MS in Info Sec?

drk1980

Hi everyone,

I was trying to find the top online MS programs in Information systems available. I was able to find 2 good ones - SANS and Boston University,

Is there any other MS degree courses that you know about.

Thanks

Chris:/*

I do not believe SANS is regionally accredited.

veritas_libertas

This may help you start searching:

http://www.techexams.net/forums/jobs-degrees/57208-online-master-degrees-infosec-b-m-list.html

powerfool

University of Maryland University College
- UMUC
- NSA National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance
- MS in Cybersecurity
- MS in Cybersecurity Policy

rogue2shadow

powerfool wrote: »

University of Maryland University College
- UMUC
- NSA National Center of Excellence in Information Assurance
- MS in Cybersecurity
- MS in Cybersecurity Policy

You from Maryland too? :P

I was thinking the same thing. You can also combine the Cybersecurity masters with a MBA or add on a certificate for Info Assurance.

Devilsbane

I'm looking at WGU since a lot of people here are in the BS program and have good things to say. I don't think its a top, but I don't think I'll be able to commit to being a normal student anymore, so that doesn't leave many options.

Chris:/*

The big thing with WGU is matching the courses you will be taking to other top MS InfoSec colleges out there. The classes line up very well with classes on the NSA/CAE list. Since WGU has put in a request to become an NSA/CAE and they have not been selected as one yet you have to make the decision if it is worth it vs the NSA. That being said they should be picked up next according to the requirements listed for CAE and when the letter was submitted.

powerfool

rogue2shadow wrote: »

You from Maryland too? :P

I was thinking the same thing. You can also combine the Cybersecurity masters with a MBA or add on a certificate for Info Assurance.

No, I am from Indiana, but my company is based out of Metro DC and they have a partnership with UMUC for an exclusive graduate certificate that is the first two courses from the MS in Cybersecurity/Cybersecurity Policy... I will be completing the MS... just not sure which of the two I will do.

EDIT: I guess it is no longer exclusive to my company... but it isn't available to anyone else until next semester.

ibcritn

Great post I had the same question.

My largest concern is I really want a school that adds value/teaches me something (crazy right?)

I finish my B.S. in Information Systems/Business Administration this sem. and I can't say I learned anything technical besides programming....which is one of the only technical aspects I have NO interest >< This was largely my fault for not digging into the program deep enough to unearth it being very "programming" centric.

UMUC M.S. in CyberSecurity - my uncle went there for M.S. in Tech Management (10 years ago....) and said it was a lot of writing and didn't teach him much of value, but mind you 10years ago and a different program.

I am considering UMUC I certainly like how you can work towards another M.S. / Certificate for some more credits

WilliamK99

I am currently enrolled in UMUC for the Bachelors in Cybersecurity and I have to say, thus far it is a very solid program. I am sure the M.S. would be even better and more in depth. I highly recomend UMUC for anyone thinking about getting a degree.

ibcritn

WilliamK99 wrote: »

I am currently enrolled in UMUC for the Bachelors in Cybersecurity and I have to say, thus far it is a very solid program. I am sure the M.S. would be even better and more in depth. I highly recomend UMUC for anyone thinking about getting a degree.

Good to know! I am on the fence about where to go, and I am certainly considering UMUC's M.S. in CyberSecurity.

katakatak

i just got accepted in FIU's MS in IT program. I spoke to the Dean, and he said that even though they currently have just System Admin and Software Design, they plan on including an Information Security track in about a year. I don't know how much I trust this, but I plan on going ahead and taking one of the core classes, and hopefully they will include the program.

Georgia Tech has a really nice program that just started it online. I plan on trying to apply, since it looks like a better choice for me, but its pretty pricey.

rogue2shadow

ibcritn wrote: »

Good to know! I am on the fence about where to go, and I am certainly considering UMUC's M.S. in CyberSecurity.

I was too but I decided I'm going to jump in and start in 2012.

lanrexng2

I am a bit weary about online degrees but UMUC seems to be winning the hearts and minds of NSA and local companies around the metro.

While you probably won't be hired by Google or Booz Allen Hamilton (I hope I am wrong you will get hired somewhere. Good luck in your pursuit of higher education

Hopkins' IA program for me thank God work will be paying for it

SonofRage

lanrexng2 wrote: »

I am a bit weary about online degrees but UMUC seems to be winning the hearts and minds of NSA and local companies around the metro.

