Information Technology and Cybersecurity Courses

Comprehensive study of the fundamentals of business information systems. Designed for graduate students who have not had undergraduate information systems courses. Will not be counted in the hours required for a College of Business graduate degree.

Application of database principles toward the development of a business information system. Emphasis will be on the design, construction, testing, and installation of a comprehensive database application using Oracle DBMS, SQL, Pl/SQL, HTML, or other data access tools. A significant course project is required, and may be an individual or group project. May be taught concurrently with ITC 528. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 528 and ITC 628.

This course focuses on emerging issues surrounding the modern data infrastructures that enable data analytics. Students will explore the challenges of working with Big Data (large, diverse datasets that often include varied data types and streaming data) in addition to traditional data infrastructures such as data warehouses. They will become familiar with capturing data from contemporary sources such as web and social media, mobile and sensors, and a variety of large, publically available datasets. Various data management techniques will be explored, including distributed file systems and associated query methods. The goal of this course is to prepare students to assess and recommend large-scale information storage and retrieval components which enable data analytics. May be taught concurrently with ITC 545. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 545 and ITC 645. The graduate level (645) students will have a significant research project required above and beyond the undergraduate level (545) students.

This course introduces data visualization concepts, principles, techniques and tools. Data visualization is an effective approach to discover insights from data. It is a necessary component in the skills portfolio of a data analytics professional. Students will learn relevant principles from fields such as psychology and human computer interaction. This course is designed as hands-on, experience oriented. The principles, concepts, ideas and insights discovering are taught by using data visualization software. The designed learning outcome is that students are able to (1) interpret and explain commonly used data visualization presentations, (2) suggest visualization methods for specific decision making purpose, (3) understand special features of visualization formats such as possible biases that readers may be subject to, and (4) use a software package to design and implement a visualization project. May be taught concurrently with ITC 555. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 555 and ITC 655. The graduate level (655) students will have a significant research project required above and beyond the undergraduate level (555) students.

This hands-on course provides an introduction to tools and techniques used by security professionals to secure corporate networks. Topics include virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS). Defense in depth will be taught through the installation and configuration of firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS. Students will be able to recognize and prevent malicious attacks on corporate networks. A significant research project is required.

This hands-on course provides an introduction to tools and techniques used by hackers to penetrate corporate networks. Topics include vulnerabilities of operating systems, incident-handling methods, and an overview of the process and methodologies used in penetration testing including ethical and legal implications. A significant research project is required.

This class explores the fundamental components and architecture of blockchain technology. Students will obtain a basic understanding of the blockchain technology, its history and current developments, and business/technical challenges and emerging solutions. Students will have a hands-on building experience of blockchain applications, learn how blockchain technology works with various programming languages, and explore current protocols and platforms of blockchain. Topics covered include components of Blockchain applications (consensus protocols, distributed ledgers, digital assets, smart contracts, cryptography, etc.); characteristics of different types of blockchains (permissioned vs. permissionless; public vs. private; etc.); and use cases (Blockchain vs. traditional distributed databases, etc.). May be taught concurrently with ITC 580. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 580 and ITC 680.

This course provides a foundational overview of Business Analysis (BA), which enables enterprise change by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders. Topics covered in the course include foundational principals of IT strategy and governance, IT/business alignment, IT service management, and the BA body of knowledge. May be taught concurrently with ITC 581. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 581 and ITC 681.

Lean principles to manage IT with an emphasis on the reduction of waste and providing value to customers. Additional principles from Lean Six Sigma, continual improvement, IT Service Management, and other relevant areas will be covered. Course requires students to complete a project analyzing one or more of the existing IT processes of an organization.

A study of the concepts and applications of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. May be taught concurrently with ITC 583. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 583 and ITC 683.

Technical or professional problems growing from particular needs which may require additional depth or breadth of study. Outline of study must be approved prior to enrolling. May be repeated to a maximum of three hours.

