Concentration in Network Administration and Cybersecurity

Study Synchronously Online or On Campus: It's Your Choice STEM-Certified Program

If a career in Network Administration is what you are seeking, Touro GST's M.S. in Network Administration and Cybersecurity program offers an extensive list of courses that will shape your career. This program focuses on cybersecurity and highlights planning, managing, and securing sophisticated networks of linked computers within organizations and across the internet.

Career options include:

• Cybersecurity Specialist

• Network / Cybersecurity Administrator

• Network / Cybersecurity Analyst

• Network / Cybersecurity Architect

• Network / Cybersecurity Consultant

• Network / Cybersecurity Engineer

• Network / Cybersecurity Manager

• Cloud Computing Specialist

Program Requirements

Network Administration and Cybersecurity
Required Courses

MSIN 640

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Networking Technologies

Introduces students to Network Administration and Cybersecurity and related terminology, including LAN/WAN network components and their corresponding functions. Students learn how data flows throughout a network and how "connections" and "communications" are achieved in various network configurations. Students also develop an in-depth understanding of the functionality of the Internet and gain knowledge of data communications networking technologies.
Prerequisite: Completion of required prerequisite courses (if applicable).
3 Credits

MSIN 641

Advanced Cybersecurity and Internet Technologies

This course covers the following critical networking processes: ipv6 addressing and configuration, name resolution (DNS), security issues as related to TCP/IP communications (NAT and Firewalls), network management (SNMP), Storage Area Networking (SAN), and Cloud Computing. Each topic has heavy focus on cybersecurity related content and how to secure the various protocols or networking configurations. The contents are based on industry best practices and lessons learned. This course expands upon the introductory knowledge gained by students in some topics from earlier courses and prepares them for life as a networking IT Architect, following graduation.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640 & MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 645

Network Security and Cyber Defense

The course objective is to provide students with hands on knowledge of software used by professionals to prevent attacks on computer systems and to eliminate existing system vulnerabilities. Students will be exposed to the techniques and tools used by hackers to better understand the explained procedures. Course content is updated for today's cybersecurity environment, covers new cyber defense resources, emerging vulnerabilities, innovative methods to protect networks, mobile security considerations and computer crime laws. This course will help students prepare for the Certified Ethical Hacker exam using lectures, classroom discussions, demonstrations, and hands on exercises.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 647

Computer Networking: Routing and Switching

Uses a structured approach to explain how networks work, including the physical layer of networking, computer hardware and transmission systems, network applications such as e-mail, the domain name system (DNS), the World-Wide Web, and various forms of multimedia. It also encompasses current network technologies including wireless networks, Bluetooth, video conferencing, streaming video, and Voice-over IP (VoIP).
Pre-or Corequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits

Network Administration and Cybersecurity
Elective Courses

MSIN 643

Advanced Topics in LAN

This course combines lectures with hands-on labs to expand students' knowledge of setting up enterprise networks, creating Windows Server based Active Directory forests, trees, and domains. The primary focus will be on Active Directory design and configuration, administrative tools, user and group administration, role of registry keys, backup and restore, environment variables, file access management, use of group policy as a configuration tool, and to distribute software, setup folder redirection, delegation and Microsoft Management Console, disk administration, distributed file system, printer configuration, application support, infrastructure components/setup and virtualization.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 644

Wireless and Secure Networks

This course provides the background knowledge and practical skills needed to design, deploy, manage, secure, and troubleshoot wireless local area networks (WLANs). Starting with an overview of the technology and architecture of WLANs, this course explains the services and advanced features that such networks can provide. Students receive practical design guidance and deployment recommendations, beginning with an overview of Ethernet technologies, and how to address challenges and solutions associated with security, mobility, and Quality of Service (QoS). A series of case studies that highlight WLAN design and security considerations in various business environments help place all the concepts covered in the context of real-world applications.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits

MSIN 646

Network Architecture and Design

A historical perspective and structured approach to the design of networks in today's environments. The course presents both strengths and weaknesses of current technologies and discusses methods of using these elements to produce workable solutions for emerging communication needs. Beginning with how networks meet basic connectivity requirements, it expands to how networks interconnect and how they are optimized to satisfy the needs of applications layered upon them. Sample case studies may include current initiatives in VoIP and Video over IP. A special focus on Internet optimization lends relevance to these discussions with real-world engineering challenges.
Pre-or Corequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 648

Secure Virtualization Technologies

This virtualization course covers virtualization technology basics and security. This includes: choosing the best hypervisor for implementation, setup, planning hardware and resource requirements, network design, testing and development, server consolidation, basic iSCSI storage setup, failover and fault tolerance tests, by using various software and virtualization platforms. A special focus will be placed on cybersecurity and securing virtual environments.
Prerequisite: MSIN 645
3 Credits

