The Masters of Applied Science in Cyber Law & Policy will prepare students with a strong interest in the growing field of cybersecurity. All the requirements for enrollment and completion of the degree will be documented within the Turtle Mountain College catalog, which shall be required for graduation. Specific requirements and admission into the program will be as follows:
To empower leaders with the knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding to shape the future of cybersecurity for Indigenous communities.
The Cyber Law & Policy Program envisions a future where Indigenous communities are equipped with the legal, ethical, and policy frameworks necessary to navigate and shape the evolving digital landscape. Through a culturally grounded and comprehensive approach, the program will produce informed leaders who advocate for the rights, sovereignty, and digital security of Indigenous peoples.
The Master of Applied Science (M.A.S) in Cyber Law and Policy at Turtle Mountain College is designed to provide a culturally sensitive and community-focused approach to understanding and addressing cyber law and policy issues, with a particular emphasis on the needs and challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This program aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary to navigate the intersection of cyber technology, law, and Indigenous rights, strengthening a deeper understanding of how cyber laws and policies impact Indigenous sovereignty, data governance, and cultural preservation.
This program builds upon the foundation established by TMC's existing A.A.S. in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy and B.A.S. in Cyber Defense.
The Master of Applied Science (M.A.S) in Cyber Law & Policy program is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in the dynamic and evolving field of cybersecurity. As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is an urgent need for professionals who not only understand the legal and policy dimensions of cybersecurity but also the serious consequences of mismanaging personal and community data.
This program offers students comprehensive knowledge in Tribal Law and Policy, emphasizing the intersections with state and federal cybersecurity frameworks. Graduates will be empowered to serve as Tribal leaders who can bridge their communities with broader cyber policy discussions, advocating for Indigenous representation and perspectives at state, national, and international levels.
Through this program, TMC will serve as a model for Tribal colleges, leading the way in educating the next generation of Indigenous leaders to skillfully navigate the complexities of the digital world. This program is a vital investment in the future of Indian Country, supporting self-determination and cultural preservation in an increasingly digital landscape.
The program will teach and empower:
The Master of Applied Science (M.A.S) in Cyber Law & Policy program utilizes the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) knowledge units as a model for its curriculum. This set of guidelines outlines the essential knowledge and skills that students need to succeed in the field of cybersecurity.
The NICE Framework, developed by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), provides a structured approach for organizing and categorizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required for various roles within the cybersecurity field. Utilizing the NICE Framework was instrumental in mapping and developing the Cyber Law and Policy program. Here's how the NICE Framework was used to develop the Cyber Law & Policy program:
Description: This course examines the broader social, political, economic, legal, ethical, and military factors that shape the cybersecurity landscape. Moving beyond technical aspects, this course encourages students to view cybersecurity through multiple lenses—including legal, economic, and political—to understand how various forces influence security technologies and policies. Topics include national and organizational policy-making, business models, legal frameworks, national security, ethics, standards, and the roles of users, researchers, and industry in cybersecurity.
Description: This course provides an overview of the U.S. legal system, exploring its foundational principles, structures, and functions. Students will examine the roles of federal, state, and local courts, as well as key legal concepts like due process, judicial review, and civil rights. The course also introduces Tribal legal systems, offering insights into the unique aspects of Tribal sovereignty, jurisdictional challenges, and the relationship between Tribal, State, and Federal law.
Description: This foundational course introduces the core principles of cybersecurity as they relate to the sovereignty, autonomy, and unique needs of Indigenous Nations. Students will explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including key concepts in data protection, network security, risk management, and data governance. The course will emphasize the importance of managing data in culturally sensitive ways that respect Indigenous knowledge systems and data sovereignty.
Description: This course offers a comprehensive study of Internet governance, focusing on the frameworks, policies, and institutions that shape the global internet landscape. Students will explore the complexities of governing a decentralized and borderless network, examining key issues such as internet freedom, digital rights, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty.
Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of privacy laws, data protection principles, and ethical considerations in the context of digital information security, with a focus on their application within Tribal communities.
Description: Building on the Foundations of Cybersecurity Sovereignty, this course explores the complex legal and policy dimensions of cybersecurity for Indigenous Nations. Students will examine how existing federal, state, and Tribal laws intersect with cybersecurity issues, focusing on legal frameworks that impact data sovereignty, intellectual property, privacy, and digital rights within Indigenous communities. A key component of this course is the study of Indigenous Case Law related to cybersecurity and digital rights, providing students with insights into legal precedents and decisions that shape Indigenous Nations' approaches to digital sovereignty.
Description: This course examines the transformative impact of emerging technologies on law, policy, and governance, with a focus on the unique considerations and opportunities for Tribal communities. Students will explore cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity advancements, analyzing their implications for privacy, security, and data sovereignty.
Description: This course provides a comprehensive study of digital evidence collection, preservation, and analysis within the context of federal, state, and Tribal legal systems and broader cybersecurity frameworks. Students will learn core digital forensic techniques for investigating devices, networks, and online platforms, covering topics such as data recovery, chain of custody, and legal admissibility of digital evidence.
Description: This course explores the application of intellectual property (IP) law in the digital world. Students will learn about copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secret protection in the context of the internet, software, and other digital creations.
Description: This course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop effective cybersecurity policies tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous Nations. Students will explore the foundational elements of policy creation, including risk assessment, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation, with a special focus on the cultural and political considerations that shape cybersecurity policy within Indigenous communities.
Description: This course offers a foundational understanding of critical infrastructure systems vital to the security, well-being, and economic stability of Indigenous Nations, with a focus on sectors such as energy, water, transportation, healthcare, and digital networks. Students will explore the unique vulnerabilities of these systems within Indigenous communities, examining how legal frameworks and policy decisions impact infrastructure protection, resilience, and sovereignty. The course will also address how Indigenous Nations can leverage resilience strategies to secure their infrastructure while navigating federal, state, and tribal regulations.
Description: This project-based course, part of the Cyber Clinics, is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop effective cybersecurity policies tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous Nations. Students will explore the foundational aspects of law and policy, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, with a strong emphasis on the cultural and political factors that shape cybersecurity policy within Indigenous communities.
