Curriculum

You must select four core courses. If you wish to take more than four core courses, the additional core courses will count as electives.

ELECTIVE COURSES

To complete the 11-course requirement of the degree, you must choose seven elective courses. View list of electives organized by topic areas.

Up to two graduate certificates can be earned as part of the degree program without taking any additional courses. The graduate certificates are officially conferred by the university as separate credentials in addition to your diploma.

The graduate certificates can also be earned as a stand-alone credential for those who are not seeking a full master's degree at this time.

Please see the Graduate Certificates section below for full details on the 10 graduate certificate options offered.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Big Data is designed to teach students the fundamentals of "big data" which include creating and analyzing large-scale data sets (i.e., larger than 1 terabyte) that cannot be analyzed by traditional computer programs and strategies. Students will learn to manage data sets using object-oriented programming (e.g., Java). Students will also learn how to program computers to use computational models and algorithms that teach computers to identify patterns in social media data and to predict future outcomes (i.e., machine learning). Graduates will be able to: 1) program computer software to analyze social media data, 2) input data into software computer programs, and 3) interpret computer analysis output.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to develop student knowledge of programming computers to analyze large-scale data sets from social media platforms. Students will gain an understanding of principles and techniques for big data analytics, including methods for storing, searching, retrieving, and processing large data sets. Students will learn how to gather and analyze data from social media networks (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Linkedln) and program the computer to use the resulting information to make predictions of future outcomes.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Number of Credit Hours: 9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• CS 5044: Object-Oriented Programming with Java (3 credits)
• CS 5644: Machine Learning with Big Data (3 credits)
• CS 5664: Social Media Analytics (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CS 5044: Object-Oriented Programming with Java (3 credits)
Object-oriented programming concepts and the Java programming language. The application of design strategies, notations, and patterns related to object oriented systems. Techniques and libraries for developing applications related to the World Wide Web.

CS 5644: Machine Learning with Big Data (3 credits)
Basic principles and techniques for big data analytics, including methods for storing, searching, retrieving, and processing large datasets; introduction to basic machine learning libraries for analyzing large datasets; data visualization; case studies, with real-world datasets.

CS 5664: Social Media Analytics (3 credits)
Social media platforms, media feeds, and data formats; machine learning and graph theory foundations of social media analytics; Forms of social media analytics - text analytics, network analytics, and action analytics; Forecasting models and applications, including in marketing, event tracking, surveying, and A/B testing.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Business Data Analytics is designed to teach students the fundamentals of using data to make decisions in a business setting. Students will learn how to organize and manage databases in such a way that useful information can be extracted, analyzed, and visualized using analytics software. The program covers topics such as query optimization and business intelligence (e.g., using data for insights). The program also includes content on statistical computer modeling and decision models (e.g., paired comparison analysis, recognition-primed decision model) in a business context. Graduates will be prepared to use scientific methods, processes, and systems to provide information to guide organizational leaders in problem-solving and decision-making.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to teach students to write data queries for different types of databases and analyses. The coursework covers using predictive analytic techniques to provide data insights (e.g., consumer buying behavior). Students will learn the applicability of decision models commonly used in the business setting. Students will gain an understanding of how to organize, store, and analyze data collected from business activities.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ACIS 5524: Advanced Database Management Systems (3 credits)
• BIT 5524: Introduction to Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
• BIT 5534: Applied Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ACIS 5524: Advanced Database Management Systems (3 credits)
Relates database theories and practices to concepts from other areas such as programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and information systems. The relational, network, and hierarchical models are introduced. A major portion of the course deals with data manipulation languages for the relational model, design theory for relational databases, and query optimization.

BIT 5524: Introduction to Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
Overview of business intelligence and analytics technologies and their strategic use including defining/framing the business context for decisions, decision models, data issues, business intelligence, building analytics capability, cloud computing, making organizations smarter, and measuring the value of analytics.

