JMU Technology Programs
Undergraduate
Biotechnology
Biotechnology - The Biotechnology major is a four-year interdisciplinary major leading to the B.S. degree. The major is housed in the Biology Department but operates in cooperation with the Department of Integrated Science and Technology, and the Department of Chemstry.
Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - to some benefit. For example, in industry, medicine and agriculture, biotechnology is used to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste. It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time biotechnology has formed the basis of learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology has also underpinned the development of medical treatments.
For more information about the undergraduate Biotechnology Program, see: http://www.jmu.edu/biology/biotechnology.shtml
Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Systems - For over twenty-five years the undergraduate Computer Information Systems (CIS) program at James Madison University has successfully prepared young people for careers in IT management. CIS graduates are thriving in senior and mid-level management positions built on a foundation of solid technical skills, integrative business knowledge, and a professional network of loyal JMU alumni.
CIS is concerned with the information that computer systems can provide to aid a company, non-profit or governmental organization in defining and achieving its goals. It is also concerned with the processes that an enterprise can implement and improve using information technology. CIS professionals must understand both technical and organizational factors, and must be able to help an organization determine how information and technology-enabled business processes can provide a foundation for superior organizational performance. They serve as a bridge between the technical and management communities within an organization.
For more information about the undergraduate Computer Information Systems Program , see: http://www.jmu.edu/cis
Computer Science
Computer Science - The undergraduate Computer Science Program puts students in the middle of the exploding information revolution where they study technological advances such as object-oriented software, communication networks, multimedia systems, information security, and artificial intelligence. Students learn about computing technologies used by today’s professionals and how to use these technologies to solve real-world problems. They learn to analyze problems, design solutions, implement solutions using multiple computing technologies, test and install those solutions, and communicate those solutions to others in written and verbal presentations.
Undergraduate Computer Science students who take the specified information security courses are eligible to receive the NSA approved “Information Systems Security Professionals” NSTISSI No. 4011 certification. Currently, some government agencies, including the NSA, hire graduates with the certificate one pay grade higher than graduates without it.
JMU is one of the original seven National Security Agency (NSA) designated
centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. This is an
outreach effort designed to reduce vulnerability in the National Information
Infrastructure.
For more information on the undergraduate Computer Science Program, see
http://www.cs.jmu.edu/abouttheprogram.html.
Engineering
Engineering - The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) at James Madison University is a general engineering program that encompasses traditional technical training in engineering but also coursework in business administration and in applied project and group communication skills. The theme of the program is Sustainability. Our engineering graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to design products, manufacturing processes, and technological systems that do not deplete, diminish, or degrade environmental quality and natural resources.
This will be a broad-based engineering program that draws from many areas of engineering to train engineering generalists who are aware of the need for sustainability in the systems and devices they design. Faculty expertise and student projects may include elements from a variety of fields including materials science, mechanical, civil, and other sub-disciplines of engineering. The first freshmen class will be admitted for fall semester 2008 and the first graduating class will be in 2012. The first class of community college transfer students will be in 2010.
For more information on the undergraduate Engineering Program, see http://www.jmu.edu/engineering/
Integrated Science and Technology
Integrated Science and Technology - Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT) focuses on a wide range of factors in the design and maintenance and protection of complex socio-technical systems. It combines coursework in math, computing and technical fields, such as biological, chemical, physical and engineering, with social knowledge of markets, political processes, to solve concrete human problems of food supply, health, environment, energy, manufacturing, transportation and communications. The undergraduate ISAT programs offers concentrations in biosystems, energy, engineering and manufacturing, environment, health systems, information and knowledge management and telecommunications.
ISAT majors work on real-life issues, such as local environmental challenges, computer databases, alternative fuels, or splicing genes. Because class projects are done in groups, ISAT students quickly learn how to bring a team together to develop a solution. The ISAT degree is unique because it provides an innovative, integrated approach to teaching science and technology. Different from a standard or traditional science degree, ISAT is one of the first programs in the country to champion the integrated approach to science education.
For more information on the undergraduate ISAT Program, see
http://www.isat.jmu.edu/.
