Master of Science (MS) in

Information Technology
with a specialization in
Information Assurance
and Security
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The need to protect enterprises against threats to information system availability, integrity, and
confdentiality has made information assurance and security expertise a valuable skill within
businesses, government agencies, and military organizations. This online masters specialization
in Information Assurance and Security is designed around the domains of knowledge in the
Certifed Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP

) certifcation. The curriculum

addresses core information assurance and security topics, including enterprise security and
security risk management, as well as such emerging areas as wireless security and computer
forensics. It combines technical and policy-focused course work that will strengthen your ability
to protect information system security while supporting organizational goals. You will also have
access to Capellas Virtual Lab Environment
SM
, which allows you to test open vulnerabilities and
simulate and protect against attacks on system design. People who choose this specialization are
often pursuing information security management or consulting positions in business, health
care, government, and the military.
A University on Top of IT Industry Trends
With the emergence of globalization and outsourcing, the feld of information technology
poses new challenges to IT professionals who want to advance in their careers. Previously it was
enough simply to stay focused on hard skills through IT certifcations and training. Today,
organizations are looking for IT professionals who also understand the business needs of the
enterprise, the creative possibilities of technology, and how to integrate that technology into
complex enterprise-wide systems. Capella is aware of these trends and continues to adjust its
curricula to keep up with the needs of this rapidly changing, dynamic feld.
The Capella Approach to IT Education
Capella has designed its programs around the strategic values of the emerging area of IT
architecture. Our view is that by keeping the principles of IT architecture as educational
guideposts, we can help prepare you to integrate the latest technologies into enterprise-wide
business solutions that bring results to your organization. We build upon and expand your
technical knowledge while teaching you how to to assess, design, and implement value-added
solutions.
Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology
with a specialization in
Information Assurance and Security
*Residents of Washington may receive credit for prior learning only in the bachelors and MBA programs.
This guide is intended to provide an overview of the specialization and is subject to change. Your enrollment counselor
can provide updates, details, and Capellas ofcial University Catalog that species your program requirements.
Capella is one of the select
four-year colleges and
graduate-level universities
designated as a National
Center of Academic
Excellence in Information
Assurance Education
(CAEIAE) by the National
Security Agency and the
U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
Learning gained through
previous work experience
and industry certications
may help you earn your
degree in less time through
Capellascompetency-based
Prior Learning Assessment.*
Learners enrolled in the Master
of Science in Information
Technology degree program
have the option to complete
multiple specializations.
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Capellas Career Center
proactively assists learners
and alumni in developing and
implementing their unique
career management goals.
The Career Center staff is
committed to helping working
adults move forward in their
careers.
Career Information
POTENTIAL EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS
Corporation
Banking/fnance
Information technology
consulting rm
Community college
Insurance frm
Health care
Global technology frm
Nonproft organization

Land-based or online
college or university
Governmentlocal, state,
federal
Defense contractor
COMMON JOB TITLES/POSITIONS*

Information security manager

Computer security specialist
Data security consultant
Information technology
security architect
Information security
specialist/analyst
Data security analyst
Security engineer
Information technology
security project manager
Manager, security services
Adjunct or part-time faculty
Director of information
technology
Network security
administrator
Information technology
auditor
Manager, computer security
services
SPECIALIZATION OUTCOMES
Analyze information security
governance throughout the
organization
Evaluate information security
practices
Analyze emerging threats
and countermeasures
Apply security management
principles
Assess the use of control
mechanisms in information
security
* Many positions require/prefer a certication (e.g. CISSP, CCSA) along with an advanced degree. We encourage you
to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Because many factors determine what position an
individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specic job title.
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Curriculum
12 required courses
Total program credits: 48 quarter credits
CORE COURSES
TS5004 Technical Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5010 Introduction to Enterprise Application Architecture . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5011 Managing People and Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5130 System Development Theory and Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5160 Business Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5536 Ethical and Legal Considerations
in Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
Choose fve from the following courses AND the capstone course:
TS5311 Enterprise Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5312 Security Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5531 Security Management Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5532 Secure System Development and Cryptography . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5533 Wireless Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5534 Computer Forensics and Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
TS5999 Current Trends in Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
CAPSTONE COURSE
Taken during the learners fnal quarter:
TS5910* Information Assurance Security Capstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for further details.