BIT 5534: Applied Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
Development of business intelligence and analytics solutions and applications to various types of decision-making problems. Analytics software preparation, data exploration and visualization, predictive analytics techniques, text analytics, and spatial analytics.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management is designed to teach students the fundamentals of cybersecurity management, which includes administration and coordination of all activities and personnel required to protect an organization's information systems and computer networks from cyber-threats (e.g., attacks, intrusions, malware) and data breaches. Students will learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity governance and risk management to evaluate and apply security frameworks that align with an organization's objectives and goals. Students will also learn how to use various business and cybersecurity tools and strategies (e.g., security analytics, risk assessment) needed to plan, manage, and assess cyber technologies to secure corporate data and information. Graduates will be able to develop, assess, and manage cybersecurity operations for technology-driven businesses and organizations.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to teach students to assess current security operations and evaluate if existing systems are adequate. Through the coursework, students will learn how to perform risk assessments and enforce security protocols among organizational personnel. Students will learn to design and implement security operations to protect organizational data.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ACIS 5624: Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management (3 credits)
• BIT 5134: Cybersecurity Program Design and Operations (3 credits)
• MGT 5804: Strategic Leadership in Technology-Based Organizations (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ACIS 5624: Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management (3 credits)
Cybersecurity governance and risk management program in organizations. Governance frameworks for cybersecurity and external drivers for cybersecurity. Risk management, including existing frameworks, principles, and strategies related to risk assessment and implementation of cybersecurity policies, controls, and procedures. Budgeting and evaluation of risk management programs. Compliance with organizational cybersecurity programs, including risks of insider threats, management of security-related personnel, and establishment of cyber hygiene. Cybersecurity in relation to cybersecurity regulation.

BIT 5134: Cybersecurity Program Design and Operations (3 credits)
Broad coverage of the enterprise cybersecurity life-cycle. Design of a comprehensive and resilient enterprise cybersecurity program that aligns with the business objectives. Implementation and management of security operations. Security assessments and remediation of deficiencies. Security intelligence, analytics, and incident response. Measurement and communication of program effectiveness.

MGT 5804: Strategic Leadership in Technology-Based Organizations (3 credits)
This course focuses on the role of the leader in crafting corporate and business strategies where technology provides the basis for the firm's competitive advantage.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy is designed to teach students how to develop policy to protect organizational information from external threat. Students will learn how to use cyber threat research to write policy that support organizational business information and transactions (e.g., electronic payment systems) across the internet in a secure manner. Students will also learn how to incorporate national and international legal, ethical, and privacy standards in policy and procedures (e.g., standard operating procedures, intervention plans). Graduates will be able to create action plans, write policy, and implement policies and procedures governing the protection of organizational operations from cyber threat.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to teach students to write and implement policy and procedures specific to an organization's cyber security matters. Students will explore policies and strategies for protecting cyberspace. Students will learn the fundamentals of managing the policy aspects of information technology and security. Coursework will educate students in privacy laws and standards. Students will gain an understanding of how to implement organizational policies and minimize cyber threats.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• BIT 5114: Crime and Conflict in Cyberspace (3 credits)
• BIT 5124: Cyber Law and Policy for Information Technology (3 credits)
• BIT 5594: Web Applications and Electronic Commerce (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIT 5114: Crime and Conflict in Cyberspace (3 credits)
In-depth exploration of the cyber threat landscape and the motives, methods, and mechanisms, that shape it. Complex and evolving nature of security, privacy, policies, and safety in cyberspace. Consequences posed by cyber threats at the individual, corporate, and national, and societal levels. Cyber threat research, governance and analysis. National and international policies and strategies for protecting cyberspace.

BIT 5124: Cyber Law and Policy for Information Technology (3 credits)
Key legal, ethical, and policy cyber governance and cyber security topics for managers and information security officers. Legal rights, remedies, and limitations related to cybercrime, computer intrusion, national security, and data breaches. Privacy laws and standards, impact assessments, privacy and security by design as policy and legal requirements. Comparison of international approaches to relevant laws and policies. Fundamentals of managing legal and policy aspects of information technology and security.

