The Biometrics lab at Purdue University has developed a degree for interested individuals to learn about the field of biometrics from a distance.

1. MS ONLINE DEGREE IN
BIOMETRICS
PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
06/03/2013

2. BIOMETRICS LAB
INTRODUCITON

3. BIOMETRICS LAB
WHO WE ARE
We’re a team of 7 people who research and teach biometric technologies.
The mission of the BSPA laboratory is to excel in the applied research of biometric
technologies with a continued commitment to education and innovative research, as well
as engaging academia, government, and industry in all activities. We strive to achieve our
mission through a partnership between industry and academia, bridging cultures to find
solutions to the challenges associated with developing and implementing biometric
technologies. We are part of CERIAS – the Center for Education, Research and
Information Assurance and Security, and the Cyber Center at Purdue University.

4. BIOMETRICS LAB
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Dr. Elliott, director of the biometrics lab, is the International Electro‐Technical (IEC)
Young Professional 2012 and ANSI Next Generation Award winner
• Current job placement rate of 100%
• Booz Allen Hamilton hired 90% of our students, who work in government agencies such as
the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), BIMA (Biometric Information Management
Agency), and DoD (Department of Defense
• SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Weapons Center – Charleston)
• Sotera Defense Solutions
• Scitor
• Government funding (NIST, DOJ, DHS) and multiple grants for testing and evaluation
• Published research
• Force Patent in Fingerprint Recognition, 2012

5. BIOMETRICS LAB
WHY MS ONLINE DEGREEIN BIOMETRICS?
• Develop a degree for interested individuals to learn about the field of biometrics from a distance
• 100% distant
• 33 credit hours
• Starting in Fall 2013
• No background in biometrics needed
• No GRE with 2 years of work experience
• Work at your own pace

6. PLAN OF STUDY

7. PLAN OF STUDY
SEMESTERBREAKDOWN
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
TECH621
Introduction to AIDC
IT545 Biometric
Technology and
Applications
IT581 Biometric
Performance and
Usability
Biometric Policy, Law
& Ethics
Portfolio
Development
STAT502 or
equivalent
Project Management
Business and
Biometrics
STAT 501 or
equivalent
Concentration
Selective
Info Sec Concepts
Concentration
Selective

8. PLAN OF STUDY
CONCENTRATION ELECTIVES
• IE577 Human Factors in Engineering
• IE590 Topics in Industrial Engineering
• STAT512 Applied Regression Analysis
• STAT513 Statistical Quality Control (3 credits)
• STAT514 Design of Experiments
• STAT522 Sampling and Survey
*Subject to change with advisor’s approval.

9. BIOMETRICS DEGREE FORMAT
DESCRIPTION
• All classes are on-line. No on campus requirements.
• Voice over Power point format through Blackboard. Student interaction at distance.
(blogs) (Avoid scheduling learning sessions)
• Courses are offered in a rolling format that allow you to complete the program at your
pace. “Best” pace is four semesters. (2 – 5 Years)
• Students responsible for text books
• Fees are $750/credit hour in-state, $775 out of state. Engineering electives
$1400/credit hour.

10. WHY AN MS DEGREE?

11. BIOMETRIC COURSES

12. BIOMETRICS COURSES
INTRODUCTION
• Through the biometrics lab, classes are taught using the applied technology and
knowledge that we have in our concentration. The following are the courses offered at
Purdue’s campus currently:
• TECH621 Introduction to AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) (3 credits) This
course is an introductory course that covers topics such as bar
codes, biometrics, RFID, card technologies, and related enabling technologies. Each
semester, students participate in research projects that either result in a published paper in
a conference or journal, or a poster presentation.
• IT545 Biometric Technology and Applications (3 credits) This course is a gateway into the
field of biometrics. Designed for upper level undergraduate and graduate students in any
major, the course covers an introduction to biometric modalities, testing and evaluation
(including design of experiments), and standards.
• IT581 Biometric Performance and Usability (3 credits) The focus of this course is to use
many of the tools in the biometrics lab, including advanced matchers and image quality
tools. Part of the work will be to replicate some of our previous studies in order to
understand how the software works, and then start to propose research topics that will be
published online as well as submitted to journals. The course will also undertake detailed
analysis, including design of the experiment, data analysis and report writing.

13. BIOMETRICS COURSES OFFERED
NEW BIOMETRIC COURSES
These courses will be brand new in the Fall of 2013 for all individuals pursuing their
masters degree online in biometrics:
• Biometric Policy, Law & Ethics (3 credits) Review and analyze policies, laws, and ethical
behavior regulations of biometric technologies.
• Business and Biometrics (3 credits) This course is an introduction to how biometric
technologies are used in business and industry environments.
• Info Sec Concepts (3 credits) The introductory course will expose the student to various
design principles of trusted computing bases, legal regulations, investigation and
compliance requirements, secure computing concepts, numerous security protocols and
principles, practical networking security methodologies, and an introduction to business
continuity and disaster recovery concepts.

14. FAQ’S

15. FAQ’S
FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS
How much will the program cost?
• Fees can be found here.
What will the portfolio consist of?
• Your ability to demonstrate your competency in biometrics with the leaning objectives set for you, as well as what
you want to get out of the program.
Do I need to have prior experience in Biometrics?
• No, just an interest in the field!
How long will the program take from start to finish?
• It depends. Usually 2 years but can go up to 5 years, depending on how you schedule the courses.
Is the list of electives the only ones I can choose from?
• No, additional classes can be taken with approval from your advisor, Dr. Stephen Elliott.
Are there any extra fees with taking this plan?
• Just the fees with each course and textbooks that are required for the course.
Will I ever need to physically attend a class?
• No, 100% on-line.
Are classes scheduled or can I take them at my convenience?
• Classes can be taken in the format you choose.
Will I need to purchase books?
• Depending on if the class requires them.
What kind of classes will I be taking?
• You can find the plan of study here in more detail

16. CONTACT US
CONTACTINFORMATION
If you have any additional questions regarding the program please visit ProStar’s website,
http://www.tech.purdue.edu/prostar/programs/biometrics/.
Any questions regarding biometrics please visit us at http://www.bspalabs.org/ or contact
me at koconnor@purdue.edu.
Kevin James O'Connor
Managing Director
Biometrics Standards, Performance, & Assurance Lab at Purdue University