Cyber Operations Specialization
For M.S. in Information Security (MSIS)
Cyber operations (Cyber Ops) is a specialization of information security that is in high demand within areas of the government and military, including the National Security Agency (NSA).
If you have an interest in working for the NSA, or a similar organization, specialization in cyber operations may be the right fit for you. To participate, students must be enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) program.
Through the INI's MSIS program, Carnegie Mellon University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybe. Operations (CAE-CO).
Requirements
The Cyber Operations Specialization is available to students in the M.S. in Information Security (MSIS) program. Through this specialization, MSIS students complete the set of courses below as part of their MSIS curricular requirements. The following courses are required:
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14-513: Introduction to Computer Systems
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14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems
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14-684: Cyber Law and Ethics
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14-735: Secure Coding
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14-740: Fundamentals of Telecommunications Networks
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14-741: Introduction to Information Security
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14-761: Applied Information Assurance
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14-819: Introduction to Software Reverse-Engineering
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14-829: Mobile & IoT Security
Compatibility with Study Options
The Cyber Operations Specialization can be completed within either of the available study options (Standard or Advanced). Under both of these options, Cyber Operations coursework fulfills 42 units of the 48 total program electives for the MSIS.
Curriculum for the Cyber Operations Specialization
The Cyber Operations Specialization requirements focus on both mandatory and optional Knowledge Units (KUs) representing important areas of study in the field of cyber operations. Some KUs are covered by multiple courses, and other KUs require multiple courses. You must complete all Mandatory KUs and four Optional KUs.
Knowledge Units
| Mandatory KUs (Complete All) | Optional KUs (Complete At Least 4) |
| M.1: Low-Level Programming Languages | O.2: Wireless Security |
| M.2: Software Reverse Engineering | O.4: Cloud Security/Cloud Computing |
| M.3: Operating System Theory | O.5: Risk Mgmt. of Information Systems |
| M.4: Networking | O.8: Software Security Analysis |
| M.5: Cellular and Mobile Technologies | O.9: Secure Software Development |
| M.7: Overview of Cyber Defense | O.10: Embedded Systems |
| M.8: Security Fundamental Principles | O.11: Digital Forensics |
| M.9: Vulnerabilities | O.12: Systems Programming |
| M.10: Legal and Ethics | O.13: Applied Cryptography |
|
*M.6: Discrete Math and Algorithm is not covered by Cyber Ops coursework because students in the MSIS program are expected to have a strong technical background, including quantitative, analytical and programming skills. |
O.15: UX/HCI Security |
Minimum Requirements for the Certificate
|
Course Number / Title |
KUs Covered |
|
14-513: Introduction to Computer Systems |
M.1: Low-Level Programming Languages |
|
14-819: Introduction to Software Reverse-Engineering |
M.2: Software Reverse Engineering |
|
14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems |
M.3: Operating System Theory, O.10: Embedded Systems, O.12: Systems Programming |
|
14-740: Fundamentals of Telecommunications Networks |
M.4: Networking |
|
14-829: Mobile & IoT Security |
M.5: Cellular and Mobile Technologies, O.2: Wireless Security, O.8: Software Security Analysis |
|
14-761: Applied Information Assurance |
M.7: Overview of Cyber Defense |
|
14-741: Introduction to Information Security |
M.8: Security Fundamental Principles |
|
14-735: Secure Coding |
M.9: Vulnerabilities, O.9: Secure Software Development |
|
14-684: Cyber Law and Ethics |
M.10: Legal and Ethics |
|
14-817: Cyber Risk Analysis |
O.5: Risk Mgmt. of Information Systems |
Supplemental Courses for Optional Knowledge Units
|
Course Number / Title |
KUs Covered |
|
14-848: Cloud Infrastructure: Design, Analysis, and Implementation |
O.4: Cloud Security/Cloud Computing |
|
14-822: Host Based Forensics AND |
O.11: Digital Forensics |
|
18-733: Applied Cryptography |
O.13: Applied Cryptography |
|
19-734: Usable Privacy and Security |
O.15: UX/HCI Security |