Individuals selecting the information assurance degree will have the flexibility to focus on a concentration of classes that will prepare them for employment after graduation or to take that next step to an advanced degree. There are four unique concentrations to this degree: IA management, applied IA, IA cryptography and network security/administration.
The unique interdisciplinary nature of information assurance requires a diverse educational approach. The purpose of this undergraduate interdisciplinary program is to:
- Meet society’s need for educated professionals in information assurance.
- Provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required to protect the informational technology needs of society, which includes all government branches and the private sector.
- To propagate a new generation of research scientists in information assurance. As a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, the program offers tremendous opportunities that are excellent preparation for an advanced degree in information assurance.
What is Information Assurance?
The term “information assurance” encompasses the scientific, technical and management disciplines required to ensure computer and network security, such as:
Systems/network administration and operation
Systems security engineering
Information assurance systems and product acquisition
Cryptography
Threat and vulnerability assessment (includes risk management)
Web security
Computer emergency response team operation
Information assurance training, education and management
Computer forensics
Defensive information operations
NSA Center of Academic Excellence
Eastern Michigan University’s Center of Academic Excellence is one the 106 federally designated Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education in the nation. This valued designation provides students with a wealth of research, scholarship and educational opportunities. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) program is an outreach program designed and operated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in support of the President’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace. The goal of the program is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education in information assurance.
All incoming students will take a placement examination prior to enrolling in IA 300-level courses. This examination will be offered on-line and available for the student to take.
For more information, please visit the program website.
Click here to watch a short video about this program.
Articulation Agreement
An articulation agreement exists between this program and at least one community college. To see a current list of program articulation agreements, please click here.