Pittsburgh MSISTM

The Master of Science in Information Security Technology and Management (MSISTM) is ideally suited for students who want to assume leadership positions in the information security arena.

In 16 months, the program enhances a technical education with additional courses in management, information security policy, privacy and other topics essential for the effective development and management of secure information systems. Graduates of the MSISTM program become security experts equipped to manage the growing complexities associated with securing data, networks and systems.

This graduate degree program meets the criteria for the CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service Program (SFS). U.S. citizens who are accepted may be eligible for a full scholarship and stipend from the federal government through the SFS program. View the SFS Alumni Profile.

Program Learning Objectives

Through this program, you strive to:

Gain a detailed understanding of the interdisciplinary aspects (technical, business, management, policy) of information security
Assess the information security risks faced by an organization
Manage the development, acquisition and evolution of a secure information infrastructure
Gain expertise in both theory and practice of information security
Acquire a detailed understanding of information security challenges in networks and software systems
Design and implement networked, software and distributed systems with information security in mind
Gain expertise to manage the growing complexities associated with securing data and networks
Equip yourself with skills to assume a leadership position in information security

Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Track

MSIN and MSISTM students located in Pittsburgh can pursue the Cyber Forensics and Incident Response Track.

In the forensics track, students devote a security elective (12 units) and their curriculum option (36 units) to developing skills in both host/network computer forensics and digital investigations.

Students are taught by faculty from the CERT Program and trained on state-of-the-art software. All courses progressively build on one another, providing concrete skills along the way.

By pursuing the forensics track, you will be able to perform digital forensic investigations based on a solid understanding of the fundamental nature of digital evidence and an ability to apply the analytic and investigative tools in a forensically sound manner.