A study of the concepts, practices, processes, tools, techniques and resources used by information system (IS) project managers. The entire project life cycle will be covered from inception to close-out. The course will closely follow the framework of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK). The course will focus on how to manage the scope, schedule, budget and risk of projects, with emphasis on information systems and information technology projects.

Introduction to fundamental issues of information system (IS) planning. Current theory and specific IS planning practices are studied. Emphasis on strategic implications of information technology, IS planning vis-a-vis strategic planning, development and maintenance of IS plans, analysis of organization information requirements, and prioritizing IS projects. Implications for business and technology trends and application of planning concepts to IS planning projects are examined.

Artificial neural networks and how they are being used for machine learning, as applied to data analytics in the business environment. Students will be required to collect original data for neural network analysis. Different learning algorithms will be explored, including the Genetic Algorithm. This course will lead to a graduate level paper with possibilities for publication.

Computer network planning, including physical layout, resource requirements, and budgeting. Administration of computer networks, including managing user accounts; selecting and loading applications software; managing upgrades and enhancements; monitoring and optimizing system performance; ensuring physical and logical system security.

Objectives and techniques of planning, organizing, and managing complex information systems development projects. The course will include a study of resources and tools available for scheduling, tracking, and measuring system development productivity.

Study of various systems development methodologies used to analyze, design, and implement information systems; selection criteria for a specific methodology, and how to introduce a new methodology within an existing environment. Specific tools and techniques for systems development and for business process reengineering will be explored and applied.

Overview of managerial applications of information technology (IT) to increase effectiveness. Use of IT to support decision making, cooperative work, organizational competitive advantage, and inter-organizational communication. Various planning approaches will illustrate the use of IT in organizations. Case method will be used.

Study of data modeling using tools such as Entity-Relationship and Semantic Object Models. Examination of the Database Administrator's responsibilities including monitoring and tuning of the database, establishment of database reliability, and security. A case project will include the development of a data model and a database administration plan for a client/server database system.

Focus on the legal and ethical environment relevant to advances in technology. Issues include intellectual property, jurisdiction, defamation, invasion of privacy, electronic contracts, computer crime, censorship, unsolicited email, antitrust issues, and encryption. Recent developments, court decisions, federal and state statutes, treaties and international agreements, administrative rulings, and legal literature regarding internet law, will be explored and explained.

This course provides the foundation for understanding the key issues associated with protecting information assets, determining the levels of protection and response to security incidents, and designing a consistent, reasonable information security system, with appropriate intrusion detection and reporting features. The students will learn a balance introduction to both security management and technical components of information security; they will be exposed to the spectrum of security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. This spectrum includes inspection and protection of information assets, detection of and reaction to threats to information assets, and examination of pre- and post-incident procedures, technical and managerial responses and an overview of the information security planning functions.

This course is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation of organizational behavior issues facing senior and mid-level IT managers. Topics to be examined include: organizational behavior from an individual, group and structural perspective, organizational culture, leadership, perception and decision-making values and attitudes, and emotional intelligence. The material should be of interest and benefit to IT professionals, irrespective of technical specialty, who are currently in or aspire to IT management.

Study of interrelated economic, social, political, and technological forces requiring organizations to transform their systems and processes to survive and succeed. Students will examine a variety of typical transformations from the perspective of a work unit member and a manager of the change process.

This course will introduce students to the principles and techniques of data analysis and visualization. The course will help students develop the skills and knowledge to effectively analyze, visualize and communicate data insights. It will emphasize hands-on experience and highlight practical challenges involved in working with real-world data. After completing the course, the students will be able to (1) understand the application of data visualization for effective communication (2) understand key design principles and techniques for visualizing data (3) collect and process data for visualization (4) apply visualization methods for specific decision-making purpose.

Variable content with topics that can change from semester to semester. Topics are identified by title in the schedule of classes. Practical applications will be stressed. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours.

