Master of Science in Information Security
Frequently Asked Questions
What campuses do you offer the MS Information Security program?
The program is currently offered at our Romeoville campus. However, most of our classes are offered in a blended format; in-class lectures are broadcasted online simultaneously. Broadcasted lectures are archived and can be viewed online.
If I cannot attend a class during the scheduled time, can I view it online?
Yes. We understand family and work commitments emerge unexpectedly. Since most classes are offered in a blended format (in-class lectures are broadcasted online simultaneously) you can participate in a class online. You can also view an archive of the class at a later time. However, all instructors do not teach the class in a blended format.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in computer science or management information systems to enroll in the MSIS program?
No. Students without an educational background in computer science or MIS must take two additional foundation courses. Also, if you have sufficient work experience in the IT field, you may request the admissions director to waive the foundation course requirements.
Are all of your students working in IT departments?
No. Many of our students do work in company IT departments. However, many students in the program are interested in enhancing their skills or preparing for a career change.
In what format are courses offered?
Most courses are three credit hours and meet once per week for 8 weeks. Most classes meet from 6pm to 10pm on a week night. Occasionally, there are seminar courses that meet for part of a weekend, but most classes meet on week nights. Note, many of these courses are simultaneously broadcast online. If events prevent you from attending class, you can view the live class, or an archive of the class later. No need to ever miss a class again.
How many courses do students typically complete a semester?
Because each course lasts 8 weeks, it is rather easy to progress quickly through this degree. Students take 1 or 2 classes during the first 8 weeks of a semester, and another 1 or 2 classes during the second 8 weeks. Classes are also offered during the summer for those who wish to accelerate their degree completion.
What is timeframe to complete the MSIS program?
An MSIS student typically will complete the program in 16 months to 2 years. To graduate, a student must take six core courses that are required for all students, plus four electives, two credit hours of seminar coursework, and a capstone project experience. Courses are offered on a regular rotation that ensures that students can take the classes they need to graduate on time.
Do I have to begin the degree in a certain semester?
No. We offer rolling admission into the program. You can start the program five times a year: January, March, June, August, and October.
Will I gain hands-on, practical experience in this program?
Definitely. Many of the core courses are offered in the computer science lab and College of Business lab. In addition, the technical track courses are designed to convey skills and techniques on a variety of computing platforms. Finally, the management track courses utilize case studies, most of which were drawn from actual business scenarios, to give students practice working on real problems.
Can I earn a certification through this program?
We do not confer professional certifications directly, as our aim is to provide you an opportunity to earn a graduate degree. However, our curriculum meshes well with the highly regarded CISSP certification, and the two required seminars offer training courses to prepare students to take that exam.
What will it cost?
Tuition for Fall 2009 is $720.00 per credit hour, which means that a typical 3-hour course costs $2,160. At the current tuition rate, the total program will cost between $25,200 and $29,520. There are no additional fees other than the graduation fee and text books.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Financial aid is available in the form of loans. Lewis's Financial Aid office is very helpful in arranging funding for students.
What about employment reimbursements for tuition payments?
If your company provides reimbursement for educational expenses, you will be happy to know that Lewis's employee reimbursement process is quite accommodating, as no money is due from your employer until 6 weeks after the semester ends. This gives your employer plenty of time to verify your grades before reimbursing you for your tuition.
Can I apply for the program online?
Yes. Simply go to www.lewisu.edu/apply
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