TRANSFER CREDIT
A maximum of 12 quarter
credits from previous
graduate course work
may be transferred and
applied to your programs
requirements.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors degree from
an institution accredited
by a U.S. Department of
Education-recognized
accrediting agency or an
internationally recognized
institution
Grade point average of
2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Learners in the MS in
Information Technology
degree program who need
to enhance their skills in the
areas of web application
development, database
systems, software design,
and/or network systems are
strongly encouraged to enroll
in TS5589, TS5591, and/or
TS5592. Learners may be
requested to enroll in either
or all of these courses. These
courses are in addition to the
specialization requirements.
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Core Course Descriptions
TS5004 Technical Communications 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides learners with the necessary skills for communicating technical
information to various stakeholders in organizations. The focus of the course is on the
fundamentals of technical communication in the electronic workplace while emphasizing
clarity and organization. Learners study technical writing, editing, and online communication
and engage in a broad range of activities, including preparing an effective rsum, writing
proposals and technical reports, and creating professional development plans. This course
helps learners develop an understanding of format and content and prepares them for project
documentation requirements throughout their program and their professional careers. TS5004
must be taken by masters learners in their frst quarter. Cannot be fulflled by transfer or petition.
TS5010 Introduction to Enterprise Application Architecture 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course presents the interrelated architectural, business, and technical solution
perspectives essential to the design and development of enterprise-caliber information
technology solutions. Learners consider each perspective as they develop a website for an
enterprise. Learners explore the business context supporting the web application and the ways
it drives the requirements and functionality of the website; the technical resources and the
environment in which the application is being used; and the role of the enterprise architect
in selecting the processes, components, and technologies used to develop and maintain the
application.
TS5011 Managing People and Technology 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides information technology learners with skills needed to manage technology
and people. Learners assess and control the risks associated with information assets, apply
concepts and principles to manage projects and project quality, and develop collaboration and
leadership skills to use in a globally distributed team environment.
TS5130 System Development Theory and Practice 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course focuses on the software engineering fundamentals that can be applied to
enterprise-wide software application development. Topics include portability, reusability,
prototyping, and performance management. Learners examine advanced requirements
analysis techniques; functional specifcations; and system design, implementation, testing,
and maintenance. Learners also compare theory with practice and assess, evaluate, and apply
software development principles and processes to a professional environment. Prior to enrolling
in this course, learners should have a working knowledge of the software development process.
TS5160 Business Foundations 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides information technology learners with a foundation of business concepts.
Learners analyze organizational structures, operational processes, fnancial measures, and key
business communication concepts and techniques. Through the analysis and application of
fundamental business processes, theories, and techniques, learners gain a better understanding
of how IT integrates with the enterprise as a whole.
TS5536 Ethical and Legal Considerations in Information Technology 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course focuses on the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of information
technology within an organization. Learners use specifc case examples and projects to
explore human dimensions of information technology and research the relationships
between customers, partners, and society. Topics include intellectual property rights, privacy,
governmental regulations, and an individuals responsibilities in the decision-making process.
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Specialization Course Descriptions
TS5311 Enterprise Security 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides an overview of enterprise security and presents the tools, techniques, and
strategies used to counteract threats organizations experience on a daily basis. Learners develop
a working knowledge of organization security risk assessment and gain an understanding of
appropriate security planning by analyzing cyber terrorism and enterprise system weaknesses
and creating an enterprise system security plan. Prior to enrolling in this course, learners should have
a working knowledge of networking concepts.
TS5312 Security Risk Management 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course presents the important elements of risk management and the ethical and legal
issues surrounding computer security. Learners analyze the impact of computer legislation and
case law on information security management and examine ways to mitigate risk and develop
risk-control strategies to better understand information security project planning. Prior to
enrolling in this course, learners should have a working knowledge of IT and project management skills.
