Masters Degree in Network Security: Course Curriculum for a Masters Degree in Network Security

Published Apr 15, 2010

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A master's degree program in network security prepares a student to work as a network administrator in a business and other organization. Students gain in-depth, practical knowledge of advanced computer security issues and techniques.

Network Security Master's Degree Course Curriculum

A master's degree program in network security focuses on network infrastructure and its security components. Students gain in-depth knowledge of firewalls, virtual private networks, intrusion detection, security infrastructure design and vulnerability assessment tools. A master's degree in network security usually takes approximately two years to complete, and graduates may find positions in businesses or other organizations as network security administrators. Following is a description of a typical course curriculum for a master's degree program in network security:

  • Computer Networks and Data Systems: In this course, students learn about network architectures, including IP addresses, routing algorithms, transport layer protocol, subnetting and supernetting.
  • Network Security: Coursework discusses network security issues, such as firewalls, perimeter security defense, intrusion detection, wireless security, virtual private networks and security auditing.
  • Security Management: Students learn about the issues involved in data protection and risk management as it pertains to computer networks.
  • Techniques and Protocols for Data Networks: The focus of this course is on advanced topics in TCP/IP, such as routing protocols, upper layer protocols, data compression techniques and multicast routing protocols.
  • Advanced Network Security: A high-level course that provides in-depth information about security engineering processes, intrusion detection and prevention, incident response, advanced firewall and forensics.
  • Design and Management of Telecommunications Systems: Students learn how to select an appropriate network vendor or system, structure a systems analysis and work with computer aided telecommunications management.
  • Secure Electronic Commerce: Students explore security for e-commerce systems, particularly web application and web server security.
  • Network Security Capstone Course: Students put the knowledge they've gained into practice, designing and configuring a working, secure network environment.

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