This program prepares highly-qualified engineers, computer science experts, and information systems professionals for information security and assurance careers. The Iowa State program is designed to fill the current and future need for information security and assurance professionals to support the nation’s information infrastructure. Information assurance has become a critical issue for businesses as they encounter problems from external network attacks as well as internal issues due to lax control systems and compliance requirements.
As a science and technology leader, this program requires students to be creators of knowledge and inventors of processes, not simply users of information. Students are taught through interactive learning situations and problem-based projects. Team-based projects address security implementation and processes which today’s business environment requires.
The Masters of Science in Information Assurance (listed as “InfAs” in the Iowa State Bulletin) is a multidisciplinary degree supported by six departments from three Iowa State colleges. These are: Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering; Logistics, Operations and Management Information Systems; Mathematics; and Political Science. Iowa State University is recognized as one of the Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance education.