The Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy is the premiere master’s degree program for those seeking employment or advancement in management or executive roles in identity security or privacy. Utilizing the interdisciplinary excellence of the School of Information in particular and The University of Texas at Austin as a whole, the subject matter expertise of the Center for Identity, and the leadership of Center and iSchool partners, the MS ISP curriculum offers a 360-degree perspective on information security and privacy that is not available through existing programs in cybersecurity and information assurance.
Students of the MS ISP program take the following 10 classes for a total of 30 credit hours:
ISP 380 Introduction to Information Security and Privacy
Foundational concepts of information security and privacy exploring information value, classifications, threats, liabilities and risk management, identity and access controls (IAM), trust frameworks, encryption, digital signatures; and network, web, software and cloud security; and privacy laws, regulations and public policy.
ISP 381 Information Security & Privacy in Society
Examination of how information is socially and culturally variable and fluid, changing throughout history and differing from place to place. Subjects include the anthropological study of information; societal norms; and individual, device, communal, and organizational information strategies.
ISP382D Data Governance for Information Security and Privacy
Examine theory and practical applications of data and AI governance related to information security, privacy, compliance, and ethics. Explore the optimization of technical and human dimensions for information risk management. Explore pervasive and emerging risks, risk assessments of data architectures and analytics, and regulations, controls, and governance to protect and safeguard information assets.
ISP 382P Public Policy and Law Governing Information Security and Privacy
Examine established and emerging laws and public policy related to information security and privacy. Examine different classes of protected information and case studies documenting compliance and violation of legal and public policy protections. Explore legal requirements, corporate responsibilities, and social responsibilities pertaining to data protection and the prevention of different types of fraud and information crimes.
ISP 383 Business Governance and Controls for Information Security and Privacy
Organizational perspective on the management and governance of information. Examines business practices and governance mechanisms for minimizing risks and maximizing returns of information.
ISP 384 Strategic Communication for Information Security and Privacy
Framing messages and the impact on people, organizations, risks and privacy; effective crisis management communications; communication and business continuity planning; time management; sense making processes in organizational crisis; and reputation management.
ISP 385 Information Risk and Benefit Analysis
Overview and evaluation of risks and benefits related to information in multiple sectors including financial services, healthcare, consumer services, government, education, and energy.
ISP 386 Information Security
Enrollment and authentication for cyber and physical access and transactions, cryptography, biometrics, device identity security, and security culture.
ISP 387 Information Management and Repositories
Knowledge and data management, storage, and mining. Examines data breaches and information representation and algorithms. Attention to information management applications in all market sectors for enrollment, authentication, operational use, fraud detection, and fraud prevention.
ISP 388L Professional Experience and Project
Study of a practical problem, current phenomenon, or professional issue in an institutional setting. Conference course. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only.
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