Why Choose the Master of Information Security and Intelligence?
The thirty-three (33) credit hour Information Security and Intelligence program has been developed to prepare students for careers in Business Intelligence, Incident Response (proactive and reactive in areas such as hacking and digital forensics), and Project Management utilizing secure practices. Positions include security officers, analysts, forensics experts, project managers, and technical managers.
MS-ISI courses are specifically designed for flexible scheduling to serve both full-time students and part-time students who are working professionals. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months. Students can start the program at the start of any semester.
The MS-ISI consists of eight core courses, including an integrated capstone project, and a four course Advanced Studies Certificate that focuses on the students concentration of choice: Incident Response (computer security), Business Intelligence, or Project Management.
Recent Ferris Foundation and National Science Foundation grant awards have provided technologies and funding for research and classroom activities to help differentiate opportunities at FSU from those of competitors, as has recent National Security Agency accreditation. Students will utilize equipment and technology valued at over $2 million that has been secured by NSF and other grants, gifts in kind, and academic alliances. This includes digital forensic tools, computers, nano scale microscopy, imaging devices, and software.
Invest in Your Future
An environmental scan of job opportunities and academic programs nationally has confirmed a strong outlook for the field of Information Security and Intelligence and the three concentration areas of the program.
The MS-ISI at Ferris State University not only prepares you for a career in a number of growing fields but also for a career where the analytical and leadership requirements are not easily outsourced or sent offshore. Information Security, Business Intelligence, Project Management, and Cyber Incident Response are some of the areas that you may choose to launch a new career or strengthen the skills needed for advancement in your current career. According to the United States Department of Labor, employment in these areas will grow much faster than average and excellent job prospects are expected.
It is critical to all organizations to be able to ensure their computer systems are safe against vulnerabilities and attacks. Therefore there is a growing demand for Information Security professionals that not only understand how to prevent these vulnerabilities and attacks but also are trained to properly respond to computer security incidents when they occur. Professionals are in high demand that have what it takes to analyze incident data so they can recognize and respond to security risks and threats as well as prevent future incidents.
The ability to analyze and manage data extends far beyond incident data analysis. A recent report from the McKinsey Institute predicts a shortage of 1.5 million business intelligence analysts by 2018. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics also reports growing demand for workers with deep analytical skills. Potential growth industries are medical and financial where heavy regulations and large amounts of data create a strong need for business intelligence solutions.
If you have an interest or desire to lead and manage then Project Management is a career you should consider. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects job growth in this field to be faster than average through 2018. In addition, a study published by the Anderson Economic Group stated that an average of 1.2 million project management positions will need to be filled each year through 2016. You'll need excellent communication, ledership, organizational, and decision making skills to be successful in a Project Management career. A solid educational foundation in Project Management that is aligned with industry best practices can be found within the ISM program at Ferris State University.
The disciplines of Information Security, Business Intelligence, Project Management, and Cyber Incident Response are not isolated to a particular industry or sector. Job opportunities exist in large corporations, small business, government, and education to name a few. There is clearly no shortage of demand expected in any of these careers if you have the right education and skills.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or better on a 4-point scale
Satisfactory GMAT or GRE scores. (Waiver of test requirement will be considered if applicant has completed another Master's Degree, or if the applicant has earned their Bachelor degree with a 3.5 or better GPA)
International students must have earned a TOEFL score of 70 or above.
Graduation Requirements
The MS-ISI is awarded to those individuals who have completed the 33 hour minimum program requirements with an accumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and no course grade less than a 2.0.