BIT 5594: Web Applications and Electronic Commerce (3 credits)
An examination of the concepts, technologies, and applications of electronic commerce. Topics include the World Wide Web as a platform for electronic commerce; intranets; electronic data interchange; electronic banking and payment systems; security and firewalls; software agents; and the social, legal, and international issues of electronic commerce.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technologies is designed to teach students about the technology necessary to collect and assess threat data to protect computers, networks, and organizational information from external intrusion. Cybersecurity technologies include techniques and tools such as digital logic (e.g., software to identify abnormal file movements, bioprinting), smart grid technologies (e.g., encryption gateways), and system application hardening (i.e., reduces vulnerability of computer data by removing redundant or unnecessary account functions, access, ports). Students will learn how to assess and protect computer systems with data elements (e.g., data that includes personal information stored on a cloud) that are vulnerable to a threat. Graduates will be prepared to complete risk analyses of computer systems, identify vulnerabilities/intrusions, and use protective and/or countermeasure technologies to defend organizational data from cybersecurity threats.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to teach students how to assess and protect computer systems. Students will learn about intrusion detection techniques (e.g., firewalls, notifications systems). Courses will provide students with an understanding of the tools and skills of cyber­threat assessment (e.g., intrusion detection systems, computer forensics) and response (e.g., data encryption). Students will learn how to perform risk analyses on computer systems, identify potential/actual cybersecurity threats, and use protective technologies to safeguard against data breaches.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ECE 5484: Fundamentals of Computer Systems (3 credits)
• ECE 5585: IT Security & Trust I (3 credits)
• CHOOSE ONE:
  • ECE 5586: IT Security & Trust II (3 credits) OR
  • ECE 5480: Cybersecurity: Internet of Things (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ECE 5484: Fundamentals of Computer Systems (3 credits)
Fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems. Computer hardware, Boolean logic, number systems and representation, design and operation of digital logic, analysis of instruction set architectures and computer organization, and specification of data communication and networking standards.

ECE 5585: IT Security & Trust I (3 credits)
Fundamental Internet and computer security principles and applications, legal and privacy issues, risk analysis, attack techniques, intrusion detection concepts, basic computer forensics, and system application hardening techniques.

ECE 5586: IT Security & Trust II (3 credits)
Advanced security and trust concepts and implementation in wired and wireless computer networks and computer systems, malware defenses, impact of channel fragility, node mobility, cooperative functionality, and resource constraints on security and trust at the different layers of the internet protocol stack.

ECE 5480: Cybersecurity: Internet of Things (3 credits)
Cybersecurity principles and technologies motivated by the evolving ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT): devices, operating systems, sensors, data storage, networking and communication protocols, and system services. Io T device and system security and privacy vulnerabilities, analysis and attach mitigation techniques.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Health Information Technology is designed to teach students the fundamentals of information processing involved for the secure storage, retrieval, sharing, and use of health care data. The program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, integrate, and ensure the secure exchange of health information across multiple user groups (e.g., patients, technicians, nurses, physicians, clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies). Students will also learn how to develop and manage computer applications to support healthcare systems such as electronic health records and telehealth. Graduates will be prepared to utilize information technology to oversee the exchange of patient data within the healthcare system.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to educate students in how to organize, manage, and transfer data in the healthcare field. Students will gain an understanding of database design and communication of protected health information between software platforms. Students will gain skills in the technology used for electronic health records. Students will learn and understand electronic prescribing designed to safeguard patient privacy and security.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ACIS 5504: Information Systems Design and Database Concepts (3 credits)
• BIT 5564: Health Information Technology (3 credits)
• BIT 5574/ACIS 5574: Healthcare Data Management (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ACIS 5504: Information Systems Design and Database Concepts (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to design methodologies in information systems. Structured systems analysis and design methodologies are discussed. An introduction to database design methodologies is also included. Topics related to different database models and their implementation is discussed. Students are also required to design and implement information systems using appropriate computer software.

BIT 5564: Health Information Technology (3 credits)
Use of information technology in the health care industry. Topics address electronic health records, patient informatics, evidence-based medicine, electronic prescribing and telemedicine. The use of these technologies to improve patient health and medical systems operations.

