Opportunity for Faculty: Information Systems Security Professional Certification

[Rodney Petersen <rpetersen () EDUCAUSE EDU>]

Below is another announcement, similar to the opportunity distributed
last week from CERIAS, regarding a grant-funded program for faculty
interested in learning more about information security.

Rodney Petersen
Security Task Force Coordinator, EDUCAUSE

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Get a jumpstart into the world of information security by taking
advantage of a new program offered by the Information Resources
Management (IRM) College at National Defense University.  As an
academic, you know how long it takes to build recognition when you move
into a new field.  Here is a way to short-circuit that period of time
and learn first-hand about the major information security issues of
large organizations.

Purpose of the Program
This program has been funded under a grant to the IRM College and the
University of Tulsa by the National Security Agency, an agency of the
U.S. Government.  The grant makes it possible for faculty at
institutions across the country to develop expertise in information
security.  All coursework is unclassified.

Who Should Attend
Information Security is a multi-disciplinary field and is ideal for
academics in business, computer science, law, public policy, and many
other fields. 

Background on the Program
The IRM College was named a Center of Academic Excellence in Information
Assurance Education by the National Security Agency in 2000.  The
College's Information Security curriculum was certified as complying
with the NSTISSI No. 4011, a national standard for Information System
Security Professionals.  Students who successfully complete four courses
in Information Security are awarded this certification.  The courses can
be taken through:

*       Distributed learning
*       Residential instruction at our campus in Washington, D.C.
*       Attending our Advanced Management Program in Washington, D.C.

The four courses cover global networking (GEN), infrastructure assurance
(AII), managing security in a networked environment (SEC), and
enterprise security strategies (ESS).  These graduate-level courses
focus on the essentials for leading information security programs in
departments and agencies within the Federal Government.  Students can
complete the program through a combination of distributed learning and
residential courses. See our course schedule for this academic year at
http://www.ndu.edu/irmc/ courses2003/intensive_sched_bc2003.htm

Distributed Learning Option
The distributed learning courses are available online through our
Blackboard instruction system.  Each course, lasting approximately 12
weeks, enrolls senior-level government employees from across departments
as well as senior military officers.  This learning community offers a
unique opportunity to understand management issues of information
security.  In 2003, courses start in February, June, and October.  It is
possible to take two courses at the same time.

Residential Option
In the residential instruction format at our campus, each class is one
week in residence, preceded by one week of online exchanges and reading
assignments.  For three weeks after the residence students prepare a
course paper or other assessment.  This intensive approach gives you the
opportunity to participate in various information security labs with
senior-level government employees.  

Advanced Management Program
The Advanced Management Program (AMP) is a 14-week educational
experience that is ideal for the faculty member on sabbatical (see
http://www.ndu.edu/irmc/amp.html).  Up to 36 students attend the program
in the Fall or Spring each year.  Faculty from across the country will
attend class with senior-level government employees.  Guest speakers
from government agencies provide insight into the major issues of the
day.  Students attending this program can also receive the highly sought
after Chief Information Officer Certificate.

Application Process
This program is open to college professors from regionally accredited
colleges and universities.  To be accepted into this unique program,
applicants must do two things:  complete the online application process
for admission into the Information Assurance Certification Program (see
http://www.ndu.edu/irmc/nstissi.html) and obtain a letter of nomination
from their Dean.  The letter must state that: 1) the applicant's
institution expects to include, or expand upon, information security or
information assurance in its curriculum, and 2) there is a reasonable
expectation that the faculty member will complete the four-course
Information Assurance Certification Program.

Costs
This grant-funded program provides for the full cost of tuition and
books.  The applicant is responsible for any travel costs to Washington,
D.C. for an intensive residential course or the Advanced Management
Program at our campus at Ft. McNair.  Housing and meal costs are also
the responsibility of the student.  

About the Information Resources Management College
The Information Resources Management College (http://www.ndu.edu/irmc)
prepares leaders to direct the information component of national power
by leveraging information and information technology for strategic
advantage.  Students represent multiple communities including Chief
Information Officers (CIOs) and their staffs, military and interagency
leaders and planners studying the issues affecting national security in
the information age, and functional managers planning for the use of
information and systems integration within their organizations.  The
College was established in November 1988.  

About National Defense University
National Defense University (http://www.ndu.edu) is the senior
government university for educating military and civilian leaders. Over
the last decade, the university's mission has grown dramatically. It now
provides not only the nation's premier joint military education, but
also conducts outreach programs across every continent, and serves as a
primary research and policy development institution for the Department
of Defense. As the University moves into the new century, it continues
to expand and refine its approach to education, outreach and research in
order to provide the nation's leaders the tools necessary to
successfully sustain our Nation's position within the world community.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited NDU
since 1997.  The University has an award-winning library that is made
available to students during their enrollment in classes.  The campus at
Ft. McNair is a short walk from the Metro station and many attractions
in the D.C. area.  

For More Information
Contact Ms. Chrisan Herrod, Department Chair, Information Operations and
Technology Department, Information Resource Management College at (202)
685-3178 or email at herrodc () ndu edu.


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