TS5531 Security Management Practices 4 QUARTER CREDITS
The focus of this course is on identifying, developing, and implementing security policies
for an information system and its environment. Learners assess the need for network and
physical security and analyze the importance of planning and developing incident reporting
procedures. This course covers proactive security management practices, including business
continuity planning and disaster recovery planning. Other topics include networking, database
management, and project management.
TS5532 Secure System Development and Cryptography 4 QUARTER CREDITS
Learners in this course explore the fundamental concepts of operating system and application
design from a security perspective, focusing on software development and maintenance
processes that impact system security. Learners also analyze ways cryptography addresses the
principles, means, and methods of disguising information to ensure its integrity, confdentiality,
and authenticity. Prior to enrolling in this course, learners should have a working knowledge of basic
algorithm construction.
TS5533 Wireless Security 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides an overview of the skills necessary for securing an organizations wireless
and mobile communications. Learners explore ways to mitigate the risks associated with
wireless communications and examine tools and techniques that reduce the risk exposure
companies encounter when using wireless technologies. Topics include theory of wireless
transmission and mobile computing, wireless standards, use of hardware, practical applications,
and encryption methods.
TS5534 Computer Forensics and Investigations 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides an overview of the skills necessary for effective computer forensics and
the legal challenges associated with conducting computer forensics investigations. Learners
explore ways data can be hidden on a computer and evaluate computer forensics investigation
tools, methods of handling and transporting uncovered data, and procedures for safely
handling and storing electronic data.
TS5999 Current Trends in Information Technology 4 QUARTER CREDITS
This course provides learners the opportunity to engage in an in-depth study of a specialized
information technology area. The course content is constructed to focus on specifc subject
matter using the special topics course format, and course topics address current areas of
interest in IT practices. Learners must exhibit a graduate-level mastery of the topic area. Cannot
be fulflled by transfer or petition.
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This recommended course sequence assumes learners take two courses per quarter. Some
learners elect to take fewer or more based on workload and the amount of time available
for graduate study. On-time completion for this specialization is 11 active quarters.
Recommended Course Sequence
YEAR 1 COURSES
Q1 TS5004 Technical Communications
Q2 TS5010
TS5011
Introduction to Enterprise Application Architecture
Managing People and Technology
Q3 TS5536 Ethical and Legal Considerations in Information Technology
Specialization course
Q4 TS5160
TS5130
Business Foundations
System Development Theory and Practice
YEAR 2 COURSES
Q5 Specialization course
Specialization course
Q6 Specialization course
Specialization course
Q7 TS5910 Information Assurance and Security Capstone
Capstone Course Description
TS5910 Information Assurance and Security Capstone 4 QUARTER CREDITS
In this course, learners demonstrate profciency in information assurance and security by
completing a fnal project. Learners prepare a project plan that includes a proposed topic
area, the associated skills and competencies to be exhibited in the project, and an outline of
the project deliverables with completion dates. Upon approval from their instructor, learners
execute their project plans. At the conclusion of the course, learners submit their project
deliverables and summarize their results. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required masters course
work. Cannot be fulflled by transfer or petition.
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Tuition
This tuition estimate is effective July 11, 2011, and is subject to change. For current pricing,
visit the Capella University website at www.capella.edu.
TUITION TOTAL TUITION
Tuition per 4-credit course* $2,364 $16,548$28,368
* Based on an evaluation of learning gained through previous work experience and industry certifcations, the
equivalent of 20 quarter credits may be earned through Capellas Prior Learning Assessment. The combination of
transfer credits and prior learning credits may not exceed 20 quarter credits.
Financial Aid
Capella University offers assistance to learners who qualify and would like to secure educational
funding to help fnance their academic program. A number of options are available, given the
diverse needs and backgrounds of prospective learners. Options include:
Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program
Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program
Non-federal loans through preferred lenders and fnancial institutions
Capella scholarships
External scholarships
Veterans educational benefts and U.S. armed forces discounts
Corporate and higher education alliances
Employer tuition reimbursement
Regarding loan programs, interest rates for Stafford student loans are low compared to other
types of consumer loans, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation. In compliance
with federal and state laws, Capella University has established policies for all learners regarding
satisfactory academic progress, which is necessary for fnancial aid eligibility.