While you probably won't be hired by Google or Booz Allen Hamilton (I hope I am wrong you will get hired somewhere. Good luck in your pursuit of higher education

Hopkins' IA program for me thank God work will be paying for it

Sorry to bump an old thread but, for what it's worth, I'm currently a student at UMUC in the Master of Science in IT: Information Assurance program and I happen to work at Google (and they are paying for the degree).

rogue2shadow

SonofRage wrote: »

Sorry to bump an old thread but, for what it's worth, I'm currently a student at UMUC in the Master of Science in IT: Information Assurance program and I happen to work at Google (and they are paying for the degree).

How are you liking the material so far?

SonofRage

rogue2shadow wrote: »

How are you liking the material so far?

I've been really enjoying the material in the security-related classes. The "core" classes I've found less interesting, but there's for sure some value in learning it. I think overall it's really given me a good high level understanding of different security concepts and that's benefited me when I learn the more technical-focused security stuff.

Jay131

lanrexng2 wrote: »

I am a bit weary about online degrees but UMUC seems to be winning the hearts and minds of NSA and local companies around the metro.

While you probably won't be hired by Google or Booz Allen Hamilton (I hope I am wrong you will get hired somewhere. Good luck in your pursuit of higher education

Hopkins' IA program for me thank God work will be paying for it

Hi lanexgn2 -- congrats on your certs and progress. I was curious to hear more about what you've seen. I am seriously considering embarking on the UMUC cyber security path and then adding a few basic certs after graduating. How in the world does someone gauge their odds of getting a job, that is, one with with good pay and a real future? I just left a career in chemistry because of the low-pay, I'd need a PhD to get anything out of that area so in the end it won't be for me. I spend years learning about chemistry and I don't want to have this happen again. But since I'm doing a complete career change, I've got to pick something that I've got a true shot at making it into. I'm very analytical and I love problem solving, I know can get the skills -- I just have to know that the job market is real. I know that its no walk in the park, but this area is IT, which is the best job market next to healthcare. I figure that getting skills in the area that corresponds to the best job market is the most rational decision.

I've heard a lot about the security niche, that is a good place to be now and especially if the economy ever picks up -- can someone help confirm this? Are all these UMUC and WGU grads in IA and cyber sec getting good IT jobs or at least entry level jobs that are getting them the skills?

idr0p

I am actually in the BU Masters Program and I have taken many SANs courses so if you have any questions feel free to ping me.

Chris:/*

idr0p wrote: »

I am actually in the BU Masters Program and I have taken many SANs courses so if you have any questions feel free to ping me.

I am in the M.S. program at WGU which will I graduate from in August and I have been thoroughly impressed. I have heard nothing but good things about the program at UMUC as well. There is no reason why Booz Allen or Google would not higher you because of these degrees. What I can say is that if all you have for major accomplishments are a few certs and these degrees I seriously doubt you would get picked up for a mid to high-level security job anyway.

idr0p

it really depends on what you want to do. If you are looking into pentesting or IR which is my field.. you need to have some Security Exp. but if you are wanted to start out as a analyst you should be fine. Remember it was only a handful of years ago where you couldn't get into InfoSec without being a IT guy first. So now you can go straight into info sec but some of the more popular fields have barriers.

Valsacar

While it's not Booze, but I work for GDIT (a business unit of General Dynamics) and they're paying for my MSISA at WGU. A co-worker is with BAE and they're paying for her BS at WGU... so I'd say WGU shouldn't cause you to not be able to get a job at a good/big company.

the_Grinch

I think even with a Masters they are still going to expect some IT experience.

Sponx

I have heard good things about SANS...

JDMurray

TE members interested in SANS training and GIAC certification should start by reading our SANS discussion forum FAQ: http://www.techexams.net/forums/sans-institute-giac-certifications/68030-welcome-techexams-net-sans-giac-certifications-forum.html


Note that SANS for security training and the SANS Technology Institute (STI) for degreed InfoSec programs are two separate organizations.

amcnow

It is worth looking into the Master of Science in Information Security from NOVA Southeastern University. It is recognize by the NSA as a center of academic excellence.

Western Governors University is also a good choice.

JDMurray

That NSU degree looks very interesting, but it is also very technical. It's more for the engineering-minded, and not really the InfoSec degree for someone who is interested in the more physical, operational, and business side of InfoSec.