Information Technology Degrees Online

Computer Information Systems Major

Core Business Requirements (21 credits)*

All students are required to take the following set of core courses as a foundation for requirements in their area of concentration.

BE 135 Business Communications
BE 202 Statistics for Business
BE 204 Principles of Macroeconomics
BE 205 Principles of Microeconomics
MG 131 Principles of Management
MG 231 Principles of Marketing
BE 391 Business Policy Seminar

CIS Courses
(48 credits, 27 credits + 21 core credits listed above)

Required courses:
CIS 115 Computer Essentials
CIS 379 Management of the Information Systems Function
CIS 385 Information Systems Security
CIS 393 Senior Computer Project

Five of the following courses:
CIS 170 Operating Systems Concepts
CIS 171 Business Spreadsheet Development
CIS 172 Database Development
CIS 252 Special Topics
CIS 276 Systems Analysis and Design
CIS 278 Advanced Database Development
CIS 301 Technology and the Arts
CIS 380 Internship
CIS 382 Computer Networks
CIS 383 Internet and Web Publishing
CIS 386 Advanced Web Site Development
CIS 387 Electronic Commerce
CIS 388 Project Management
CIS 390 Independent Study

The need to protect enterprises against threats to information system availability, integrity, and confidentiality has made information assurance and security expertise a valuable skill within businesses, government agencies, and military organizations. This online master’s specialization in Information Assurance and Security is designed around the domains of knowledge in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification. The curriculum addresses core information assurance and security topics, including enterprise security and security risk management, as well as such emerging areas as wireless security and computer forensics. It combines technical and policy-focused course work that will strengthen your ability to protect information system security while supporting organizational goals. You will also have access to Capella’s Virtual Lab Environment, which allows you to test open vulnerabilities and simulate and protect against attacks on system design. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing information security management or consulting positions in business, health care, government, and the military.

Center for Information Assurance Education
Capella is one of the select four-year colleges and graduate-level universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Information systems play an important role in the infrastructure that supports commerce, banking, telecommunications, health care, and national security, driving the need for qualified informational assurance and security specialists. New financial and health care regulations related to privacy and security, along with a growing move to more vulnerable wireless systems, have also increased the importance of these skills. This Information Assurance and Security bachelor’s specialization is designed to help you acquire and apply the latest tools, techniques, and methods of securing an enterprise, while building the business and communication skills you need to influence internal decision making and enhance organizational effectiveness.

The courses in this specialization reflect the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) body of knowledge frameworks developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). People who choose this specialization are often pursuing technical specialist or analyst-level information security positions in businesses, government, and the military.
Center for Information Assurance Education

Capella has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This online Information Assurance and Security certificate will expand your critical thinking skills and help you develop the competencies associated with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC). It is designed for technology professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to develop the skills needed to manage information assurance and security functions within a large organization. The curriculum provides opportunities to master information security principles through practice and interaction, as well as course work.

Center for Information Assurance Education
Capella is one of the select four-year colleges and graduate-level universities designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

There is an increasing global need for information science professionals; particularly those with a systems security specialization. Sheridan’s Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (Information Systems Security) Program provides students with a fundamental understanding of core disciplines within the field of computer science with information systems security concerns highlighted throughout the courses. In addition, many aspects of security such as information systems security, database security, network and ecommerce security, technical and legal issues, resource protection and applied cryptography are covered in depth.

The world is growing more reliant on the Internet and web services for information and communications. Many families routinely shop online. Local, state and federal government offices increasingly use computers to communicate with each other throughout the country. And an even larger number of businesses in the United States are networked to branch offices on almost every continent. The World Wide Web and its expanding digital universe promise even more exciting options for businesses and consumers.

While information and communication opportunities are increasing, security challenges are increasing as well. In 2001, more than 34,000 attacks on Internet computers were reported to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT, a government-funded clearinghouse, predicts the number will double by 2003. In our global marketplace, an attack on one computer has the potential to affect the operations of many interdependent systems. In the wake of September 11, 2001, the U.S. and other nations have become even more concerned about the threat to computer infrastructure and information systems through the potential misuse of computer networks and the Internet.