There are many nancial
aid options available to help
Capella learners offset their
tuition costs.
Contact an enrollment
counselor at 1.888.CAPELLA
(227.3552) to discuss your
nancial aid opportunities.
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School of Business and Technology
Academic Leadership
William Reed, PhD
Acting Dean
Dr. Bill Reed is acting dean of the School of Business and Technology. Since joining Capella
University, he has held various positions, including colloquia lead and chair of many internal
committees. Dr. Reed has recruited faculty and learners, managed programs, and been active
in graduate-level education, both administratively and as an instructor. Dr. Reed has also
developed business partnerships, curriculum within the leadership specialization, and graduate
and undergraduate degree programs. Prior to his career in higher education, Dr. Reed held
a number of senior-level management positions within small businesses and corporations.
During his ownership of Reed & Associates, a real estate brokerage frm, he managed and grew
his family business into a multi-offce sales organization. After selling this business, he climbed
the corporate ladder at Microwarehouse, Inc., eventually becoming executive director of a
$300 million division. Currently, Dr. Reed is a partner in CoachDynamics LLC, a business and
executive coaching frm. He also serves on a number of volunteer boards and organizations.
Michael Lavelle, PhD
Associate Dean
Mike Lavelle is associate dean of Capellas School of Business and Technology. He brings
more than 25 years of executive management experience to his position, most recently as
vice president of operations for Steinwall Inc., a Minneapolis-based precision plastic injection
molding company. He was also president of two frms, one a wholesaler and the other a
manufacturer, serving as the strategic leader for all aspects of the companies operations.
Dr. Lavelle began sharing his expertise in the classroom in 2001 at the University of Mary
and then the University of Minnesota, teaching such courses as strategic management,
entrepreneurship, operations management, supervision and leadership, business plan
development, and managerial fnance. He holds a BS in Food Service Management from North
Dakota State University, executive education certifcates from the Harvard Business School and
the University of Virginia, an MS in Management from the University of Mary, and a PhD in
Organization and Management from Capella University. In 2006, Dr. Lavelle was a recipient
of the Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award.
Tsun Chow, PhD
Faculty Chair
Dr. Chow is faculty chair of the Information Assurance and Security masters specialization
within the School of Business and Technology at Capella University. Prior to joining Capella,
Dr. Chow was information technology director for a Fortune 100 company. He has more than
20 years of IT management experience, with the last seven years as an IT executive. Dr. Chow
has a background in information security, data center management, business transformation
via technology applications, and IT outsourcing. In addition to his role as faculty chair, Dr.
Chow is engaged in research and mentoring in the areas of outsourcing, IT management,
and information security. He has published many papers, authored a book on software quality
assurance, and given presentations at professional society conferences. Dr. Chow was the
recipient of the Data Center Manager of the Year award from the Association for Computer
Operations Management and the Outstanding Contribution award from the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society.
Move Forward with Capella University
WORKING SCHOLARS
Capella provides an online, fexible learning environment for working adults
who are also determined scholars. That connection between academic and
professional work infuses the entire Capella experiencefrom the faculty
we recruit to the course projects you complete. The theories discussed in
the courseroom are designed to develop working knowledge for everyday
situations.
AN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY
Our accreditation* is an assurance to students, employers, and the public
that Capella University meets or exceeds established standards for quality
of faculty, curriculum, and learner services. It is also an important factor in
the ability to transfer credits among higher education institutions. Regional
accreditation, the type held by Capella, is the most common type for major
public, state, and private institutions in the United States.
VALUING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Adults bring a wealth of experience and learning to their education.
Capella courses are designed to bring out your perspectives just as you gain
from others ideas. Your knowledge can also be worth time and money:
An enrollment counselor can help you estimate how much of your prior
learning may apply toward your Capella degree program.
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*ACCREDITATION
Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
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225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552)
www.capella.edu
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