Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience Degree Plan

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The Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience is offered online only with no in-person requirements. Complete the cyber master’s degree in as few as four semesters.

You can enroll in the Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience with any background. However, certain courses do incorporate elements of cyber, IT or programming basics. While you are learning the basics, our advisors will help you choose the courses where you will be most successful. You can enroll in some courses while learning the basics.

If you are interested in pathways that require additional background knowledge, Boise State’s program has established partnerships that offer free training to help you prepare:

Cisco Networking Academy’s Python Essential 1 course – a self-paced, online option to learn Python programming
VMware – self-paced learning and VMware software to learn about virtualization computing
Palo Alto Academy’s Networking Fundamentals courses – self-paced, online options focused on networking
Cisco Network Academy’s Networking Essentials course – self-paced, online options focused on networking

In the tabs below, review the required courses to complete the programs and when they are available in the coming year.

Classes and Scheduling Options

Cyber Master’s Degree Requirements

The courses required for the 30-credit Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience are listed below.

Course Number	Title	Credits
Required Course
CORE 500	Cyber Systems Thinking	3
CORE 501	Cyber Risk Assessment	1
Electives: Choose Six
CORE 502	Cyber Threat Modeling	1
CORE 503	Information Assurance	1
CORE 510	Applied Cybersecurity Programming	1
CORE 511	Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	1
CORE 512	Introduction to Deep Learning	1
CORE 513	Internet of Things Architecture	1
CORE 514	Cyber-Informed Engineering	1
CORE 520	Cyber Security Operations Center	1
CORE 521	Cyber Business and Regulatory Operations	1
CORE 522	Cyber Red and Blue Teams	1
CORE 540	Zero Trust Architecture	3
Elective	(Potential transfer credit which must be approved by program coordinator)	6
Total		10
Culminating activity: Choose Two
CORE 578	Teaching	1
CORE 579	Certification	1
CORE 591	Project	1
Total		2
Take any combination of the following courses listed to equal 18 credits
Analyst and Threat Intelligence Certificate
CORE 550	Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
CORE 551	Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
CORE 552	Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
Total		9
Resilience Engineering Certificate
CORE 560	Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
CORE 561	Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
CORE 562	Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
Total		9
Governance Policy Administration Certificate
CORE 570	Cyber Risk Management	3
CORE 571	Cyber Law, Ethics and Policy	3
CORE 572	Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3
Total		9
Total gCORe Degree Requirements		30

Students who have previously completed the 400-level undergraduate versions of dual-listed 500-level CORe courses won’t be permitted to enroll in the graduate version of the course or courses. If these courses are required for the master’s degree, then the student will work with the Program Coordinator to identify acceptable substitutes.

Course Descriptions

CORE 400/500 Cyber Systems Thinking

An introduction to systems thinking, lateral thinking, and resilience thinking as they relate to cybersecurity. Topics include understanding the complexity/interconnectedness of cybersecurity, applying lateral thinking in solving cyber problems, interacting among people, processes, and technologies, and managing disturbances/surprises/uncertainty to be more resilient.

CORE 401/501 Cyber Risk Assessment

A study of risk assessment and management techniques, methods, and models used in industry to minimize, control and communicate risks, including NIST and OWASP.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 402/502 Cyber Threat Modeling

A study of the practice of identifying and prioritizing potential threats and security mitigations to protect something of value.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 503 Information Assurance

An introduction to the practice of using people, process, technology, and metrics to assure security of information and risk management.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 410/510 Applied Cybersecurity Programming

An introduction to Python and PowerShell, and how these can be used to simplify cyber-related tasks.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 411/511 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

An overview of how machine learning and artificial intelligence can be applied to cybersecurity.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 512 Introduction to Deep Learning in Cybersecurity

An introduction to deep learning algorithms and how to design deep learning for cyber security.

PREREQ: CORE 511. COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 413/513 Internet of Things Architecture

An introduction to embedded systems, basic concepts of IoT, and making smart things. This covers IoT architecture including sensor, hardware, firmware, internet connection, and data mining.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 514 Cyber Informed Engineering

An overview of how to embed cyber security in systems design.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 420/520 Cyber Security Operations Center

An overview of centralized security functions where people, processes, and technology are employed to continuously monitor and improve an organization’s security posture while preventing, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 421/521 Cyber Business and Regulatory Operations

An introduction to existing regulations that companies and organizations must follow to safeguard information and systems.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 422/522 Cyber Red and Blue Teams

A study of how to think like a blue team and how to think like a red team.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 540 Zero Trust Architecture

A study of practical cybersecurity architecture and zero trust architecture. Topics include, creating a security architecture, what is and what is not zero trust architecture, building relevant views to a zero trust architecture (including network, user, data and attacker views), when and where zero trust architecture can be broken, and what zero trust can strengthen. This course takes a practical view of security architecture and zero architecture issues that can be applied in any environment.

PREREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 450/550 Cyber Threat Intelligence

A study and experimentation of platforms, open-source tools, and techniques for cyber threat intelligence. The connection between cyber threat intelligence and risk assessment. Advanced practicum in artificial intelligence applications in cyber threat intelligence.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts

An examination of cyber warfare and conflicts. An international issue that spans across nation-state borders and how it impacts cyber and physical infrastructure interdependencies.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence

A study of cryptographic mechanisms and cryptographic threat assessments to critical information infrastructures. Topics include the advances in electronics hardware, software, network, and quantum computing. Side-channel attacks and signal intelligence/collection.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 460/560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design

A study of resilient systems, networks and infrastructure design on the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques

A study of information technology and industrial networking exploitation. An examination of advances in network attacks and exploitation techniques. Analyze the layers of design to increase infrastructure interconnection network resiliency.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices

A study and application of how low-level hardware and software can be exploited and defended. The architecture of devices and systems for resiliency. The use of secure coding and defense against counterfeiting devices.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 470/570 Cyber Risk Management

An overview of cyber security risk management frameworks and practices. Students will model cybersecurity risks and apply both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods.

CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy

An examination of laws, regulations, ethics, policy, and executive orders for data protection and privacy. Topics include national security issues, ethics, data protection, digital forensics, physical evidence, incident response, and event administration and management.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance

A study and application of organization cyber governance, risk, and compliance management in cyberspace. Learners will look into the business context of key stakeholders, corporate culture, and organization risks. Industry standards and frameworks will be used.

COREQ: CORE 500.

CORE 578 Teaching

One semester/one course composed of supervised cyber and physical resilience teaching at regional community college or university. (Pass/Fail.)

CORE 579 Certification

Obtain one industry certification. (Pass/Fail.)

Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
Certified Project Manager (PMP)
Kali Linux Certified Professional (KLCP)
Certified Red Team Operations Professional (CRTOP)

CORE 591 Project

Execution of a substantial exercise that demonstrates the ability to successfully and independently carry out a professional activity similar to what is encountered in the professional workplace; archival of the results of the project is required according to standards approved by the Graduate College. May be repeated for credit. (Pass/Fail.)

For the most recent version of these course descriptions, please view the graduate catalog.

Course Availability: Fall 2022 – Summer 2023

This is a general guide of when courses will be offered. Course order will vary based on your start semester. You should plan your individual academic path based on the below schedule and your full- or part-time status.

Semester	Courses	Credits
Fall 2022	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 520 Cyber Security Operations Center	1
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 511 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning	1
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
Spring 2023	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 512 Introduction to Deep Learning	1
	CORE 522 Cyber Red and Blue Teams	1
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 503 Information Assurance	1
	CORE 513 Internet of Things Architecture	1
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
Summer 2023	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 510 Applied Cybersecurity Programming	1
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 514 Cyber-Informed Engineering	1
	CORE 521 Cyber Business and Regulatory Operations	1
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3

Course Availability: Fall 2023 – Summer 2024

Semester	Courses	Credits
Fall 2023	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 520 Cyber Security Operations Center	1
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 511 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning	1
	CORE 540 Zero Trust Architecture	3
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
Spring 2024	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 512 Introduction to Deep Learning	1
	CORE 522 Cyber Red and Blue Teams	1
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 503 Information Assurance	1
	CORE 513 Internet of Things Architecture	1
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
Summer 2024	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 502 Cyber Threat Modeling	1
	CORE 510 Applied Cybersecurity Programming	1
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 514 Cyber-Informed Engineering	1
	CORE 521 Cyber Business and Regulatory Operations	1
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3
	CORE 578 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Teaching	1
	CORE 579 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Certification	1
	CORE 591 Experiential Learning (culminating activity) - Report	1

Course Availability: Fall 2024 – Summer 2025

Semester	Courses	Credits
Fall 2024	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 520 Cyber Security Operations Center	1
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 511 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	1
	CORE 540 Zero Trust Architecture	3
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
Spring 2025	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 512 Introduction to Deep Learning	1
	CORE 522 Cyber Red and Blue Teams	1
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 503 Information Assurance	1
	CORE 513 Internet of Things Architecture	1
	CORE 560 Cyber Resilience Systems Design	3
	CORE 551 Cyber Warfare and Conflicts	3
	CORE 571 Cyberlaw, Ethics, and Policy	3
Summer 2025	1st 7 weeks
	CORE 500 Cyber Systems Thinking	3
	CORE 502 Cyber Threat Modeling	1
	CORE 510 Applied Cybersecurity Programming	1
	CORE 561 Network Design and Exploitation Techniques	3
	CORE 550 Cyber Threat Intelligence	3
	CORE 570 Cyber Risk Management	3
	2nd 7 weeks
	CORE 501 Cyber Risk Assessment	1
	CORE 514 Cyber-Informed Engineering	1
	CORE 521 Cyber Business and Regulatory Operations	1
	CORE 562 Resilience Coding and Architecture of Devices	3
	CORE 552 Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence	3
	CORE 572 Cybersecurity Governance and Compliance	3

Authorization

Boise State maintains authorization to offer online programs in Idaho and beyond. Detailed information about state authorization is available on the eCampus Center website.

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Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience Degree Plan

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