Cyber Law & Policy
Contact Information
Sheila Trottier
Dean of Career and Technical Education
strottier@tm.edu
Dr. Chad Davis
Program Director
cdavis@tm.edu
Questions? Email cyberprogramhelp@tm.edu
Outcomes
Students will be empowered to advocate for Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination in cyberspace, recognizing the critical importance of respecting Indigenous communities’ rights to data ownership and control.
Students will develop skills in digital forensics and cyber investigations, ensuring they can perform these tasks in accordance with Tribal, state, and federal laws. They will be prepared to maintain data integrity and adhere to lawful evidence collection practices.
Students will be equipped to design and implement cybersecurity policies that respect Indigenous sovereignty. They will integrate cultural, legal, and ethical considerations to address the unique cybersecurity needs of Indigenous Nations, supporting a secure and sovereign digital environment.
Program Type
Masters
Estimated Time to Complete
6 years
Format
Synchronous Online
Program Description
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 TMCC's existing A.A.S. in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy and B.A.S. in Cyber Defense.
Program Credit Hours
36 Credits
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, network administration, or a closely related field is required. Applicants holding degrees in other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience or commit to completing the required prerequisite courses within their first year in the program.
Application Deadline
PRIORITY DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 1, 2026
Requirements
Admission Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, network administration, or a closely related field is required. Applicants holding degrees in other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience or commit to completing the required prerequisite courses within their first year in the program.
- Applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing the Master of Applied Science in Cyber Law and Policy, and their long-term career goals.
- Three letters of recommendations are required, preferably from academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant's intellectual ability, work ethic, and potential for success in a graduate program. At least one recommendation should ideally be from someone familiar with the applicant's abilities in law or technology-related fields.
- Applications with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Defense from Turtle Mountain College will be given admission priority into the program pending students meet admission requirements.
Prerequisites
Program Prerequisites:
| CIS 141 | Intro to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CIS 261 | Cybersecurity Law & Ethics | 3 |
| HIST | Native American History Elective | 3 |
| POLS | POLS 283: Introduction to Federal Indian Policy OR POLS 287: Tribal Government | 3 |
Total Prerequisite Credits 12 Credits
Master Required Program Courses
Program Required Courses
Program Courses
36 credit hours required
| CLP 510 | Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) | 3 |
| CLP 520 | Introduction to the Legal System | 3 |
| CLP 530 | Foundations of Digital Sovereignty | 3 |
| CLP 540 | Internet Governance | 3 |
| CLP 550 | Privacy Law and Ethics | 3 |
| CLP 560 | Indigenous Cybersecurity and Legal Framework | 3 |
| CLP 570 | Emerging Technologies and Policy Implications | 3 |
| CLP 580 | Digital Evidence and Forensics | 3 |
| CLP 590 | Intellectual Property Law | 3 |
| CLP 600 | Cybersecurity Policy Development | 3 |
| CLP 610 | Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience | 3 |
| CLP 699 | Capstone in Cyber Law and Policy | 3 |
Total Program Credits: 36
Program of Study
Program of Study Year One |
Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
Course # | Course Title | Credit | Course # | Course Title | Credit |
CLP 510 | Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) | 3 | CLP 540 | Internet Governance | 3 |
CLP 520 | Introduction to the Legal System | 3 | CLP 550 | Privacy Law and Ethics | 3 |
CLP 530 | Foundations of Digital Sovereignty | 3 | CLP 560 | Indigenous Cybersecurity Legal Framework | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 9 | | TOTAL CREDITS | 9 |
Program of Study Year Two |
Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
Course # | Course Title | Credit | Course # | Course Title | Credit |
CLP 570 | Emerging Technologies and Policy Implications | 3 | CLP 600 | Cybersecurity Policy Development | 3 |
CLP 580 | Digital Evidence and Forensics | 3 | CLP 610 | Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience | 3 |
CLP 590 | Intellectual Property | 3 | CLP 699 | Capstone in Cyber Law and Policy | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 9 | | TOTAL CREDITS | 9 |