Penn State's 33-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security - Information Security and Forensics option includes core courses that build an understanding of the theories, skills, and technologies associated with network security, cyber threat defense and forensics, intelligence analysis, risk assessment, security policy development, and privacy protection and assurance.
The core curriculum for the information security and forensics option (ISF) includes the three required courses that unify the goals for all options in the iMPS-HLS program (HLS 801: Policies and Programs; HLS 803: Social and Ethical Issues; HLS 805: Violence, Threats, Terror, and Insurgency).
In addition to a Capstone project — IST 594 — and 9 credits of electives, four prescribed courses for the ISF option are required:
- IST 454: Computer and Cyber Forensics – Fundamental issues and concepts of computer and cybercrime
- IST 456: Information Security Management – Contemporary security issues
- IST 554: Network Management and Security – Networks and Internet technologies to facilitate, manage, and secure data communications and applications
- IST 815: Foundations of Information Security and Assurance – This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of information security and assurance
Learning Outcomes of the Program
- Understand theories and technologies associated with: cyber and network security, cyber threat defense and forensics, risk assessment, security policy development, and intelligence analysis.
- Build your skills in: information security and assurance, security audit and compliance, and emergency and security management across multiple venues.
Up to 10 graduate credits may be transferred into the program from an accredited institution (as permitted by the Graduate School). At least 18 credits must be in courses at the 500 or 800 level, with at least 6 credits at the 500 level.
Please note that as per the Graduate School transfer credit policy, credits that have been applied toward the degree requirements for a previous degree, whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to degree requirements for a graduate degree at Penn State.
Use the Course List to find course information, including course descriptions and prerequisites.
