M.S. in Information Networking (MSIN)

MS35 Curriculum

The following curriculum applies to MSIN students starting their INI program in the 2023-24 academic year (MS35 cohort).

Core Courses [75-78 units]

SYSTEMS CORE (24 UNITS):

12 Units: Choose One:
14-642: Introduction to Embedded Systems
15-605: Operating System Design and Implementation
15-746/18-746: Storage Systems
12 Units: Choose One:
14-736: Distributed Systems: Techniques, Infrastructure, and Services
15-640: Distributed Systems

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
15-641: Networking and the Internet

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT CORE (12 UNITS):

14-776: Fundamentals of Business and Management

SECURITY CORE ( 12 UNITS):

Choose One:
14-741: Introduction to Information Security
14-735: Secure Coding

Academic and Professional Development 1 (3 UNITS):

14-601: INI Academic & Professional Development 1

Academic and Professional Development 2 (3 UNITS):

14-602: INI Academic & Professional Development 2º

MSIN DEGREE-SPECIFIC CORE (12 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.

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 14-735, 14-736, 14-642, 15-605, and 15-640.

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

Students admitted in Fall 2023 will enter under the standard or advanced study option.

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	Optional Internship	Core [75 Units] Electives [48 Units]
Applied* [129 Units]	3 Semesters	Required Internship	Core [78 Units] Electives [48 Units] Internship [3 Units]
Advanced Studies [159 Units]	4 Semesters	Optional Internship	Core [75 Units] Electives [48 Units] Advanced Studies [36 Units]
Applied Advanced Studies* [165 Units]	4 Semesters	Required Internship	Core [78 Units] Electives [48 Units] Advanced Studies [36 Units] Internship [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. An optional internship is allowed in the standard or advanced program for domestic and CPT-eligible international students. If you choose to complete an internship as part of your degree in either the standard or advanced programs, you will be required to register for a three-unit internship course as an elective and pay tuition accordingly.

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.

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

*Applied and Applied Advanced Studies programs are not available for Fall 2023 incoming students.

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 and Student Services team at ini-academic@andrew.cmu.edu for assistance.

Information Networking Institute

College of Engineering