MSIN 652

Unix/Linux System Administration

This course provides students with knowledge of standard and advanced techniques needed to set up and maintain a UNIX/Linux environment. Focusing on aspects of configuring and managing an Internet-based server with the Linux operating system. Students learn Linux software configuration and installation, user management, security, and data integrity.
Prerequisite: MSIN 640
3 Credits

MSIN 653

Architecting Cloud Solutions (Azure)

This course presents the ability to run applications through Cloud Computing, by using a technique called Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS is a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet. SaaS is one of three main categories of cloud computing, (alongside infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS)). Using SaaS means that with products such as Microsoft’s Azure, Amazon's Elastic Cloud, and Google's App Engine, it is possible for applications to be deployed over a network with enormous computational power, while expending almost no initial capital investment, and with minimal operating costs. This course will examine the techniques for building, deploying, and maintaining such applications in the Cloud.
Pre- or Corequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 655

Advanced Computer Networking: High Performance Networks

Performance concepts and issues regarding the TCP/IP protocol over wired, wireless, optical, and satellite networks. Concepts covered include TCP/IP network performance evaluation methods, network traffic management in routers and hosts, and implementations of the TCP/IP protocol stack in hardware and software.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 672

Special Topics in Cybersecurity

This course covers emerging trends in Cybersecurity to broaden student understanding of the topic. Specific content and applications will be determined by the interest and expertise of faculty and students. Topics may include but are not limited to Advanced Topics in Cryptography; Cyberspace Operational Planning; Software Vulnerability and Security; Mobile Device Management and Security; Insider Threats; International Cyber Power; Perspectives and Implications.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 675

Professional Internship Experience

The student will work in a professional environment, for a minimum of 480 hours over a period of at least two semesters. Students may secure an internship independently or may work with the GST Department of Career Services. Weekly logs and examples of work are required for the successful completion of the internship, and are reviewed by the Faculty Internship Coordinator, upon completion of the internship. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field of expertise to complement their coursework. The Internship must be approved in advance by the program chair.
Pre- or Corequisite: Permission of the Program Chair
3 Credits

MSIN 679

Enterprise Networking and Security

This course is based on the second and third CCNA course curriculum series. It covers switching technologies and router operations that support small-to-medium business networks and includes wireless local area networks (WLAN) and security concepts. It also covers wide area network (WAN) technologies and quality of service (QoS) mechanisms used for secure remote access along with the introduction of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Students are expected to have knowledge of the first CCNA course curriculum.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

Any Other Elective Approved by the Dean

Network Administration and Cybersecurity
Preparatory Courses

Students with insufficient background in computer science or information systems degree, will be required to complete some or all of these courses:

MSIN 511

Technology Concepts and Essentials

The IT Essentials (ITE) curriculum emphasizes practical experience to help students develop fundamental computer and career skills. ITE helps students prepare for entry-level career opportunities in ICT and the CompTIA A+ certification. The course also provides a learning pathway to Cisco CCNA.
1 Credit

GCON 147

Computer Hardware and System Security

This course introduces computer hardware, software, and security skills needed to meet the growing demand for entry-level information technology (IT) professionals. It covers the fundamentals of PC computer technology, networking, and security with emphasis on the software portion of the CompTIA A+ 220-1002 certification examination. Students develop working knowledge of how computers operate, how to assemble computers, how to troubleshoot (hardware and) software issues, and implement computer system security.
3 Credits

GCON 202

Networking Essentials

This course introduces networking concepts, principles and related terminology; presents real world examples of basic networks; describes network hardware, media, design, components and their corresponding functions; Introduces different network operating environments; and generates a basic understanding of how "connection" and "communication” are achieved in a network. Networking communications and protocols Architectures and Administration are also discussed. Some networking technology is discussed in a very fundamental manner. This will also be a major step in helping the student to prepare for Network+, MCTS, CCNA, and Security+ certifications.
3 Credits

GCON 223

Wide Area Networks I

This course provides a hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet using tools and hardware commonly found in small-to-medium network environments. Instruction includes networking, network terminology and protocols, network standards, LANs, WANs, OSI model, cabling, cabling tools, routers, IP addressing, and Internet connectivity. Network monitoring and basic troubleshooting skills are taught in context.
3 Credits

GCON 354

Local Area Network Concepts and Software (LAN)

This course teaches students, through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, textbook exercises, and classroom labs, the skills and knowledge necessary to help prepare them to take the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Exam. It introduces the various tools for administering and configuring Windows 10 including the Microsoft Management Console, Task Scheduler, Control Panel, Device Manager, the registry editor, and a variety of wizards.
3 Credits