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Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Network Defense courses
Network Defense coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 48
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 6 courses
- Specialization 5 courses
- Capstone 1 course
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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IAS5002
Core Communication Skills for Today's Information Security Professional
4 quarter credits
This course establishes foundational knowledge of the methodologies, nomenclature, communication skills, principles, and practices related to information assurance and security. This course also introduces current and future technological tools and practices designed to assess vulnerabilities while protecting information technology assets and intellectual property. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
IAS5010
Core IT Security Fundamentals
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the technology and security principles that apply throughout system and product life cycles. Learners identify the basic network components in an information technology system, analyze how they interact, and evaluate their role in system operation. Learners explore the basic role and function of network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection as well as the underlying protocols and controls that contribute to their operation. In addition, learners demonstrate their ability to use network security tools and network analysis.
4 quarter credits
IAS5015
Core Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
4 quarter credits
Learners apply foundational concepts of cybersecurity and information assurance to select appropriate information security policies, procedures, and controls to defend enterprise information assets from breaches of confidentiality and integrity. Learners identify specific points of vulnerability that may be mitigated through the use of administrative security policies and operational information security tools. Learners also examine principles of cryptography and some of the security controls and methods that use it. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5010 or ITEC5020.
4 quarter credits
IAS5020
Core Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners apply cyber-defense and information assurance controls in context of the rules and guidelines that influence them and with an understanding of the security standards, responsibilities, rules, regulations, and issues that impact a particular organization. Learners identify laws and policies related to cyber-defense and how they relate to the storage and transmission of data. Learners also study basic concepts of audit, evidence collection, and chain of custody rules. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5015.
4 quarter credits
IAS5025
Core Operating System Defense
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore the fundamental security issues related to operating system (OS) defense. Learners also employ best practices to harden operating systems and associated software applications using various tools as a part of a layered defense-in-depth strategy. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5020..
4 quarter credits
IAS5030
Core Identifying and Managing Risk
4 quarter credits
Learners identify common information security risk analysis methodologies, their characteristics, pros and cons, and applications. Learners examine the sources of risk, including external malicious attackers, intentional and accidental attacks by internal users, and threats from environmental and structural sources. Learners also identify vulnerabilities in hardware, software, locations, and procedures that provide an opening to attackers and create risk to organizations. Learners demonstrate risk assessment techniques through hands-on application of software vulnerability testing tools. Prerequisite(s): IAS5025.
4 quarter credits
IAS5211
Specialization Course Mobile and Wireless Network Architecture and Security
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of core concepts, technologies, components, and security issues related to mobile and wireless networks. Learners also evaluate approaches to digital communication and analyze how mobile systems operate to facilitate secure access and voice. Finally, learners examine wireless and mobile network principles, architectures, and protocols.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Specialization Course Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Learners study cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and how they protect information in various states. Learners apply methodology to detect, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats within a network environment, and examine the latest network technologies and security issues involved in network communications. Finally, learners identify and demonstrate ways of exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to a system through penetration testing and network forensics techniques.
4 quarter credits
IAS5230
Specialization Course Secure Network Design and Engineering
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate abstract data types and how to address them in solving cybersecurity problems related to network design and engineering. Learners also analyze security requirements while designing network operational systems in order to gain approvals in recognition and compliance with organizational governance and processes. Finally, learners articulate how virtualization is implemented, deployed, and used, and describe the implications that interfaces between major components of virtualized systems have for security.
4 quarter credits
IAS5130
Specialization Course Programming for Security Professionals
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine core programming concepts such as variables, iteration structures, decision structures, data structures (such as arrays), and how to combine these core concepts to write simple scripts and programs. Additionally, learners apply secure coding practices using C and the Python scripting language in their associated integrated development environments. In working with the C language, learners apply defensive coding practices designed to prevent many security vulnerabilities. Using Python, learners write scripts that perform important network administration tasks such as monitoring network traffic.
4 quarter credits
IAS5200
Specialization Course Network Architecture and Cyberoperations
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study common security architectures to help identify potential vulnerabilities in architectures, and learn to design secure architectures. Learners identify issues related to the design and implementation of operating system concepts, components and interfaces, and design and implement significant architectural changes to an existing operating system. Learners also examine the authorities, roles, and steps associated with cyber operations, and develop a working knowledge regarding the security issues associated with building complex systems out of third-party components of unknown origin.
