MBA x Cybersecurity Concentration

Introduces systematic problem solving through programming. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to analyze a problem, how to divide and organize the problem into appropriate components, how to describe the problem in a computer language, how to analyze and understand the behavior of their programs, and how to test that their programs are working correctly. Additionally, introduces a method of program design called object-oriented programming and various ways to organize data, including a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages. To practice the course concepts, students undertake assignments ranging from small, highly specified programming tasks to larger open-ended problems where students design and code their own solutions.

CS 5001 | 4 Hours

Introduces the mathematical structures and methods that form the foundation of computer science. Studies structures such as sets, tuples, sequences, lists, trees, and graphs. Discusses functions, relations, ordering, and equivalence relations. Examines inductive and recursive definitions of structures and functions. Covers principles of proof such as truth tables, inductive proof, and basic logic and the counting techniques and arguments needed to estimate the size of sets, the growth of functions, and the space-time complexity of algorithms. Also, discusses data structures such as arrays, stacks, queues, lists, and the algorithms that manipulate them.

CS 5002 | 4 Hours

Presents a comparative approach to object-oriented programming and design. Discusses the concepts of object, class, metaclass, message, method, inheritance, and genericity. Reviews forms of polymorphism in object-oriented languages. Contrasts the use of inheritance and composition as dual techniques for software reuse—forwarding vs. delegation and subclassing vs. subtyping. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of the principles of object-oriented programming and design, including software components, object-oriented design patterns, and the use of graphical design notations such as UML (unified modeling language). Illustrates basic concepts in object-oriented design with case studies in application frameworks and by writing programs in Java.

CS 5004 | 4 Hours

Introduces the basic principles and techniques for the design and implementation of efficient algorithms and data representations. Considers divide-and-conquer algorithms, graph traversal algorithms, linear programming, and optimization techniques. Covers the fundamental structures for representing data, such as hash tables, trees, and graphs.

CS 5006 | 2 Hours

Introduces the basic design of computing systems, computer operating systems, and assembly language using a RISC architecture. Describes caches and virtual memory. Covers the interface between assembly language and high-level languages, including call frames and pointers; the use of system calls and systems programming to show the interaction with the operating system; and the basic structures of an operating system, including application interfaces, processes, threads, synchronization, interprocess communication, deadlock, memory management, file systems, and input/output control.

CS 5007 | 2 Hours

Seeks to provide a systematic understanding of cyberspace technology and applications deployed in the global digital infrastructure. Covers topics in computer networks, server architectures, operating systems, and scripting. All the techniques and tools included in the course are oriented to serve as instruments of security administrators and cybersecurity professionals. Uses practical hands-on labs running on virtual machines and containers hosted in the cloud computing environment to train students. For that reason, a practical overview of virtualization technologies, containerization, and cloud computing models is provided.

CY 5001 | 4 Hours

Focuses on the art and science of security program management leadership in the context of critical infrastructure protection programs. Includes selected readings, review of decision-making models in crisis, lectures and insights from accomplished leaders in infrastructure protection, and examination of the students' own unique background and experiences. Trains students on the interaction of vulnerabilities, threats, and countermeasures and how to apply this knowledge to the protection of critical infrastructure using research and analysis of national and global strategies, historical and current legislation, and policies. Also seeks to give students a working knowledge of federal, state, and private-sector critical infrastructure protection resources and programs.

CY 5250 | 4 Hours

Focuses on security and privacy of mobile and wireless systems. Provides the foundations to understand the security and privacy threats and defenses in wireless and mobile systems, especially in an era where wireless network functions are implemented in software instead of traditional hardware-based solutions. Covers topics on availability/integrity issues in wireless networks, Wi-Fi and cellular network security, broadcast authentication techniques, jamming and antijamming techniques, etc. Emphasizes hands-on practical exercises to strengthen the understanding of concepts covered during the lectures. Reviews the state of the art in wireless security research through readings. Offers students an opportunity to execute a semester-long project in the broad area of wireless security.

CY 6760 | 4 Hours