BIT 5574/ACIS 5574: Healthcare Data Management (3 credits)
Organization and management of data in the health care industry. Includes standards for electronic health records, healthcare enterprise systems architecture, health database design, existing database platforms, data integration from multiple sources, and database accessibility. Analysis of health-care-related organizations from the perspective of multiple user groups including patients, technicians, nurses, physicians, clinics, hospitals, and insurance companies.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Design is intended to teach students about different types of computer systems that organize and manage data. Students will learn how to create computer databases to store information using database design models such as the relational design model and the structured system analysis method. The program will teach student about data structures and programming languages. Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and pragmatic approaches to designing and implementing databases. Graduates will be able to design, test, and employ computer-based systems.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum will focus on teaching students the theoretical and practical considerations for creating and using computer systems to manage information. Students will gain an understanding of different types of databases (e.g., relational, network, hierarchical) and database designs (e.g., logical, physical). Students will learn how to create computer-based databases that can manage and maintain information.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ACIS 5504: Information Systems Design & Database Concepts (3 credits)
• ACIS 5524: Advanced Database Management Systems (3 credits)
• ACIS 5534: Information Systems Development (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ACIS 5504: Information Systems Design & Database Concepts (3 credits)
Introduction to design methodologies in information systems. Structured systems analysis and design methodologies are discussed. An introduction to database design methodologies is also included. Topics related to different database models and their implementation is discussed. Students are also required to design and implement information systems using appropriate computer software.

ACIS 5524: Advanced Database Management Systems (3 credits)
Relates database theories and practices to concepts from other areas such as programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and information systems. The relational, network, and hierarchical models are introduced. A major portion of the course deals with data manipulation languages for the relational model, design theory for relational databases, and query optimization.

ACIS 5534: Information System Development (3 credits)
Study of theoretical and pragmatic approaches to the development of computer-based information systems. The emphasis is on the management of the systems development process. Strategies for managing the complexity of information systems are explored. The building of logical and physical models of systems through traditional non-executable models and executable computer prototypes.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management is designed to teach students to create and maintain the technology to support computer-based decision support systems within an organization. Computer-based decision support systems (DSS) are computers that combine storage, search, and retrieval capabilities with algorithms specifically designed to meet a business need. For example, a geographic computer-based DSS could combine land-use data, roadway/travel data, and regional tax information to support the decision for a new bank location. Students will learn how to program, use, and maintain the computer programs used to support organizational leadership in decision making in a technology-driven organization (i.e., technology is the basis of the business' competitive advantage). Students will also learn how to maintain the technology needed to use the internet as a platform to conduct business transactions (e.g., electronic payment systems, security and firewalls). Graduates will be prepared to design, use, and maintain the technology needed for computer-based decision support operations in an organization.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to teach students to create and maintain the technology needed for computer programs to produce reports that help organizations make decisions (i.e., computer-based decision support systems). The coursework covers supporting web-based business transactions (e.g., electronic data exchange, international implications). Students will learn how to support the technology needs of an organizational leadership team. Students will gain an understanding of how to create, operate, and maintain the technology necessary for computer-based decision support systems.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• BIT 5474: Computer-Based Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
• BIT 5594: Web Applications and Electronic Commerce (3 credits)
• MGT 5804: Strategic Leadership in Technology-based Organizations (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIT 5474: Computer-Based Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
This course explains the characteristics, use, and development of decision support systems (DSS) within the context of other business information systems. The process of designing and implementing decision support systems in business is discussed from both theoretical and practical standpoints. Students will learn various ways of measuring the success of DSS implementation as well as the difficulties associated with all such measures. Students will learn to use common software tools to develop simple DSS and will learn to use the Internet as a decision­making and productivity tool.

BIT 5594: Web Applications and Electronic Commerce (3 credits)
An examination of the concepts, technologies, and applications of electronic commerce. Topics include the World Wide Web as a platform for electronic commerce; intranets; electronic data interchange; electronic banking and payment systems; security and firewalls; software agents; and the social, legal, and international issues of electronic commerce.

