Master of Science in MS in Cybersecurity Applied AI MS in Cybersecurity Applied AI courses
Cybersecurity Applied AI 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
Required Course 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 students 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
Required Course IT Security Fundamentals
4 quarter credits
Students explore foundational cybersecurity concepts and technologies that support the secure design, implementation, and operation of information systems throughout their life cycles. Students examine essential network architectures and components, analyze how data moves through interconnected systems, and assess how those components contribute to system functionality and security. The course introduces common network and security devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and intrusion detection mechanisms and explains the protocols, controls, and configurations that enable their secure use. Through applied activities and hands-on exercises, students develop practical experience using network security and analysis tools, including an introduction to automation and artificial intelligence-supported security capabilities, to observe network behavior, identify potential weaknesses, and support effective security decision making.
4 quarter credits
IAS5015
Required Course Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
4 quarter credits
Students 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. Students identify specific points of vulnerability that may be mitigated through the use of administrative security policies and operational information security tools. Students 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
Required Course Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment
4 quarter credits
Students 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. Students identify laws and policies related to cyber-defense and how they relate to the storage and transmission of data. Students 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
Required Course Operating System Defense
4 quarter credits
Students in this course explore the fundamental security issues related to operating system (OS) defense. Students 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
Required Course Identifying and Managing Risk
4 quarter credits
Students examine information security risk management principles and methodologies used to identify, analyze, and manage risk within organizational environments. Students evaluate common risk analysis approaches, including their characteristics, advantages, limitations, and practical applications. The course explores diverse sources of risk such as external threat actors, intentional and unintentional insider actions, system misconfigurations, and environmental or structural factors. Students identify vulnerabilities across hardware, software, cloud environments, data assets, and operational procedures that contribute to organizational risk. Through applied labs and scenario-based activities, students perform qualitative and quantitative risk assessments; apply vulnerability testing tools; and evaluate the role of policies, controls, and emerging automation and artificial intelligence-supported techniques in reducing and monitoring cybersecurity risk. Prerequisite: IAS5025
4 quarter credits
IAS5211
Required Course Mobile and Wireless Network Architecture and Security
4 quarter credits
Students examine the core concepts, technologies, components, and security challenges associated with mobile, wireless, and Internet of Things (IoT) network environments. Students evaluate digital communication methods and analyze how mobile and wireless systems operate to support secure data transmission and voice services. The course explores mobile and wireless network architectures, protocols, and emerging technologies, including advancements from 5G through future generations. Through hands-on labs and applied scenarios, students use network defense tools to identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks affecting mobile devices, wireless networks, and IoT systems. The course also introduces the application of artificial intelligence to mobile and wireless network security, including AI-supported threat detection, monitoring, and response, preparing students to address evolving risks in modern data communication environments.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Required Course Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Students examine cryptographic algorithms and secure communication protocols and analyze how they protect information while it is stored, transmitted, and processed. Students evaluate network security controls and testing methodologies used to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats in enterprise network environments. The course explores contemporary network architectures, emerging technologies, and the security challenges associated with modern network communications. Through applied labs and scenario-based activities, students conduct penetration testing and network forensics to understand how vulnerabilities can be exploited, how attacks are detected, and how security controls can be strengthened. The course also introduces the use of automation and artificial intelligence-supported techniques in threat intelligence, testing, and analysis to support advanced network security operations.
4 quarter credits
IAS5230
Required Course Secure Network Design and Engineering
4 quarter credits
Students investigate abstract data types and how to apply them when solving cybersecurity problems in network design and engineering. They analyze security requirements in networked operational systems and evaluate designs for compliance with organizational governance and approval processes. Students also examine how virtualization and network architectures are implemented, deployed, and secured, including how interfaces between major virtualized components affect system risk. Also, students integrate AI tools and methods to automate analysis, enhance security operations, and support decision-making in network architecture and design.
4 quarter credits
IAS5130
Required Course Programming for Security Professionals
4 quarter credits
Students 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, students apply secure coding practices using C and the Python scripting language in their associated integrated development environments. In working with the C language, students apply defensive coding practices designed to prevent many security vulnerabilities. Using Python, students write scripts that perform important network administration tasks such as monitoring network traffic.
4 quarter credits
IAS5201
Required Course Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
4 quarter credits
Students explore how artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can be used by a cybersecurity team to improve their security process operations. Students take a practitioner focus on how the capabilities can be leveraged. Students present an overview of AI concepts and uses and study various use cases on automating aspects of security processes such as threat intelligence, malware detection, and network security. Other topics include protecting the models themselves, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in AI as they relate to cybersecurity.
