Specialization in Cyber Operations
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.
Specialization in Cyber Operations Curriculum Meets MSIS Degree Requirements
MSIS students are able to earn a Specialization in Cyber Operations without taking additional coursework, however they must fulfill both sets of requirements. All courses used to satisfy the Specialization in Cyber Operations requirements must be taken for a letter grade. If completed, the Specialization in Cyber Operations certificate will be issued at graduation.
Note: International students can pursue the Specialization in Cyber Operations Certificate.
Carnegie Mellon University, through the INI and CyLab, has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).
LEARN more about CMU's Designations
Specialization in Cyber Operations is available for MSIS students.
Curriculum for Specialization in Cyber Operations
Specialization in Cyber Operations 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.
To earn the Specialization in Cyber Operations, students must successfully complete courses that cover all of the mandatory KUs and at least four (4) of the optional KUs.
| 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 Algorithms is not covered by Cyber Ops coursework because all INI programs require incoming students to have a background in discrete mathematics and algorithms. |
O.15: UX/HCI Security |
Based on the INI’s mapping of courses to KUs, students can accomplish the minimum requirements for the certificate by completing the following courses:
|
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 |
|
|
|
Note: All INI programs require background in discrete mathematics and algorithms as an admissions requirement, so the M6 KU is not covered by any course that PoS students would take. Rather, the skills in this KU are practiced and reinforced by the majority of courses that INI students take.
Additionally, students can further supplement their Specialization in Cyber Operations coursework with the following courses that cover additional Optional KUs (possibly in concert with required courses above).
|
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 |