THE CENTER FOR SECURE INFORMATION SYSTEMSInformation systems security is of increasing importance in government, military and commercial arenas. The Center for Secure Information Systems (CSIS) provides a dedicated environment to encourage the development of expertise in both the theoretical and applied aspects of information systems security. CSIS emphasis on information security makes it unique among the institutions of higher learning in this country. Established in 1990, CSIS has the distinction of being the first academic center in security at a U.S. university. It is one of the National Security Agency’s original Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, a designation it continues to hold. In 2008, NSA established a new designation – The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research (CAE-Research). CSIS has earned this new designation, and is designated for both CAEIAE and CAE-Research through 2013. CSIS differentiates itself from other centers by working in a broad spectrum of security topics and issues. The Center resides within The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering (IT&E) at George Mason University (Mason). For more information, you may contact Dr. Sushil Jajodia, CSIS Director, at (703) 993-1653. Research in Information Systems SecurityInformation is an important strategic and operational corporate asset, and therefore, there is a need to have adequate security measures that can safeguard sensitive information. In spite of its importance, there is a severe lack of truly comprehensive university research programs in information system security. CSIS was created to provide a dedicated environment to encourage the development of expertise in both the theoretical and applied aspects of information systems security. CSIS Objectives:
The goals of CSIS are to
Scope of the CenterThe scope of CSIS encompasses information secrecy, integrity, and availability problems in military, civil, and commercial sectors. Among topics of current interest are:
CSIS is interested in developing relationships with government agencies, industrial companies, and other universities. These relationships can be tailored to the organization’s interests and needs. For one organization, this might mean that CSIS acts as a knowledge resource; for another, CSIS might assemble a research group to collaborate with technical staff. CSIS ResearchersCSIS has the following full-time research scientists:
In addition, several faculty members from the Computer Science Department and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department are involved in research collaboration with CSIS. CSIS members are also involved in active collaboration with scientists from other institutions both in U.S. and around the globe. Ph.D. Concentration in Information SecurityStudents may designate a concentration in information security in their doctoral degree title. In that case the transcript of a graduating student would be “Ph.D. in Information Technology with Concentration in Information Security.” Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title. The Information Security Concentration is also available for the Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. M.S. in Information Security and AssuranceThe Master of Science degree program in Information Security and Assurance is designed to prepare graduates to fill the current and future need for information security and assurance professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities to protect the information systems of different types of organizations and to support the nation's information infrastructure. The objective of the Master of Science degree in Information Security and Assurance is to provide students with the general and technical knowledge and skills to understand the relationship between information security and advancing information systems technology, and with a theoretical understanding of the science and methodologies for ensuring the secrecy and integrity of data, and the availability and legitimate use of data and information systems. Graduates of the program will be actively recruited by federal, state and local governments and by the private sector. Typical employers include Internet-based companies, software companies, banks and insurance companies, and in general any organization that depends heavily on the use of information technology. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students. M.S. in Computer Engineering with Concentration in Network and Systems SecurityThe Master of Science in Computer Engineering now offers a concentration in Network and Systems Security. The plan of study covers the entire spectrum of topics related to security in computer networks and distributed systems. The focus is on implementation aspects of cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and systems; trade-off between security and efficiency; and the close integration of cryptography, computer security, and communications. Through projects and labs, students get acquainted with various means of implementing security transformations in both software and hardware. Graduate Certificate Program in Information Systems SecurityThe Graduate Certificate Program in Information Systems Security has been designed for persons who are interested in science and methods for ensuring secrecy, integrity, and availability of information systems. The Certificate in Information Systems Security may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate programs in the School of Information Technology and Engineering. B.S. Information Technology Concentration in Information Security and Network AdministrationBachelor of Science in Information Technology offers a concentration in Information Security and Network Administration. This concentration is comprised of five required courses in the categories of (1) Information Security; (2) Network Administration, and (3) Telecommunications. Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP)Mason is one of a few universities that have been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to participate in the Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP). IASP provides full scholarship support to selected undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students seeking degrees and graduate certificates in information assurance disciplines. Support includes tuition, a stipend, a paid part-time internship, and full-time employment following graduation. During breaks in their academic studies, Information Assurance Scholars will receive progressive, hands-on experience in information security internships at Department of Defense agencies. In return, scholars must agree to some restrictions and obligations regarding curriculum, GPA and post-program employment. If all conditions are met, Information Assurance Scholars will receive full-time permanent positions with the Department of Defense on program completion. IASP applicants must be current or accepted Mason students. You must apply for admission to Mason (see admissions.gmu.edu) as a separate process. Consult CSIS web site for detailed information about IASP. IASP is limited to U.S. citizens. Contact InformationFor more information about the Center for Secure Information Systems or about becoming a sponsor, see our web site at csis.gmu.edu or contact:
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