Thinking about changing my major...

cmorris1441

I'm starting off at Penn State's World Campus on the 27th as an Information Sciences and Technology major. I just read an article today about a new Security and Risk Analysis IT major being offered and now I'm thinking about changing my major to it.

I've always wanted to go into Networking, but I'm interested in security as well. I'm worried though that many Networking and other IT jobs will be outsourced over the next few decades before I retire, I'm 20 now. Obviously, security is much less likely to be outsourced.

Something that really got me interested was this quote from the linked article:

Graduates receive both a degree in Security and Risk Analysis and are certified as an Information Systems Security Professional by the National Security Agency.

I don't know how useful that certificate is, but if anyone else does, please let me know. Both majors share many of the same classes. The Security major drops a few easy classes in computer languages and adds classes in Security instead. The Security major still looks like a decent major for a job in Networking, but I'm worried that a recruiter might not review my resume further beyond seeing that my BS is in Security and Risk Analysis.

Article about Security and Risk Analysis
New Penn State Online Degree Prepares Cyber Security Professionals

Information Sciences and Technology Curriculum:
Penn State | Online Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology | Course List

Security and Risk Analysis Curriculum
Penn State | Online Bachelor of Security and Risk Analysis | Course List

So please share you thoughts, opinions, and advice on which major I should pursue.

okplaya

Much of the "outsourcing" is still in the US via MSPs. With either degree you could supplement with relevant certifications (ie BS Security + CCNA, etc).

Choosing a major is really personal preference. Pick a major that you know you will enjoy and not one you think a recruiter may review or not. As long as you continually expand your knowledge and skills you will always be marketable.

the_Grinch

If I might offer a suggestion, I would stick to a general IT major and then get a Masters in security after getting a little experience in the field. I have a degree that was security focused and it actually cost me jobs fresh out of school. Nothing worse then hearing "you'll be bored here" or "we don't have a security department/don't do security". At one point when I heard it for the 100th time, I told the interviewer that while security was my end goal I really wanted IT experience in general and all I got was a blank stare. The other reason is more then likely you'll need experience before getting into a security role so having a general IT degree will give you what you need to get into the field and build a solid foundation. From there you can then concentrate on the area of security you want to be in.