Master of Science in Applied Security and Analytics
Mission and Goals of the Program
The goals of the program are to prepare computer science professionals to work as specialists in the areas of secure software development and big data analytics as both technical and managerial leaders in industry and government.
Students in the program will be instructed in information assurance and cyber security, software engineering, database management and analytics, as well as project management and technical management. In addition, students will learn other valuable skills, drawing on The University of Findlay’s offerings in business, management and leadership.
Program Learning Objectives
Students who complete the program will:
- Manifest Professional Science Master's (PSM) goals of blending technical skills with business and managerial expertise (Bloom I – VI).
- Create and complete a capstone project that incorporates elements of management, leadership and one or more of the following technical areas: security, analytics and/or data management. The project will be judged as successful by a team of two faculty, and a possible external client, on the basis of a written report and verbal presentation. (Bloom I – VI).
- Expand their understanding of general computer science principles to incorporate the specialized knowledge of the program (Bloom I, II). The students’ success will be measured by their performance in the technical courses in the curriculum.
- Integrate their understanding of general computer science concepts into situations and principles of technical management, ethical decision-making and leadership (Bloom I – V). The students’ success will be measured by their performance in the business and leadership courses in the curriculum.
- Encounter real-world problems, involving technical decisions and successfully apply their understanding of both technical and business principles to create novel solutions (Bloom I – VI). Student success will be judged by their performances throughout the program.
- Practice team-based learning and team-building.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Applied Security and Analytics (MSASA) degree requires the following:
- An earned bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) from an accredited university in computer science or a related discipline
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or permission of the program director
- Course background – Final evaluation of transcripts at discretion of program director and faculty:
- Fundamental Programming Skills – coursework in programming languages such as Java or C++. Students without this background can complete either:
- CSCI 500 - Introductory Programming Concepts with a grade of "B" or higher
- CSCI 192 - Java Programming and CSCI 240 - Software Design I with grades of "C" or higher
- Advanced Programming - a solid background which includes instruction in data structures. Students without this background can complete either:
- CSCI 501 - Concepts in Computer Programming with a grade of "B" or higher
- CSCI 241 - Software Design II and CSCI 360 - Data Structures with grades of "C" or higher
- Database – a course in database management systems, preferably with SQL experience. Students without this background can complete either:
- CSCI 503 - Database Concepts with a grade of "B" or higher
- CSCI 490 - Database Management Systems with a grade of "C" or higher
- Computer Networking - coursework in networking. Students without this background can complete either:
- CSCI 502 - Computer Networking Concepts with a grade of "B" or higher
- CSCI 345 - Data Communications and CSCI 445 - Computer Networking with grades of "C" or higher
- Mathematics - college credit for mathematics at least at the level of college algebra. Students without this background will be recommended to complete a course at this level.
- Students are encouraged to have additional coursework in Computer Organization/Operating Systems and Software Engineering
- Work experience and/or an internship in the computer science field is preferred.
Students, whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from a University of Findlay approved English speaking university, must meet the previously listed admission conditions plus the following for full admission:
- Must have a verified international English Language Testing System (IELTS) of 6.5 composite score with all bands at 6.0 or above, or an equivalent score as indicated on the University of Findlay's English Exam Admission Standards. Full admission is dependent on satisfying all admission requirements; however, students may also receive direct admission with Graduate ESL course prerequisites if no more than two bands are under the minimum.
- Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.
Those applicants who do not meet full admission criteria or cannot supply a verifiable English score from one of the approved tests as listed above can receive conditional admission. Upon arrival, these students are required to test in the Intensive English Language Program, and if necessary, complete coursework in English as indicated by the University of Findlay's placement exam score before starting their graduate work.
Additionally, if the applicant supplies a non-U.S. school transcript the University's Office of International Admissions and Services may require additional specific documentation. Contact the Office of International Admissions at 800-472-9502 ext. 4558 or https://www.findlay.edu/admissions/international/.
Degree Requirements
The
Master of Science in Applied Security and Analytics requires the completion of both technical and professional components for a total of 34 semester hours.
All courses must be completed with a "C" or higher and no more than one course with a grade of "C+" or "C" can be used to meet graduation requirements.
A Master of Science in Applied Security and Analytics consists of a professional component:
| ENVM 515 | Accounting and Financial Analysis for Technical Managers | 3 |
| ENVM 625 | Project Management and Planning | 3 |
| MBA 665 | Management of Information and Technology | 3 |
A Master of Science in Applied Security and Analytics consists of a technical component:
Effective as of 8/1/2020