WGU BS Security vs MSISA

Arbanak

I am planning on a career switch from computer hardware support to network admin/security due to my deep interest in the subject matter. I will be a n00b in the field, though.

I am planning on enrolling soon in WGU in order to complete the education/certification requirements for the career switch. I already have a BA in Business Admin, and according to the WGU enrollment counselor I have been dealing with, I can qualify for the MS program if I first obtain the Security+ certification.

After getting the Darril Gibson book and spending a few hours looking through it, I have no doubt that I will be able to pass the exam after a few (or several) more weeks with the book and practice exams.

However, I am debating between the wisdom of first getting the BS in security vs going directly for the MS. Security+ will be my first IT certification.

I am hoping for some informed opinions about both the difficulty of the MS program with a limited IT background, as well as the general marketability of the certifications/education offered by the two programs.

hiddenknight821

Arbanak wrote: »

I am planning on a career switch from computer hardware support to network admin/security due to my deep interest in the subject matter. I will be a n00b in the field, though.

I am planning on enrolling soon in WGU in order to complete the education/certification requirements for the career switch. I already have a BA in Business Admin, and according to the WGU enrollment counselor I have been dealing with, I can qualify for the MS program if I first obtain the Security+ certification.

After getting the Darril Gibson book and spending a few hours looking through it, I have no doubt that I will be able to pass the exam after a few (or several) more weeks with the book and practice exams.

However, I am debating between the wisdom of first getting the BS in security vs going directly for the MS. Security+ will be my first IT certification.

I am hoping for some informed opinions about both the difficulty of the MS program with a limited IT background, as well as the general marketability of the certifications/education offered by the two programs.

I am considering the same program after I graduate with my bachelor despite where I am now. I am not a student at WGU yet though, but I have been doing some researches, and I noticed that only two courses overlapped with the IT:Security program. Since you admitted you are a noob, you might want to pick up the Network+ and CCNA to understand what you will be dealing with later on. Also, you will be waived from Network Fundamentals and Introduction to Networking if you have those certifications. However, if you prefer to wait and save your money, then that's okay as well. I honestly think you should stick with the MS program. Good luck on your Sec+ study and your progress toward your MS degree.

powerfool

I would agree that the MS program would be the way to go.

veritas_libertas

In IT the degree's area of study is not as important as the fact that you have a degree. I know a security admin who has an MS in Divinity. I believe that a business background is important in IT Security, you need to understand how your policies will affect the average user of a company.

Everyone

Security+ was my first certification. Got it back in 2008, because the job I had at the time required it. I've been thinking about that MS program after I finish my BS. I was a Network Security Manager at one of my previous jobs, and even though my current job description doesn't include security, I'm still very involved in information security.

I really think it's important to have VERY strong people skills if you want to get into the Information Security side of IT. I've noticed that a lot of MS programs from different places require a lot of business management work to get them, so going from a BS in business to an MSISA is probably just as good of a path as going from a BS in IT to it. I think you should be fine going right into it with what you have now.