Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Administration

Study Synchronously Online or On Campus: It's Your Choice

The Cybersecurity and Network Administration program at Touro University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly-evolving world of network security. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical training, students gain proficiency in a range of security tools and techniques, including network and system administration, cybersecurity analysis, and ethical hacking.

With a focus on developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to navigate the constantly-changing landscape of network security, the program prepares students for success in a variety of roles, including network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and security engineers. Coursework covers a range of topics, including intrusion detection and prevention, security policies and procedures, and cryptography. Graduates of the Cybersecurity and Network Administration program are well-equipped to protect networks and information systems from emerging threats, making them invaluable assets to businesses and organizations in every industry.

If you're passionate about cybersecurity and looking to make a difference in the world of network security, the MS in Cybersecurity and Network Administration program at Touro University is the perfect choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your career goals in this exciting and vital field.

Career options include:

Program Requirements

Required Courses

MSIN 640

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Networking Technologies

Introduces students to Cybersecurity and Network Administration 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

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

MAIN 610

AI Principles and Practice

This course explores the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing ethical considerations and practical applications across diverse sectors. Participants will gain essential AI knowledge, learn to evaluate ethical dilemmas, and enhance their ability to implement AI strategies in real-world scenarios, fostering innovative and ethical problem-solving skills.
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

This course is an elective course for majors in any concentration within the MS in UX/UI and Interactive Design, MS in Web and Application Development, MS in Cybersecurity and Network Administration, MS Technology Leadership & Project Management, MS in Data Analytics, MS in Business Intelligence & Database Systems, MS in Information Systems. The candidate will work in a professional environment, for a minimum of 480 hours over a period of at least two semesters. Candidates 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 candidates with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field of expertise to complement their coursework. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. The Internship MUST be approved in advance by 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

MCYN 645

Emerging Threat landscapes: Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing and New Media

This course explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI), spatial computing and novel technologies in cybersecurity. Through case studies and reports, students will research, ideate and design practical use cases for dealing with threats posed to technical assets and consumer data via generative A.I. technologies, spatial computing, augmented and virtual reality hardware. Students will learn to pose problem cases and propose solutions for users and organizations that touch upon the ethical aspects of technology use and data privacy. Through news, readings and current events, students will extrapolate developing themes and undercurrents relevant to problem cases they forecast and the corresponding solutions they design.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MCYN 646

Detection Engineering & Analysis Techniques

In this course, students will learn advanced techniques needed to protect and safeguard an organization’s technology and infrastructure based on modern threats and methods. This course focusses on designing, building and iterating processes in order to detect malicious behavior. The focus of the course is to preserve organizational reputation, understand modern threat vectors and how to counter them using assessment and detection techniques that are current in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MCYN 647

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

This course is designed to immerse students in the practical aspects of ethical hacking and penetration testing, a critical field in cybersecurity aimed at enhancing system security through the identification and exploitation of its weaknesses. In this course, students will learn to adopt the mindset and techniques of malicious actors to conduct authorized, legal assessments on computer systems, networks, and applications to uncover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. Students will be exposed to novel artificial intelligence (AI) technologies used to prescribe authorized system penetration tests such as HackerGPT. Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a basic understanding of Linux and file systems.
Prerequisite: MSIN 647
3 Credits

MSIN 681, 682, 683

Professional Internship Experience 1, 2, 3

These courses provide students with the opportunity to integrate skills presented during course work into real world practice, as well as enhance their awareness of technology in their respective profession. The students will utilize their work as a means of enhancing the educational experience, making on-going strides academically with their professional work. The students will work in a professional environment for a minimum of 240 hours. Students are expected to secure an internship independently. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. 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. Students may enroll in MSIN 681 only during the fall or spring semester. MSIN 683 will require students to complete one professional certification at the end of the course to demonstrate their proficiency in their field from the experience acquired throughout the internship and their classes.
1 Credit Each

Any Other Elective Approved by the Dean

Core Technology Management Courses

MSIN 605

Strategic Management of Technology

Enterprises in many industries are driven by the need to achieve technological innovation in order to prosper or even survive. This course focuses on the strategic management of technology and innovation in firms of various types. These technology innovations can encompass software, hardware, or other forms of technology and even the very processes needed to design, develop, and manufacture the resultant technological products. Students develop an understanding of technological innovation and the issues and strategies for organizing, managing, diffusing, and protecting innovation. This broadens the horizons of students who have concentrated on technical computing and Information Technology courses and require enrichment in the area of managerial science.
3 Credits

MSIN 607

Effective Oral and Written Communication for Managers

Emphasizes the importance of good communication skills for corporate managers in the business world. This course identifies and reviews the foundations of business communication - listening, speaking, writing, and reading - and broadens students' experience by building communication skills using technologies and practical business applications. The goal of this course is for students to become confident, flexible, and resourceful communicators in the competitive intercultural global business community.
3 Credits

MSIN 609

IT Project Management

This course is an introductory course that provides the fundamental principles of technology project management. In this course, students will learn how to use Project Management Best Practices to bring order to the otherwise chaotic world of information technology projects, by defining a set of guidelines and standards, and then adhering to them. The student will learn to view Project Management as a set of tools that are an integral part of business strategy. In addition, students will receive a unique perspective on the issues surrounding the management of information technology projects in various organizations.This course will provide students with a solid foundation in IT Project Management.
3 Credits

MSIN 695

Capstone Course

Provides students with the opportunity to plan a major research paper or project and implement it from start to finish using a combination of their conceptual, technical, and applied knowledge. As the capstone course in the program, the project developed draws on the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program. Project deliverables have deadlines staggered throughout the semester. Must be taken in last semester.
3 Credits

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

MSIN 512

IT Software and Security Principles

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

MSIN 513

Fundamentals of Networking

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

MSIN 514

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

Non-Degree-Bearing Courses

MSIN 684, 685, 686

Professional Internship Experience 4, 5, 6

Through practice and participation in professional activities, students will be able to integrate skills presented during course work into real world practice, as well as enhance their awareness of technology in their respective profession. The students will utilize their work as a means of enhancing the educational experience, making on-going strides academically with their professional work. These courses are designed to continue advancement in professional development. These are elective courses which do not count towards the degree. The students will work in a professional environment for a minimum of 240 hours. Students are expected to secure an internship independently. International students are required to apply for CPT for eligibility to work during their internship. 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.
1 Credit Each