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M.S. in Information Networking (MSIN)

MS34 Curriculum

The following curriculum applies to MSIN students starting their INI program in the 2022-23 academic year (MS34 cohort).

Core Courses [72 units]

SYSTEMS CORE (24 UNITS):

  • 12 Units: Choose One Course Below:
    14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems 
    15-605: Operating System Design and Implementation
    15-746/18-746: Storage Systems     
  • 12 Units:
    14-736: Distributed Systems: Techniques, Infrastructure, and Services

NETWORKING CORE (12 UNITS): 

  • Choose One:
    14-740: Fundamentals of Telecommunications and Computer Networks 
    14-760: Advanced Real-World Data Networks
    18-756: Packet Switching and Computer Networks 

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT CORE (12 UNITS):

  • 14-776: Fundamentals of Business and Management 

MSIN DEGREE-SPECIFIC CORE (24 UNITS):

Courses from ECE/SCS in the areas of Software Systems & Computer Networking and Signal Processing & Communications. Please refer to the MSIN Core Courses list on the Course List page.

Program Electives [48 Units]

Fulfilled by courses in INI, Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), School of Computer Science (SCS), Engineering & Public Policy (EPP), Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) or Integrated Innovation Institute (III), and/or approved courses in the Heinz College or Tepper School. Some exceptions apply.

Academic & Professional Development 1 [3 Units] 

  • 14-601: INI Academic and Professional Development 1 

Please note: depending on your study option, you may have additional requirements. Review chart below

Academic Advising

Each student is assigned a dedicated faculty academic advisor who can provide advice about developing a plan that best fits your interests, needs and goals. You'll also benefit from enrollment and career advising provided by our academic affairs and student services team. 

Important Note

14-513: Introduction to Computer Systems is a required prerequisite for a number of systems core courses, in addition to the MSIN required core courses 14-736, 14-642 and 15-605. 

We strongly recommend students take 14-513 in their first semester.

Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Track (CyFIR)

You can complete the 48 units of the CyFIR Track through an appropriate combination of degree-specific courses and program electives.

If you are interested in the CyFIR track, discuss course sequencing with your faculty advisor before registering for classes.

Learn more about the CyFIR track

Study Options

MSIN students pursue one of the following four study options within their degree program.

STUDY OPTIONS

Program length

Internship Requirement

Distribution of units 
Standard
[123 Units]		 3 Semesters No Internship
  • Core [72 Units]
  • Electives [48 Units]
  • APD 1 [3 Units]
Applied
[129 Units]		 3 Semesters Required Internship 
  • Core [72 Units]
  • Electives [48 Units]
  • Internship [3 Units]
  • APD 1 [3 Units]
  • APD 2 [3 Units]
Advanced Studies
[159 Units]		 4 Semesters

No Internship

 
  • Core [72 Units]
  • Electives [48 Units]
  • Advanced Studies [36 Units]
  • APD 1 [3 Units]
Applied Advanced Studies
[165 Units]		 4 Semesters Required Internship 
  • Core [72 Units]
  • Electives [48 Units]
  • Advanced Studies [36 Units]
  • Internship [3 Units]
  • APD 1 [3 Units]
  • APD 2 [3 Units]

Advanced Studies

Students in the Advanced or Applied Advanced Studies options benefit from additional flexibility to shape their graduate experience over four semesters by pursuing, along with coursework, one of the following:

  • Master's Thesis: Delve deeply into a problem and create a novel solution for a research-based project, providing the opportunity to gain significant knowledge and skills in a particular area.
  • Development-Based Project: Increase your knowledge and skills by defining an important problem and demonstrating successful possible industry solutions.

Internship

Students in the Applied or Applied Advanced Studies options will gain real-world professional experience by completing a 3-unit internship in an industry or research setting. 

Academic & Professional Development 2

APD 2 is a 3-unit course designed to prepare students for the required internship by offering a deeper focus on career-related topics for building industry experience.

Only students in the Applied and Applied Advanced Studies programs will take APD 2.

Disclaimer: 

The INI cannot guarantee that courses will be offered each semester or in a specific semester as advertised on this page. Students must refer to the 'Schedule of Classes' to determine course availability. The INI cannot guarantee that a student will be offered a seat in a specific course. These apply to courses at the INI as well as other departments at Carnegie Mellon. In addition, it is the sole responsibility of the student to read and understand the following information regarding this program and its requirements. Should an individual have any further questions, they are encouraged to contact INI Academic Affairs Office (AAO) at ini-academic@andrew.cmu.edu for assistance.