Answering the need for information assurance graduates: A case study of Pennsylvania State University's security and risk analysis major

This paper is a case study of the Security and Risk Analysis Major at the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at Pennsylvania State University. Fielded in the fall of 2006, the Security and Risk Analysis Major addresses government and industry needs for graduates better prepared for Information Assurance careers through a unique socio-technical curriculum. The program is the result of a thorough review of existing academic programs, published industry needs analyses, guidance from the federal government and recommendation from an advisory board created specifically for this program. The objectives of the major go beyond simply providing the theoretical framework and skill sets needed for a career in security and related analyses by providing exposure through problem based learning to current, real life challenges and problems. The pedagogy of the major is based on lecture, web-based learning, industry-endorsed case studies, term projects and industry-sponsored practice.