This course explores the challenges, impacts, and organizational best practices tied to technological innovation. Topics covered in this course include technological innovation types and their characteristics, the process of managing technological innovation, best practices and challenges of implementing radical and/or disruptive technological innovations, and current developments across the technological innovation landscape.

This course is an introduction to the basic issues in computer security. While technical in nature, this course is introductory in its approach in that the student is not required to have an extensive background in programming or technical support. A significant research project is required.

This course includes and goes beyond the typical management information system course material. It includes a macro application to the concepts, designs, and implementations of business information systems. Time is spent as well in exploring the importance of balancing technical innovation, business stewardship, and socially responsible and ethical uses of technology.

This course provides an overview of the laws and legal processes involved in e-commerce, privacy, and intellectual property rights and cyberspace law. Risk analysis, incident response, and network forensic investigations. Objectives include recognizing the legal aspects of the security triad: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, examining the concepts of privacy and its legal protections, and being able to explain the importance of forensics examination in legal proceedings.

This hands-on course addresses the fundamentals of computer system forensics. It will provide an overview of computer crimes, forensic methods, the role of computer forensics specialists, computer forensic evidence, and the application of forensic analysis skills. Emerging technology and future directions will be considered along with email, mobile, Window, Mac, and Linux forensics. A significant research project is required. May be taught concurrently with ITC 565. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 565 and ITC 765.

This hands-on course provides an introduction to tools and techniques used to hack web applications. Security strategies will be presented that can help to mitigate risk associated with web applications and social networking. Course objectives include analyzing the impact of the internet and web applications on the business world, the evolution of social media and social networking, analyzing common website attacks, weaknesses, and security best practices. A significant research project is required. May be taught concurrently with ITC 566. Cannot receive credit for both ITC 566 and ITC 766.

This course surveys the management of the information security function within organizations. Topics include establishing and implementing information security policies; assessing and mitigating risk associated with IT infrastructure; and planning/auditing compliance with information security policies, laws and regulations.

Critical evaluation and interpretation of research and literature in Cybersecurity.

Tools and methodologies for predictive data analytics in the business environment, including artificial intelligence categories, machine learning, multi-layered neural networks, and genetic algorithms. Data preparation, data runs (using a mashup of a multi-layered neural networks and the genetic algorithm), and data analysis will be conducted throughout the semester cumulating into a final project paper.

This course introduces students to the creation of business value through data analytics. In contrast to the purely technical treatment of data analytics found in many analytics methods courses, this course will explore the entire data analytic process including: (1) identifying opportunities for deriving business value through analytics, (2) translating these opportunities into analytic strategy; (3) selecting and performing appropriate analytic methods; and (4) facilitating the realization of business value by effectively communicating the analytic results.

Critical evaluation and interpretation of research and literature in information systems.

In consultation with the coordinating professor, the student is engaged in first-hand experience with a business, organization, or other professional entity. A portfolio of assigned work shall be collected, examined and evaluated during the semester.

In consultation with an advisor, students select a specific information technology topic for intensive study. Course deliverables appropriate for the selected topic and study will be determined by the advisor. Variable content course.

In consultation with the advisor, student selects, for intensive study, a specific area of concern related to the student's program, with emphasis on research.

Study of topics in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when topic varies.

Independent research and study connected with the preparation of a thesis.

Comprehensive study of the fundamentals of statistics. Designed for graduate students who have not had an undergraduate statistics course. This course will not be counted in the hours required for a College of Business graduate degree.

Advanced statistical methods for conducting research in business and economics. Discussion and application of design procedures, hypotheses formulation, data collection and data analysis. Topics include regression analysis, and analysis of variance, multivariate analysis, experimental design, nonparametric methods, etc. Computer statistical packages will be used extensively.

A study of quantitative methods used to improve the decision-making process in business. Major topics include constrained optimization models, forecasting models, distribution/network models, simulation models, and project scheduling.