The Next Level...

GoodBishop

So, currently I have 15 IT certs, and while I plan to keep the ones I have current, I think that it is time to focus more on my education.

In about a year, I'll be done with a MBA, concentration in InfoSec, as well as a graduate certificate in financial analysis (why? because it's cool! who wouldn't want to learn how to use money to make money!).

So I have to decide what I should do for the next level. I'm currently considering a few options - DBA, PhD in Information Assurance, another Masters in Cyber Security... although I would like to get a doctorate - that would be cool. Doctor Bishop - I like the sound of that.

Anybody have suggestions on good PhD programs in either IT, IT Security, or Information Assurance?

One note - Mrs. Bishop is also a M.D... and when I met her, I only had a B.S. in IT. This is what happens when you get married - you need to step it up.

ptilsen

I mean, you could always knock out a few GIAC certifications or upgrade your MCSE to MCITP:EA (two tests). Otherwise, yes, a doctorate or a another MS in something sounds like the next step. A few more certifications are probably not going to do much.

petedude

ptilsen wrote: »

I mean, you could always knock out a few GIAC certifications or upgrade your MCSE to MCITP:EA (two tests). Otherwise, yes, a doctorate or a another MS in something sounds like the next step. A few more certifications are probably not going to do much.

I didn't see where the OP is going, career-wise, so I'll hazard some guesses.

"A few more certifications" depends on what the next direction is, really. Given the current stuff the OP is doing, many bases are already covered.

An MSIA would be an OK choice for a career with an IT/IS InfoSec certification-- even WITH the current MBA. Auditor certs would certainly be helpful in that regard as well. An MS-IT maybe, unless the BS was in IT.

The best things I can see most MBA/MSIAs/etc. can get if they're continuing onward into management:
-- IT Process Management certs like ITIL, Prince2, COBIT, etc.
-- Compliance related certs like PCI
-- Networking certs if the desire is to be an infrastructure manager
-- ERP certs if the desire is to be a C-level manager (Regis U. has an MSOL with an emphasis in, interestingly enough, ERP rollouts)

I can't see where a PhD in IT-related anything will do much good unless one is in a highly competitive IT department, and then one should probably question the desire to stay in such an environment. A DBA would actually be more useful, and if one is not working for an institution really sensitive regarding school names, a nationally-accredited DBA would be cheaper and suffice.

. . .'bout all I can think of at the moment. Given the OP's vast array of credits to his name, I'm almost scratching my head to think of anything else.

Valsacar

For degree's I'd look at either UMUC, WGU (for masters) or Capella (PhD in ISA). Looks like you're pretty windows focused there with the certs, depending on where you're going adding a level or two from LPI could be useful (I know a lot of places use windows in the front and either Sun or Linux servers for a good chunk of the backend).

I think the bigger question here is, WHAT do you want to do?

YuckTheFankees

I dont know your currently job title but if you want to get into the IA field, I would say GIAC certs are the best choice.

GoodBishop

Valsacar wrote: »

For degree's I'd look at either UMUC, WGU (for masters) or Capella (PhD in ISA). Looks like you're pretty windows focused there with the certs, depending on where you're going adding a level or two from LPI could be useful (I know a lot of places use windows in the front and either Sun or Linux servers for a good chunk of the backend).

I think the bigger question here is, WHAT do you want to do?

Great question! I'd love to be a Security and Risk Manager at either a small or mid-level shop. Maybe make Director someday.

Or teach business classes as a adjunct for a few years while working on the CFA.

GoodBishop

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

I dont know your currently job title but if you want to get into the IA field, I would say GIAC certs are the best choice.

For a second there, I almost thought you meant internal audit, as that's what I'm doing now - but I realize what you really meant.

powerfool

Eh, for the next level, go make some money. I plan at least to get an MBA after my current graduate program, but unless you are just taking it slow and using tuition reimbursement, you are going to have to focus more on your career at some point. No need to stop learning, though.

YuckTheFankees

GoodBishop wrote: »

For a second there, I almost thought you meant internal audit, as that's what I'm doing now - but I realize what you really meant.

Sorry about that, I should of put Information Assurance haha