CIS & Cybersecurity Certificate Informations

The CIS & BA Department participates in the delivery of Metro’s Cybersecurity program. Our offerings consist of a set of tightly integrated courses, where a close working relationship is developed between faculty and students.

Professional Certification-Aligned Courses in Networking & Information Security

At MSU Denver, our Computer Information Systems program offers comprehensive coursework aligned with industry-recognized certifications. Unlike bootcamps, our courses provide in-depth academic knowledge combined with practical skills through semester-long learning experiences that thoroughly prepare students for both certifications and career success.

CIS 3230 – Telecommunication Systems and Networking
Prerequisite: CIS 2110

Network+ Aligned Curriculum

Our telecommunications course delivers thorough coverage of networking fundamentals and infrastructure using CompTIA Network+ certification materials. Students develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on expertise in:

• Physical media characteristics and signaling methods
• Network topologies and architectures
• TCP/IP and OSI model frameworks for understanding network communication
• Advanced routing, switching and network management concepts
• Network security fundamentals and troubleshooting methodologies

Through labs and projects based on Network+ scenarios, students gain practical experience configuring network devices, implementing security controls, and troubleshooting connectivity issues – skills directly transferable to professional environments.

CIS 3500 – Information Systems Security
Prerequisite: CIS 3230

Security+ Aligned Curriculum

This foundational security course incorporates CompTIA Security+ certification concepts to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in:

• Core security principles and risk management strategies
• Access control mechanisms and identity management
• Network security architecture design principles
• Security policy development and implementation
• Cryptographic concepts and application
• Threat detection and vulnerability assessment

Students engage with Security+ preparation materials while developing critical analytical skills through case studies, security assessments, and defensive strategy development – creating a deeper understanding than what typical certification bootcamps offer.

CIS 4500 – Information Systems Security Tools and Techniques
Prerequisites: CIS 3500 and junior/senior standing

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Aligned Curriculum

This advanced course leverages EC-Council’s CEH certification materials to develop students’ practical security skills including:

• Ethical hacking methodologies and penetration testing processes
• Security tool selection and implementation for vulnerability assessment
• Network traffic analysis and threat detection techniques
• System hardening and security control implementation
• Incident response and security monitoring
• Countermeasure development for identified vulnerabilities

Through structured lab environments based on CEH scenarios, students gain hands-on experience with professional security tools while developing the ethical framework necessary for responsible security testing – providing more comprehensive preparation than accelerated bootcamp programs.

CIS 4550 – Information Systems Security Management and Information Assurance
Prerequisite: CIS 3500

CISSP Aligned Curriculum

This capstone security course incorporates (ISC)² CISSP certification domains to develop students’ strategic security management capabilities including:

• Enterprise security architecture and design principles
• Security governance and regulatory compliance frameworks
• Risk assessment, management, and mitigation strategies
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
• Security program development and management
• Security operations leadership

Students engage with complex, enterprise-level security scenarios drawn from CISSP preparation materials, developing the high-level analytical and management skills needed for security leadership roles. Through semester-long projects, students demonstrate their ability to assess organizational security postures and develop comprehensive security programs aligned with business objectives – far exceeding the scope of traditional certification bootcamps.

Why Choose MSU Denver’s CIS Cyber Security Track?

Unlike certification bootcamps that focus solely on exam preparation, our certification-aligned courses provide:

• In-depth understanding of theoretical concepts alongside practical application
• Semester-long engagement with materials allowing for deeper learning and retention
• Academic rigor with industry relevance through certification-aligned curriculum
• Progressive skill development across multiple courses building comprehensive expertise
• Hands-on projects demonstrating real-world application of security principles
• Interaction with faculty who are industry professionals with academic credentials

Our graduates have the opportunity to enter the workforce with not only the knowledge to pass certification exams but the comprehensive understanding and practical experience needed for long-term career success in information security.

Today’s business world requires technical knowledge as well as general business knowledge. A CIS degree provides the combination of technical and business knowledge that the business community desires. In CIS you will take the core business courses as well as a complete set of information system courses to ensure the through preparation for your career.