Carnegie Mellon University

M.S. in Information Security (MSIS)

MS32 Curriculum with Study Options

The following curriculum applies to MSIS students who started their INI program in Fall 2020 and selected a study option, and all MSIS students who started in Spring 2021 (MS32 cohort).

Overview of the MSIS Study Options and Degree Requirements

Core Courses [72 units]

SYSTEMS CORE (12 UNITS):

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

SECURITY CORE (24 UNITS): 

  • 12 Units:
    14-741: Introduction to Information Security
  • 12 Units: Choose One Course Below:
    14-742: Security in Networked Systems
    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.

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 than those listed above. SEE CHART BELOW 

Choose one of four study options within the MSIS degree program: 

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]

MS32 Curriculum - 122 Units

This curriculum applies to MSIS students starting in Fall 2020 who have elected to remain in the 122-unit program. 

The 122-unit MSIS curriculum consists of four main components:

Core Courses Establish the necessary background and a common competency level  74 units
Program Electives Build upon the core, providing flexibility and breadth in coursework 24 units
Curriculum Option Customize curriculum according to career goals and interests 24 units
Internship All INI students are required to complete a summer internship  0 units
Total  122 units

Core Courses [74 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
    18-746: Storage 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 

SECURITY CORE (24 UNITS): 

  • 12 Units: 14-741: Introduction to Information Security
  • 12 Units - Choose One Course Below:
    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 AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (2 UNITS):

  • 14-601: INI Academic and Professional Development 1 
  • 14-602: INI Academic and Professional Development 2

Program Electives [24 Units]

Students have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of electives in which they have a special interest. Electives may not be taken as pass/no pass/audit. 

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

Curriculum Option [24 Units]

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:* 

Course Option: Set of courses that will equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in industry. 

Development-Based Project: Students increase their knowledge and skills in delivering successful solutions for industry. 

Thesis Research Paper: Allows students to delve deeply into a problem and create a solution for a research-based project, providing the opportunity to gain significant knowledge and skills in a particular area. 

*Students must choose either a Professional Track (Course Option or Development-Based Project) or a Research Track (Thesis Research Paper).

Internship [0 Units]

All students must complete an INI-approved internship.

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.