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Be the first line of defense for organizational networks and elevate your career as a cybersecurity professional. The MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense at Capella prepares you to assess, develop and implement solutions that safeguard information assets in today’s complex digital environment. You’ll acquire hands-on experience in our virtual lab, managing real-time responses to security breaches and performing vulnerability assessments using Nessus®. Plus, you’ll gain the knowledge to prepare for certifications like the CEH, CNDA, and CISSP®.
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
IAS5030 * |
Identifying and Managing Risk
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 |
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IAS5210 |
Data Communications
In this course, learners develop and apply knowledge regarding data communication terminology, standards, different networks in data communication, security, integrity as well as privacy in and application of data communication in real-life environments. Learners analyze various innovations in data communication and develop a working knowledge of the tools and techniques used to manage data communication. |
4 quarter credits |
IAS5220 |
Network Security Controls and Testing
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 |
Secure Network Design and Engineering
Learners investigate abstract data types and how to address them in solving cyber security 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 and network architecture is implemented, deployed, and used, and describe the implications that interfaces between major components of virtualized systems have for security. |
4 quarter credits |
IAS5200 |
Network Architecture and Cyberoperations
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 |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
This specialization prepares information security professionals to assess, develop and implement solutions to safeguard information assets and enterprise IT infrastructures in organizational settings. Students examine the technical and managerial controls critical to the success of network defense, including network security controls and testing, telecommunication, cryptography, penetration testing, visualization, risk assessment and information security regulation standards.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$700 per credit, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
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Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense must provide the following information for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
Job titles to explore
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense.
Job titles to explore
Employment settings to explore
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Your unique goals and interests can help you find a specific path in the vast field of information security.
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