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MSIN: Choosing a Study Option

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the study options outlined on this webpage have been approved by the INI and the College of Engineering College Council; however, they are pending official approval by the University. All information shared is conditional until final university approval. We are sharing this now so you can begin considering your options. Last Updated: 12:00 p.m. on January 11, 2021 

All students beginning their INI program in Spring 2021 and beyond may select one of the following study options within the MSIN degree program.

Fall 2020 starts may opt into one of these study options or remain in their current, 122-unit degree program (see curriculum).

STUDY OPTIONS- CHOOSE ONE

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

If you choose the Advanced or Applied Advanced study option, you will benefit from additional flexibility to shape your graduate experience over four semesters by pursuing, along with your 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

If you choose the Applied or Applied Advanced study option, you will complete a 3-unit internship and gain real-world professional experience in an industry or research setting. 

Academic & Professional Development 2

APD 2 is a 3-unit pre-requisite for the required internship and offers a deeper focus on career-related topics in preparation for industry experience.

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

MSIN Curriculum

For Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 students who select a new study option, and for students starting in Fall 2021 and beyond. 

Core Courses [72 units]

SYSTEMS CORE (24 UNITS):

  • 12 Units: Choose From 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]

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

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.