MSISPM Student Projects/Thesis

Capstone Experience

By selecting either the MSISPM Information Security Project or Thesis option, you'll apply what you learned in the classroom towards research or new application initiatives.

Information Security Project

Working collaboratively with other students for a real client, you'll tackle a real issue that synthesizes your coursework in security technology, policy, economics, statistics, financial analysis, professional writing and speaking. Work is guided—and often challenged—by a faculty advisor. Your team will frame the problem, conduct the analysis, make recommendations, and present your findings.

Sample project reports:

• First Responders Guide to Computer Forensics (.pdf)
• System Quality Requirements Engineering (SQUARE) Methodology: Case Study on Asset Management System (.pdf)

Thesis

Instead of the Information Security Project, you may opt for writing a thesis. You'll work independently on research-related topics (approved by the program director) with sponsorship from a Carnegie Mellon faculty member.

Sample Thesis:

• Enumerating and Reducing the Threat of Transnational Cyber Extortion against Small and Medium Size Organizations (.pdf)
• Avoiding the Cyber Pandemic: A Public Health Approach to Preventing Malware Propagation (.pdf)