History
JMU InfoSec was established in January 1997. It is one of the first graduate Information Security programs in the nation. 34 students graduated in 1999. Nineteen of those students were Department of Defense employees educated under a contract with the National Security Agency. By May of 2006, JMU InfoSec had produced more than 170 highly successful graduates.
Also in 1999, the program moved to 100% Internet-based, asynchronous interactive classrooms. Typically, 50% of the students are government employees. Students are never required to attend on-campus classes at JMU. Our classes are available world-wide at anytime. Students are required to participate in weekly class discussions. Read what our graduates think of the JMU program.
Established - 1908
Premiere State Institution
Enrollment - Over 15,000
Named after the 4th President of the United States
Learn more about JMU
The Information Security Problem
The need for well-educated security professionals increases as companies and government rely more on the Internet and computer networks. Today, U.S. government and industries need techniques, methods, and disaster recovery plans developed and implemented to better protect information infrastructure. Research shows that billions of dollars are wasted each year due to security breaches and the spread of malicious code. Assurance techniques are needed to protect critical information from the following:
- Hacker Attacks
- Internal Attacks
- Malicious Codes (Trojan horses, worms, viruses)
- Government and Industrial Espionage
- Natural Disasters
Our Solution
JMU InfoSec provides a highly technical education designed to instruct the next-generation of security professionals. Students need exposure to technical aspects and policies and procedures of Information Security in order to fill this vital need.
We are committed to providing a premier information security education that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and maintain secure modern information infrastructures and systems.
JMU Information Security educational objectives center on the following areas:
- Computer Security
- Network and Web Security
- Cryptography
- Distributed Network Security
- Assurance and Secure Operations
- Intrusion Detection (recovery and response)
- Cyber Ethics and Law
- Computer Forensics
- Software Assurance
How Distance Education Works
To view a sample classroom login with:
- USERNAME: infosec
- PASSWORD: guest
Professors and technology combine to provide a delivery system that maintains high academic standards while being flexible and considerate of student's needs. The program emphasizes personal interaction in small classes with quality students. Students connect to the Internet and access courses, discussion forums, realistic online labs, and virtual classrooms hosted on the Blackboard Learning System.
JMU InfoSec is time and space independent. There is no requirement to come to the JMU campus. All courses are delivered asynchronously through the Internet. Students are required to participate in weekly class discussions and submit group and individual projects from wherever convenient.
InfoSec graduate students are provided with the following resources:
- Email Account
- UNIX Accounts
- Faculty and Thesis Advisors
- Blackboard Account
- Online Graduate Student Lounge
- JMU Library Resources
- Web-based grades and transcripts
- JMU Student Services
Blackboard Learning Management System
Blackboard Learning System is the industry leading learning management system. Once in Blackboard, students can access the professor's lecture notes and supporting materials, engage in online dialogue with the professor and fellow students using threaded conversations, and enter private discussion rooms with fellow students to discuss course work and projects. Students can also exchange draft copies of work, submit assignments to the professor through private folders, and receive confidential feedback and grades.
Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin
Graduate Comments
"The instruction was great, the topics well chosen, and the mechanics of course delivery allowed me to complete the program
while living on two continents and raising a family."
~ Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin
"We have created an entire company based on what I learned in the program . The DOD has started to fund us." ~ President, NACON Consulting
"I know that obtaining the JMU MS helped me obtain the high level security position that I am in."
~ Information Security Specialist, Rockwell Automation
"The JMU program enabled me to see the big picture."
~ Security Engineer, Red River Networks