Carnegie Mellon University

M.S. in Information Security (MSIS)

MS35 Curriculum

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

Core Courses [75-78 units]

SYSTEMS CORE (12 UNITS):

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

SECURITY CORE (24 UNITS): 

  • 12 Units: 14-741: Introduction to Information Security
  • 12 Units: Choose One:
    14-742: Security in Networked Systems
    14-735: Secure Coding
    14-828: Browser Security
    18-731: Network Security
    18-732: Secure Software Systems
    18-733: Applied Cryptography
    18-734: Foundation of Privacy

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT CORE (12 UNITS):

  • Choose either:
    14-817: Cyber Risk Modeling
    OR both of:
    14-782: Information Security Risk Management I
    14-788: Information Security Policy and Management

MSIS DEGREE-SPECIFIC CORE (12 UNITS):

One additional graduate-level security course. Please review the MSIS Core Courses list on the Course List page for pre-approved graduate security courses.


ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1 ( 3 UNITS):

  • 14-601: Academic & Professional Development 1

ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2 ( 3 UNITS):

  • 14-602: Academic & Professional Development 2º

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

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

Study Options

MSIS 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]

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