MGT 5804: Strategic Leadership in Technology-based Organizations (3 credits)
This course focuses on the role of the leader in crafting corporate and business strategies where technology provides the basis for the firm's competitive advantage.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Internet and Network Technologies is designed to teach students how to set up, support, and maintain computer networks that connect computers locally and through the internet. Computer networks are computers, servers, mainframes, and digital devices connected together for the purpose of sharing information. Students will learn how to design and manage locally-connected computer networks (e.g., computers in one building) and wide area networks (e.g., computers not in the same geographic area). Students will also learn how to manage computer networks that are connected to the internet via wired and wireless pathways. Graduates will be able to design, operate, and maintain wired and wireless computer networks.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to develop student knowledge of network and internet protocols needed to set up and maintain computer networks. Students will gain an understanding of how computers communicate information across wired and wireless systems. Students will learn how to set up computer networks so that the computers can send and receive information within a local network and across the internet.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
9 credit hours of graduate level courses

• ECE 5480: Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (3 credits)
• ECE 5484: Fundamentals of Computer Systems (3 credits)
• ECE 5485: Networks and Protocols (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ECE 5480: Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (3 credits)
Cybersecurity principles and technologies motivated by the evolving ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT): devices, operating systems, sensors, data storage, networking and communication protocols, and system services. IoT device and system security and privacy vulnerabilities, analysis and attack mitigation techniques.

ECE 5484: Fundamentals of Computer Systems (3 credits)
Fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems. Computer hardware, Boolean logic, number systems and representation, design and operation of digital logic, analysis of instruction set architecture and computer organization, and specification of data communication and networking standards.

ECE 5485: Networks and Protocols (3 credits)
Fundamental principles and concepts of computer networks; application, transport, network, and data link protocols. Contemporary and emerging networks, Internet protocols. Principles of quality of service, network security, and network management.

DESCRIPTION
The Graduate Certificate in Software Development is designed to teach students principles and tools of software development using object-oriented design such as encapsulation, data protections, and inheritance. Students will learn about the phases of the software life cycle (e.g., design, test, maintain, and evaluate) and how to write software programs using programming language such as Java. The program covers how the programming principles and languages are used in web-based applications (e.g., email, flash games, online spreadsheets) and digital device applications (e.g., fitness trackers). Graduates will be prepared to write, implement, and evaluate software systems for applications on the internet and for digital devices.

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The curriculum requires coursework to develop student knowledge about computer programming languages for applications that are used on the internet and mobile devices. Students will gain an understanding of client-side technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and server-side technologies (e.g., Servlets and JSP). Students will learn how to design, implement, and assess software for web-based and digital technologies.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
12 credit hours of graduate level courses

• CS 5044: Object-Oriented Programming with Java (3 credits)
• CS 5244: Web Application Development (3 credits)
• CS 5254: Mobile Application Development (3 credits)
• CS 5704: Software Engineering (3 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CS 5044: Object-Oriented Programming with Java (3 credits)
Object-oriented programming concepts and the Java programming language. The application of design strategies, notations, and patterns related to object-oriented systems. Techniques and libraries for developing applications related to the World Wide Web.

CS 5244: Web Application Development (3 credits)
Languages and technologies needed to develop modem data-centric web applications. Commonly used protocols and standards. Client-side technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript; server-side technologies such as Servlets and JSP; and database access with SQL. Principles and technologies for web application architecture, electronic commerce, and web application security.

CS 5254: Mobile Application Development (3 credits)
Languages and technologies needed to develop applications for modern mobile devices. Mobile infrastructure and devices. Interactive graphical user interfaces for mobile devices. Protocols and standards for using mobile device features such as sensors, networking, location, camera, and audio. Mobile app architecture, performance consideration, and asynchronous programming. Principles and technologies for mobile security.

CS 5704: Software Engineering (3 credits)
Study of the principles and tools applicable to the methodical construction and controlled evolution of complex software systems. Tools for all phases of the life cycle are presented; particular attention focuses on the design, testing, and maintenance phases. Attention to measurement models of the software process and product, which allow quantitative assessment of cost, reliability, and complexity of software systems.