M.A. in Nutrition
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Nutrition program at Illinois State University is a compre...
M.S. in Information Systems - Network and Security Management
Normal, Illinois
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Systems with a specialization in Network and Security Management at Illinois State University is a highly regarded program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of network and security management. The program is STEM-designated, which signifies its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, highlighting its emphasis on technical expertise and practical applications in the information systems domain.
Curriculum:
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Advanced Networking Concepts: Students in this program will delve into advanced networking concepts, learning about different network architectures, protocols, and technologies. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of how data is transmitted, routed, and secured across complex network infrastructures.
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Cybersecurity and Threat Mitigation: The curriculum emphasizes the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. Students will explore various cyber threats and vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect network assets.
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Network Design and Implementation: The program equips students with the knowledge and expertise required to design and implement robust and secure network systems. This includes learning about network planning, configuration, and optimization.
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Security Management and Governance: Students will learn about security management principles and governance frameworks that are essential for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information within an organization.
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Network Monitoring and Incident Response: Students will gain hands-on experience in network monitoring and incident response, understanding how to detect and respond to security incidents promptly and effectively.
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Cloud Computing Security: With the increasing adoption of cloud technologies, students will explore the unique security challenges associated with cloud computing and strategies to protect cloud-based resources.
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Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: The program may include courses on ethical hacking and penetration testing, providing students with insights into how to assess network security through authorized simulated attacks.
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Legal and Ethical Considerations in Cybersecurity: Students will be exposed to the legal and ethical aspects of cybersecurity, understanding the implications of data privacy, intellectual property, and cyber laws.
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Cryptography and Data Protection: The curriculum may cover the principles of cryptography and data protection, which are essential for safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.
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Capstone Project or Internship: As part of the program, students may have the opportunity to engage in a capstone project or an internship, applying their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
- STEM-designated Program: Being designated as a STEM program, this M.S. in Information Systems - Network and Security Management demonstrates its strong emphasis on technical education, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The program aligns with the current demands of the technology industry, producing graduates who are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Location
Normal, Illinois
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 23900
Entry Requirements for International Students (Postgraduate)
Application Fees : Waiver
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Academic Qualifications: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent percentage (typically 60% and above) is often required.
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English Language Proficiency: The minimum required scores for each test are as follows:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 79 (iBT)
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Some programs may request GRE as part of the application process. The minimum required GRE score is often around 300.
ISU offers several scholarships and financial aid options for international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are based on academic achievements, leadership skills, and other criteria.
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International Tuition Waiver: International students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and show promise for contributing to the ISU community may be eligible for tuition waivers. These waivers can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.
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Redbird Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming undergraduate international students who have outstanding academic records. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student's academic achievements.
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Redbird International Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the international community. Recipients of this scholarship serve as ambassadors for international students at ISU.
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College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within ISU offer scholarships for international students pursuing specific academic programs. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential for success in the chosen field of study.
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Study Abroad Scholarships: ISU encourages international students to engage in study abroad programs to gain global experiences. The university offers scholarships to support international students' participation in these programs.
International students interested in applying for scholarships at ISU should review the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each scholarship.
Graduates of the M.S. in Information Systems - Network and Security Management program are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in the ever-expanding field of network and cybersecurity. The program's strong emphasis on hands-on training and real-world scenarios equips graduates with practical skills and knowledge sought after by employers in various industries.
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Network Security Analyst: Graduates can work as network security analysts, responsible for monitoring and protecting an organization's network against security breaches and cyber threats.
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Network Administrator: Graduates may pursue roles as network administrators, managing and maintaining the day-to-day operations of computer networks.
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Information Security Specialist: Graduates can become information security specialists, implementing security measures and conducting risk assessments to safeguard sensitive data.
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Cybersecurity Consultant: Graduates with expertise in cybersecurity can work as consultants, providing guidance to organizations on enhancing their security posture.
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IT Security Manager: Graduates may aspire to IT security manager roles, overseeing a team of professionals to ensure the security and integrity of network infrastructures.
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Network Engineer: Graduates can explore careers as network engineers, designing and implementing network solutions to meet organizational needs.
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Security Compliance Analyst: Graduates may work as security compliance analysts, ensuring that organizations adhere to industry regulations and best practices.
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Systems Administrator: Graduates with a focus on network management can pursue roles as systems administrators, responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting network systems.
The M.S. in Information Systems - Network and Security Management program at Illinois State University provides students with a comprehensive and up-to-date education in managing and securing computer networks. The program's STEM-designation emphasizes the technical and practical aspects of network management, making graduates highly sought after in the IT industry. With ABET accreditation, the program ensures that students receive a quality education that aligns with industry standards. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to excel in a wide range of network and cybersecurity roles, contributing significantly to the protection and efficiency of organizational networks.