Graduate
Computer Science - Secure Software Engineering (SSE) M.S. in Computer Science Program
The Secure Software Engineering (SSE) M.S. in Computer Science Program philosophy is that security is a fundamental property of computer software. Though we can add layers of protection to systems, real security is attained through software engineering practices that include consideration of security in design, construction, testing, and deployment. The SSE curriculum brings this philosophy to practice with a combination of courses in core computer science, software engineering, and information security that together provide a practical understanding of building secure software systems.
The goal of the SSE program is to prepare graduates for professional practice in developing quality software applications. The curriculum blends theory and practice so that graduates have the practical understanding of techniques and tools for system development along with understanding of basic principles that will guide continuing professional development over a lifetime of practice. The faculty likewise hold advanced degrees in their fields of expertise as well as having significant industrial experience.
The traditional graduate program in SSE is designed for two years of full-time graduate study, or up to six years of part-time study. The combined BS/MS five-year program is intended for students just entering college who wish to pursue a more aggressive plan of study by completing both a BS and MS degree in Computer Science during five years. The five- year program is also open to students who intend to earn a bachelor's degree in another field at JMU, along with an MS in Computer Science (several undergraduate CS courses are required in this case).
For more information on the SSE M.S. CS Program, see http://www.cs.jmu.edu/sse/
Computer Science - InfoSec M.S. Computer Science Program
The online distance education Information Security (InfoSec) Master's program at James Madison University caters to the needs of working professionals. The online program is delivered to students asynchronously over the Internet, so courses are available anytime and at any location. The InfoSec program provides quality education, professional development, and research opportunities in the area of Information Security.
JMU InfoSec was established in January 1997. It is one of the first graduate Information Security programs in the nation. 34 students graduated in 1999. Nineteen of those students were Department of Defense employees educated under a contract with the National Security Agency. By May of 2006, JMU InfoSec had produced more than 170 highly successful graduates. Also in 1999, the program moved to 100% Internet-based, asynchronous interactive classrooms. Typically, 50% of the students are government employees. Students are never required to attend on-campus classes at JMU. Our classes are available world-wide at anytime. Students are required to participate in weekly class discussions.
In addition to a Master of Science in Computer Science degree, all graduates receive two NSA approved certificates: Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals (NSTISSI No. 4011) and Information Systems Security Officers (CNSSI No. 4014).
For more information on the InfoSec Program, see http://www.infosec.jmu.edu/.
Integrated Science and Technology – Master of Science
The Master of Science in Integrated Science and Technology (MSISAT) Program offers a broad-based professional education that melds applied science, technology and management using a unique systems approach. MSISAT teaches students to apply advanced concepts of systems design and analysis to technological problems in contemporary professional practices. MSISAT is unique in its incorporation of social, political, and legal concerns in science and technology.
The Master of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology (MSISAT) provides a broad, project-based education for careers in the public and private sectors that have a strong science and technology component. The program offers a solid foundation in applied science and technology, which prepares students to address complex, interdisciplinary problems common in today's business world. Students acquire quantitative tools for applied systems analysis, design, integration, and management of issues encountered in contemporary professional practice. The curriculum stresses the use of computers for modeling, simulation, and management of information and knowledge. Students complete studies in selected areas of science and technology with practical in-depth exposure to the size and complexity of contemporary problems.
For more information on the MSISAT Program, see http://www.isat.jmu.edu/grad/grad_program.htm
MBA – Information Security Masters of Business Administration
The Infosec MBA focuses on managerial decision making, analytical problem solving, oral and written communication, and application of theoretical constructs all set in an information seccurity framework. Executives from industry, military and government who attain this degree will understand preservation of information confidentiality and protection, risk management, data and system integrity, availability, authenticity and utility all set against a strategic business background.
Graduates will also be able to employ and manage information security concepts, principles, methods, practices, procedures, and techniques while drawing from U.S. statutes, current or pending and an understanding of the different procedures followed by the private and public sectors. Information Security is integrated into every course no matter if it's Organizational Behavior or Foundations of Marketing Management. Each and every course will focus on infosec issues. During the 14-course curriculum, four courses are solely dedicated to pure information security. And then the capstone course, Strategic Management, brings it all together to forge the new executive.
For more information on the MBA InfoSec Program, see http://www.jmu.edu/mba/aboutinfosec.htm