While there is a need for reliable computer systems that provide security and privacy to both businesses and consumers, a need also exists for systems security professionals who can help design, configure, implement, manage, support and secure these computer systems.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU:
Employees with knowledge of information systems security are now considered to be an important part of many information technology infrastructure teams. Graduates of the Information Systems Security program in the School of Information Technology at ITT Tech will have a credential that can help them pursue career opportunities in a variety of entry-level positions involving information systems security, some of which may include: security professionals as part of software development and information technology infrastructure teams; security technicians working with Internet service providers, application service providers and systems integrators; and security auditors. Rather than teach only the business or strategic planning side of information systems security, ITT Tech’s program covers both management and technical aspects of this field. These are the kinds of skills that can be valuable in today’s digital marketplace.

The ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Security. This program is offered online to allow students the flexibility to participate when it is convenient to them.

Employees with knowledge of information systems security are now considered to be an important part of many information technology infrastructure teams. Rather than teach only the business or strategic planning side of information systems security, ITT Tech’s program covers both management and technical aspects of this field. These are the kinds of skills that can be valuable in today’s digital marketplace.

An online education can offer opportunities for students to pursue their educational objectives when attending school in a traditional classroom is just not practical. With ITT Tech’s online education, a quality technical education is now available when and where it is convenient for the student.

The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed for the business professional that has responsibility for planning, integrating, operating and/or improving business information technology systems. The program focuses on using information technologies to enhance an organization’s business activities. Students analyze leading information technology trends and developments, determine the potential implications for business, and define strategies for creating and sustaining a competitive advantage. Two specializations are available in the MSIS – Information Assurance and Project Management.

Walsh College is the area’s only graduate degree program offering a specialization in information assurance. All students graduating with this specialization will receive a certificate from the National Security Agency’s National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee. Additionally, BSBIT graduates will enter the marketplace armed with a degree from a college that has gained national recognition for its IT programs. Walsh was recently among an elite group of 50 colleges designated as Centers of Academic excellence by the United States National Security Agency.

Graduates will be prepared for a number of positions in the IT field including; senior systems analyst, applications development manager, data center manager, and technical services director.

Opportunities for Employment
As our information technology infrastructure grows increasingly complex, so does the need for professionals with an advanced knowledge of the business world and information technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technological advancements will boost the employment of computer-related workers. As a result, the demand for managers to direct these workers will also increase. Additionally, the emergence of “cyber-security” as a key issue facing most organizations will lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire cyber-security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments, because the integrity of their computing environment is of the utmost concern. As a result, there will be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

Program Format
To earn an MSIS degree from Walsh College, students must complete 12 to 14 courses totaling 36 to 42 semester credit hours, depending on prior business course work. Advanced standing credit, not to exceed 15 semester credit hours, may be awarded toward the MSIS degree for equivalent, graduate course work completed at another institution; time limits may apply. A minimum of 21 credit hours must be taken in residence at Walsh College. Students may also receive advanced standing credit in the MSIS program if they already hold CISSP and/or PMP certificates.

Students who enter the program with two years of relevant work experience in information technology or hold an undergraduate degree in a related field may be excluded from the foundation courses. Students who lack the work experience or related undergraduate degree will be required to complete the foundation courses in the program.

The Information Assurance specialization will prepare students to take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. Students will obtain critical skills by completing courses in information protection programs, internetworking and application security, information security safeguards and information security auditing, and threat assessment. Individuals who hold a certificate in CISA, CISM, CISSP, or CPP may be eligible to achieve 12 credit hours in advanced standing credit in the MSIS.

The Project Management specialization is based on the nine project management knowledge areas defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The goal of this specialization will be to prepare the student to assist organizations with their project management needs, while acquiring the knowledge that will enable them to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.

Individuals who hold a certificate in project management through the Project Management Institute may be eligible to achieve 12 credit hours in advanced standing credit in the MSIS.

Our Information Systems Security program instructs students in advanced computer information security skills. Students learn how to implement e-business solutions, security policies, identify security threats, develop counter-measures using firewall systems and attack recognition technologies, and manage the deployment of security solutions for effective network management.

Topics are covered extensively in career major courses of the information systems security degree, but students also take advantage of general education courses, career preparation, and business courses during their studies. These general courses add to the value of the degree, rounding out students’ education.

Information systems security professionals are gatekeepers who protect companies and government agencies. They use their knowledge of computers, computer software and engineering to offer and implement e-business security solutions, identify threats and create firewall systems. It’s a big job with huge career potential; work towards it with help from Westwood College.

In recent years, information systems security has become increasingly important for national and international business. Security breaches have affected every industry and have cost companies billions of dollars in lost revenue and productivity. Combined with recent terrorist activities, this has required the computer networking industry to seek out employees in areas like computer information security and network management.