Program description
The goal of the Master of Science in Information Security (MSc. ISEC) programme is to prepare the graduates for the intellectual, analytical and practical challenges of a career in Information Security. The MSc. ISEC programme will utilize an active, experiential learning environment that prepares students to apply the acquired knowledge of information security, for the betterment of organizational operations and society at large. It will contribute to the university mission outcomes which are higher order thinking; literacy; global understanding and multicultural perspective; preparedness for career; community service; and leadership and ethics.

Program learning outcomes

• Assess new developments in information security threats, technologies and controls.
• Conduct a forensic audit on a range of information security breaches
• Implement cryptographic enabled mechanisms to counter a range of information security breaches
• Design network defense solutions to counter cyber threats in modern organizations’ networks and systems
• Analyze strategic information systems security governance and management in organizations
• Execute scholarly information security research, communicate effectively, and develop professional skills in information security discipline.

Mode of delivery
The Master of Science in Information Security programme will be delivered through face to face learning on part-time basis.
Admission requirements
The applicants must be holders of the following qualifications from local or international accredited universities:

• BSc degree in Information Systems and Technology (IST), or related field such as Computer Science/Computer Technology, Cybersecurity, Mathematics and Computer Science, Electronic Engineering , Criminology with a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.00 or its equivalent, or
• BSc degree in Information Systems and Technology (IST), or related field such as Computer Science/Computer Technology, Cybersecurity, Mathematics and Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Criminology With a GPA of 2.50 on a scale of 4.00 with additional relevant training, evidence of research capability either through research, paper presentations or peer reviewed publications and relevant working experience, or
• BSc degree in Engineering, Statistics, or Physics with a GPA of 3.0, with a postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science with a credit pass.
• Holders of other related qualifications from recognized universities, considered by the CUE as equivalent to a degree in Computer Science with a GPA of 3.0.

All applicants considered will be required to take and pass a placement exam on admission. Those who fail will take all the survey courses.

List of the institution’s core courses
The MSc in Information System Security students will be required to complete 54 units to graduate which are made up of 49.5 units (fifteen courses) of core courses and one elective course of 4.5 credit units. Each course entails 45 lecture hours per trimester unless otherwise specified, and the 4.5 credit-unit courses have an additional lab component of 3 hours a week. Hence the total lecture and lab hours required to graduate is (16 × 45) for lectures plus (4 × 45) for courses with intense labs giving a total of 900 hours.

To apply please visit www.usiu.ac.ke/intake