Information Assurance (MSI)

Description

Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in Cybersecurity

For the 2017-18 academic year, this degree program is only available online.

Where is this program available?
 Authorized States for
Online Programs

The Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in Cybersecurity is a multi-disciplinary 30-credit-hour graduate degree. It is designed to produce a comprehensively knowledgeable cybersecurity professional. The aim is to produce capable and rigorously educated leaders to engage in the serious business of protecting the nation's information infrastructure.

Protection of America's critical infrastructure is an emerging national priority. Due to its implications for national security, the responsibility for this program has been placed jointly with the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Universities who meet the rigorous criteria established by these two federal agencies are granted designations as Centers of Excellence in IA education. This is a highly competitive annual process involving rigorous review of the target curriculum by national experts.

Approximately 200 top colleges and universities across 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are designated CAEs for cyber-related degree programs. CAE graduates help protect national security information systems, commercial networks, and critical information infrastructure in the private and public sectors. The curriculum of the University of Detroit Mercy received its Center of Excellence (CAE/IAE) designation in 2004 and has maintained it through 2016. In 2016, our program received a new category for designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). This is a four-year designation approved through 2021.

The Future of the Field

The title of our degree reflects University of Detroit Mercy's early involvement with the field. It was termed "Information Assurance" back in 2003. As the profession evolved, the term "information assurance" is now more commonly referred to as "cybersecurity", but the content and purpose of our degree remains the same. Information Assurance is the key means of defense against terrorist threats to homeland security and it is also of vital importance to businesses and organizations concerned about protecting their cyber assets. According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, the official website of the Department of Homeland Security, approximately one in five Americans has been the victim of a cybercrime and the economic impact of these attacks can cost an average U.S. company more than $15 million annually. Cybersecurity professionals are in great demand to defend our networks and infrastructure. According to the NICSS, cybersecurity professionals report an average salary of $116,00, which is almost three times the national average.

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    Admission Materials

    To apply for admission to the MSI Program, applicants should submit the following materials:

    1. A University of Detroit Mercy Graduate Application form;
    2. Official transcripts for all previous academic work; and
    3. Any other information that the applicant feels is important to the admission decision (e.g., letters of recommendation).
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    Degree Requirements

    A student must complete 30 credit hours, which is comprised of nine core courses and 1 elective.

    This degree program is available online only for the 2017-2018 academic year.

    9 Core Courses

    Electives (Choose one - 3 credits)

    Below is a sample course rotation to complete the classes in one calendar year.

    Please note that elective availability is subject to change each semester.

    Fall

    Winter

    Summer I

    Summer II

    Total: 30 credit hours

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Daniel Shoemaker, Ph.D.
 Briggs Building, Room 211
McNichols Campus

Email: shoemadp@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-3338
 Fax: 313-993-1166