Carnegie Mellon University

M.S. in Information Security (MSIS)

MS36 Curriculum

The following curriculum applies to MSIS students starting their INI program in the 2024-25 academic year (MS36 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

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 the study options chart

Students admitted in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 will enter under the Standard or Advanced study option

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.