4 quarter credits
IAS5900
Capstone IAS Capstone
4 quarter credits
Learners demonstrate their mastery of the program and specialization objectives through application of information security and assurance tools and methodologies. For MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity learners only. Must be taken during the learner's final quarter. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 20 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
IAS5130
Specialization Course Programming for Security Professionals
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine core programming concepts such as variables, iteration structures, decision structures, data structures (such as arrays), and how to combine these core concepts to write simple scripts and programs. Additionally, learners apply secure coding practices using C and the Python scripting language in their associated integrated development environments. In working with the C language, learners apply defensive coding practices designed to prevent many security vulnerabilities. Using Python, learners write scripts that perform important network administration tasks such as monitoring network traffic.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Specialization Course Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Learners study cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and how they protect information in various states. Learners apply methodology to detect, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats within a network environment, and examine the latest network technologies and security issues involved in network communications. Finally, learners identify and demonstrate ways of exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to a system through penetration testing and network forensics techniques.
4 quarter credits
IAS5200
Specialization Course Network Architecture and Cyberoperations
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study common security architectures to help identify potential vulnerabilities in architectures, and learn to design secure architectures. Learners identify issues related to the design and implementation of operating system concepts, components and interfaces, and design and implement significant architectural changes to an existing operating system. Learners also examine the authorities, roles, and steps associated with cyber operations, and develop a working knowledge regarding the security issues associated with building complex systems out of third-party components of unknown origin.
4 quarter credits
IAS5230
Specialization Course Secure Network Design and Engineering
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate abstract data types and how to address them in solving cybersecurity problems related to network design and engineering. Learners also analyze security requirements while designing network operational systems in order to gain approvals in recognition and compliance with organizational governance and processes. Finally, learners articulate how virtualization is implemented, deployed, and used, and describe the implications that interfaces between major components of virtualized systems have for security.
4 quarter credits
IAS5211
Specialization Course Mobile and Wireless Network Architecture and Security
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of core concepts, technologies, components, and security issues related to mobile and wireless networks. Learners also evaluate approaches to digital communication and analyze how mobile systems operate to facilitate secure access and voice. Finally, learners examine wireless and mobile network principles, architectures, and protocols.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Capstone courses
In your final quarter, complete a capstone course for a total of 4 quarter credits.
Show all descriptions
IAS5900
Capstone IAS Capstone
4 quarter credits
Learners demonstrate their mastery of the program and specialization objectives through application of information security and assurance tools and methodologies. For MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity learners only. Must be taken during the learner's final quarter. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
Core course requirements
Complete at least 24 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
IAS5010
Core IT Security Fundamentals
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the technology and security principles that apply throughout system and product life cycles. Learners identify the basic network components in an information technology system, analyze how they interact, and evaluate their role in system operation. Learners explore the basic role and function of network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection as well as the underlying protocols and controls that contribute to their operation. In addition, learners demonstrate their ability to use network security tools and network analysis.
4 quarter credits
IAS5020
Core Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners apply cyber-defense and information assurance controls in context of the rules and guidelines that influence them and with an understanding of the security standards, responsibilities, rules, regulations, and issues that impact a particular organization. Learners identify laws and policies related to cyber-defense and how they relate to the storage and transmission of data. Learners also study basic concepts of audit, evidence collection, and chain of custody rules. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5015.
4 quarter credits
IAS5030
Core Identifying and Managing Risk
4 quarter credits
Learners identify common information security risk analysis methodologies, their characteristics, pros and cons, and applications. Learners examine the sources of risk, including external malicious attackers, intentional and accidental attacks by internal users, and threats from environmental and structural sources. Learners also identify vulnerabilities in hardware, software, locations, and procedures that provide an opening to attackers and create risk to organizations. Learners demonstrate risk assessment techniques through hands-on application of software vulnerability testing tools. Prerequisite(s): IAS5025.
4 quarter credits
IAS5002
Core Communication Skills for Today's Information Security Professional
4 quarter credits
This course establishes foundational knowledge of the methodologies, nomenclature, communication skills, principles, and practices related to information assurance and security. This course also introduces current and future technological tools and practices designed to assess vulnerabilities while protecting information technology assets and intellectual property. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity degree program. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
IAS5015
Core Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
4 quarter credits
Learners apply foundational concepts of cybersecurity and information assurance to select appropriate information security policies, procedures, and controls to defend enterprise information assets from breaches of confidentiality and integrity. Learners identify specific points of vulnerability that may be mitigated through the use of administrative security policies and operational information security tools. Learners also examine principles of cryptography and some of the security controls and methods that use it. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5010 or ITEC5020.
4 quarter credits
IAS5025
Core Operating System Defense
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore the fundamental security issues related to operating system (OS) defense. Learners also employ best practices to harden operating systems and associated software applications using various tools as a part of a layered defense-in-depth strategy. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5020..
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 48 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Multiple specializations available (must be within the same degree program)
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.