Santee Cooper Master of Science in Information Systems Technology with a Concentration in Security (M.S.)

The Santee Cooper Master of Science in Information Systems Technology with a concentration in Security is a program to prepare future leaders in the areas of information security through critical examination of both academic and practical applications of various segments of the information security industry. The faculty seeks to challenge, engage, and cultivate students in becoming skilled and knowledgeable information security professionals.

Student Learning Outcomes

After graduating from the program, the student shall be able to:

1. Engage with the information systems technology professional or academic communities through superior communication, analytical, technical, and critical thinking skills.

2. Explore and extend creative use of emerging information systems technologies in a secure manner.

3. Critically evaluate and manage information security policies, principles, processes, services, and technologies to manage risks and security threats for ensuring a secure information system technology infrastructure.

Admission to Study/Graduate Applications

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies at Coastal Carolina University.

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of a graduate degree application and payment of the application fee.
2. Submission of an official undergraduate transcript from each post-secondary school or college previously attended, including any graduate study previously undertaken.
3. Evidence of having received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in this country or its equivalent at a foreign institution.
4. Evidence of earning an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, or three years of professional work experience after completing the undergraduate degree.
5. International students whose native language is not English must provide official results from tests taken within the last three (3) years or one of the following acceptable means of documenting English language proficiency consistent with success in graduate programs. (Note: higher scores may be required of some graduate programs so applicants are urged to consult their desired program to identify whether a higher score is required):

a. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based (PBT) or 79 on the internet (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL);

b. A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam;

c. Certificate of Completion of level 112 of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) from an ELS Language Center;

d. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with a score of 59;

e. Cambridge (Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum level of C1;

f. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a minimum level of C1;

g. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a score of 77;

h. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) with a score of 745;

  6. Submission of at least two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the academic ability, level of responsibility, and work ethic of the applicant. 

  7. Submission of a resume.

  8. Submission of a written statement of educational and career goals, how this degree will fulfill those goals and the subject area of research or career interest while completing this degree.

  9. Prerequisites required for admission are undergraduate credits in:

1. Statistics (3 credit hours)

Undergraduate course credit requirements may be waived depending on the relevant industry experience or completion of the professional certification by the applicant.

Admission decisions are made when all evidence of the applicant's ability to succeed in graduate studies has been submitted.

Provisional Admission

Applicants may receive provisional admission to the program if they do not meet the stated admission requirements and are entering the University for the first time or are returning to the University after an extended absence. Students who are admitted provisionally are limited to 12 credit hours of coursework toward the degree program.

Removal of Provisional Status

To remove provisional status, within the first two academic semesters (either Fall, Spring or Spring, Fall), the student must:

1. Earn a “B” or better in two courses taken in the program at CCU;
2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all graduate courses taken;
3. Earn a “B” or better in all undergraduate prerequisites required as specified in the provisional acceptance letter.

Degree Requirements

The Santee Cooper Master of Science in Information Systems Technology with a Concentration in Security requires:

1. Successful completion of an approved program of study with a minimum of 33 graduate credit hours.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) on all coursework.
3. No credit will be applied to degree requirements for courses with earned grades lower than “C”.
4. A maximum of two (2) classes may be completed below the grade of “B” before dismissal from the program.
5. Automatic dismissal from the program will occur if a grade of “F” is earned in any course in the program.
6. If a student has chosen the thesis option, completion of successful defense through an oral presentation and written thesis report.
7. All work applied toward the degree must be earned in the six (6) years immediately preceding the completion of the graduate program.

Curriculum

The Santee Cooper Master of Science in Information Systems Technology with a Concentration in Security program requires 33 graduate credit hours. As this degree seeks to provide a broad range of skills and experiences that are required for the students to be experts in the increasingly complex domains of information security, the curriculum is divided into core coursework, elective coursework and a capstone experience. These core, elective, and capstone courses ensure that the students apply state of the art concepts, policies, methods tools, and techniques for the problems, projects and case studies that closely resemble the real world and industry issues. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and may not have more than two grades of “C” in the program.