Courses

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.

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.

All students are required to complete the HLS Orientation (non-credit) as part of the HLS core curriculum before the end of their first semester. This orientation provides an overview of the HLS program and the field of homeland security.

Required Courses (9 credits)

3

credits

Foundation for understanding homeland security history, the development of homeland security policies and organizations, and current management approaches.
3

credits

This course will examine the social, political, legal, and ethical issues that arise in the context of homeland security.
3

credits

Provides an overview of the domestic and global issues related to homeland security.

Information Security and Forensics Option Prescribed Courses (12 credits)

3

credits

Fundamental issues and concepts of computer forensics; aspects of computer and cybercrime; methods to uncover, protect, exploit, and document digital evidence; tools, techniques, and procedures to perform computer and cybercrime investigation.
3

credits

Contemporary security issues; security management processes, architecture, and models; risk analysis and management; security planning, analysis, and safeguards; security policies development and administration; contingency planning, incidence handling, and response; and security standards and certification processes.
3

credits

Essential skills and knowledge for effectively utilizing networks and Internet technologies to facilitate, manage, and secure data communications and applications.
3

credits

This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of information security and assurance.

Electives (select 9 credits)

3

credits

This seminar provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of disaster communication across phases of a disaster.
3

credits

The application of cultural geography in the intelligence analysis and synthesis process by identifying prominent threats to civil security.
3

credits

Explores psychological impact of disasters and terrorist attacks on victims, families, rescuers, and society and methods of reducing negative effects.

Prerequisite
permission of the program
3

credits

A web-centric look at the latest techniques and practices in computer security as they apply to the Internet.

Prerequisite
IST 815
3

credits

Fundamental issues and concepts of network security, network security technologies and protocols, and emerging technologies in network security.
3

credits

This course examines the fundamental elements of crisis, disaster, risk, and emergency management.
3

credits

Introduces visual analytic techniques for security informatics and intelligence. Survey technical approaches for data analysis and threats and vulnerability, communicating risk.

Prerequisite
IST 816 or IST 554 or IST 562

Capstone Experience (3 required credits)

3

credits

In this project all students in the program are required to focus on a well-defined issue or problem relevant to information sciences and technology. Each student will submit a project proposal to his/her faculty adviser for approval.

Note
Must be scheduled over the final two semesters in a 2-credit/1-credit consecutive sequence for a total of 3 credits

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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