation within a network environment.
• In Security Management, students may examine topics including development of policies, standards and procedures, risk analysis methodologies, contingency planning and disaster recovery.
• In Software Information Assurance, the need for security driven life cycle development models and security standards for programming and scripting languages may be presented, and students can have an opportunity to study vulnerabilities caused by both scripting errors and poor scripting techniques on WEB-based applications.

Other concentration courses in this program include:

• Computer Systems Security Foundations
• System Security Certification and Accreditation