4 quarter credits
IAS5900
Capstone IAS Capstone
4 quarter credits
Students 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 students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework.
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
Required Course IT Security Fundamentals
4 quarter credits
Students explore foundational cybersecurity concepts and technologies that support the secure design, implementation, and operation of information systems throughout their life cycles. Students examine essential network architectures and components, analyze how data moves through interconnected systems, and assess how those components contribute to system functionality and security. The course introduces common network and security devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), and intrusion detection mechanisms and explains the protocols, controls, and configurations that enable their secure use. Through applied activities and hands-on exercises, students develop practical experience using network security and analysis tools, including an introduction to automation and artificial intelligence-supported security capabilities, to observe network behavior, identify potential weaknesses, and support effective security decision making.
4 quarter credits
IAS5002
Required Course 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 students 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
IAS5020
Required Course Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment
4 quarter credits
Students 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. Students identify laws and policies related to cyber-defense and how they relate to the storage and transmission of data. Students 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
Required Course Identifying and Managing Risk
4 quarter credits
Students examine information security risk management principles and methodologies used to identify, analyze, and manage risk within organizational environments. Students evaluate common risk analysis approaches, including their characteristics, advantages, limitations, and practical applications. The course explores diverse sources of risk such as external threat actors, intentional and unintentional insider actions, system misconfigurations, and environmental or structural factors. Students identify vulnerabilities across hardware, software, cloud environments, data assets, and operational procedures that contribute to organizational risk. Through applied labs and scenario-based activities, students perform qualitative and quantitative risk assessments; apply vulnerability testing tools; and evaluate the role of policies, controls, and emerging automation and artificial intelligence-supported techniques in reducing and monitoring cybersecurity risk. Prerequisite: IAS5025
4 quarter credits
IAS5130
Required Course Programming for Security Professionals
4 quarter credits
Students 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, students apply secure coding practices using C and the Python scripting language in their associated integrated development environments. In working with the C language, students apply defensive coding practices designed to prevent many security vulnerabilities. Using Python, students write scripts that perform important network administration tasks such as monitoring network traffic.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Required Course Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Students examine cryptographic algorithms and secure communication protocols and analyze how they protect information while it is stored, transmitted, and processed. Students evaluate network security controls and testing methodologies used to identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats in enterprise network environments. The course explores contemporary network architectures, emerging technologies, and the security challenges associated with modern network communications. Through applied labs and scenario-based activities, students conduct penetration testing and network forensics to understand how vulnerabilities can be exploited, how attacks are detected, and how security controls can be strengthened. The course also introduces the use of automation and artificial intelligence-supported techniques in threat intelligence, testing, and analysis to support advanced network security operations.
4 quarter credits
IAS5015
Required Course Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
4 quarter credits
Students 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. Students identify specific points of vulnerability that may be mitigated through the use of administrative security policies and operational information security tools. Students 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
Required Course Operating System Defense
4 quarter credits
Students in this course explore the fundamental security issues related to operating system (OS) defense. Students 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
IAS5230
Required Course Secure Network Design and Engineering
4 quarter credits
Students investigate abstract data types and how to apply them when solving cybersecurity problems in network design and engineering. They analyze security requirements in networked operational systems and evaluate designs for compliance with organizational governance and approval processes. Students also examine how virtualization and network architectures are implemented, deployed, and secured, including how interfaces between major virtualized components affect system risk. Also, students integrate AI tools and methods to automate analysis, enhance security operations, and support decision-making in network architecture and design.
4 quarter credits
IAS5211
Required Course Mobile and Wireless Network Architecture and Security
4 quarter credits
Students examine the core concepts, technologies, components, and security challenges associated with mobile, wireless, and Internet of Things (IoT) network environments. Students evaluate digital communication methods and analyze how mobile and wireless systems operate to support secure data transmission and voice services. The course explores mobile and wireless network architectures, protocols, and emerging technologies, including advancements from 5G through future generations. Through hands-on labs and applied scenarios, students use network defense tools to identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks affecting mobile devices, wireless networks, and IoT systems. The course also introduces the application of artificial intelligence to mobile and wireless network security, including AI-supported threat detection, monitoring, and response, preparing students to address evolving risks in modern data communication environments.
4 quarter credits
IAS5201
Required Course Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
4 quarter credits
Students explore how artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can be used by a cybersecurity team to improve their security process operations. Students take a practitioner focus on how the capabilities can be leveraged. Students present an overview of AI concepts and uses and study various use cases on automating aspects of security processes such as threat intelligence, malware detection, and network security. Other topics include protecting the models themselves, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in AI as they relate to cybersecurity.
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
Students 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 students only. Must be taken during the student's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required coursework.
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.