Second Bachelors vs Masters

the_hutch

I got my Bachelors in Information Systems (something I seriously regret...wish I did either CompSci or Mathematics). Now, I'm trying to decide between getting a second bachelors (probably mathematics) or just getting a Masters in Info Systems Security (since I can't get accepted to a CompSci or Mathematics Masters program). I'm currently leaning towards doing a second bachelors. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

kgb

Why can't you get accepted into a CS masters program? If you don't have some of the higher level math/cs classes from the undergraduate degree most let you fulfill those requirements and gain admittance If you are considering another 4 yr degree, you would be taking those classes regardless. Seems to me, you'd be better off taking those undergraduate classes needed to gain admittance to the masters and then go for the masters.

My 2 cents. I have only a BS personally.

ramrunner800

I'm in a similar situation myself. I have a BA in Political Science, and was torn between a BS in CS, or an MS in Infosec. I am going to go the MS route. From what advice I've seen on this forum and gotten from management at my company, the subject matter of my degrees isn't as important as the simple fact of having them. Once the Bachelor's and Master's boxes are checked, lots of doors open. Most tech job posting's I've seen say that they are looking for a BS in CS or a related field. With a second BS you still qualify for those same jobs, but with an MS you will qualify for a whole new tier of jobs.

I don't really know if it's the 'right' answer, but it's the logic I've been designing my plan around. I'll be interested to see what advice others have.

blargoe

What is your end goal, career wise?

the_hutch

I was considering mathematics because there have been several occasions, when attempting to develop security tools, that my inability to understand distinct cryptographic algorithms has really stood in the way.

YuckTheFankees

Why not just take the appropriate math classes you need to understand the math behind the cryptographic algorithms? Yeah it may be 4-6 high level math classes but thats still a lot less than having to get a second bachelors degree. I think getting another bachelors is a bit too much.

thegoodbye

YuckTheFankees wrote: »

Why not just take the approiate math classes you need to understand the math behind the cryptographic algorithms? Yeah it may be 4-6 high level math classes but thats still a lot less than having to get a second bachelors degree. I think getting another bachelors is a bit too much.

the_hutch, have you also taken a look at some of the free course offerings that Stanford provides? Stanford Online . Some are cryptography and various mathematics classes. They may not provide the in depth level of understanding that you're searching for, but they're fairly good.

ptilsen

As someone pursuing a CS bachelors, my vote is to go for a CS master's. Not because CS bachelors aren't good, but because as others are saying, you can probably take any missing courses and then get into the masters without actually pursuing a second BS entirely. I would at least look into the option.

Otherwise, honestly, I think you should go for the masters unless you really want to shift hard into programming. A reputable MS in InfoSec is definitely as good as a BS in CS.

The school makes a big difference, though, both for actual educational quality and for reputation. If ITT started offering MS in ISS, I would recommend you get a second BS any day over that.

At the end of the day, if your real goal is to get more into development areas and your knowledge gaps are the problem, then the CS route isn't bad. I'm going CS even though I'm well into a successful career that rarely involves programming, because I think I could be even more successful utilizing those programming skills. But I don't have a bachelor's degree, so it will add value to my resume even if I stay in pure infrastructure roles. Since you already have a bachelor's degree, I definitely think an MS would add more resume value while a 2nd BS would add little, but if it's about what you want to do and not your resume, go CS all the way.

dave330i

Masters will carry more weight vs. 2nd BS.

the_hutch

Alright...based on general consensus, I'm looking into some back work and independent courses, as opposed to a full degree plan. Thanks to everyone for your opinions.

the_Grinch

Hutch I am in the same boat! But I am leaning towards the second bachelors in Computer Science. I have a couple reasons for this. First, since I'm having a hard time getting a security role I want out of the support desk. Too many "I can't print" or "install this software for me" has started to drive me over the edge. I figure at least in this case, I could be coding instead. Of course, if programmers have to do support, but at least it's something different. Second, devops is something that really interests me, but I lack the programming. Finally, once I do make that move to security programming is a must.

It seems to me a lot of Masters aren't geared towards those with a degree in something else so I figure I need the base you'd get with a BS in Computer Science. That's my two cents.

thegoodbye

the_Grinch wrote: »

Hutch I am in the same boat! But I am leaning towards the second bachelors in Computer Science. I have a couple reasons for this. First, since I'm having a hard time getting a security role I want out of the support desk. Too many "I can't print" or "install this software for me" has started to drive me over the edge. I figure at least in this case, I could be coding instead. Of course, if programmers have to do support, but at least it's something different. Second, devops is something that really interests me, but I lack the programming. Finally, once I do make that move to security programming is a must.

It seems to me a lot of Masters aren't geared towards those with a degree in something else so I figure I need the base you'd get with a BS in Computer Science. That's my two cents.

I'm not sure a bachelors in CS will assist you in getting a security role. It's possible that it could assist you in getting out of a support role, however. While programming is beneficial in security, it's not necessarily a must. There are plenty of security jobs that require 0 programming, though the ability to automate things will make you more effective. You can pick up a lot of programming skills without spending $xxxx.00 on schooling. Zed Shaw's learnpythonthehardway is a good intro resource in case you've had limited exposure to programming.

pinkydapimp

ramrunner800 wrote: »

I'm in a similar situation myself. I have a BA in Political Science, and was torn between a BS in CS, or an MS in Infosec. I am going to go the MS route. From what advice I've seen on this forum and gotten from management at my company, the subject matter of my degrees isn't as important as the simple fact of having them. Once the Bachelor's and Master's boxes are checked, lots of doors open. Most tech job posting's I've seen say that they are looking for a BS in CS or a related field. With a second BS you still qualify for those same jobs, but with an MS you will qualify for a whole new tier of jobs.

I don't really know if it's the 'right' answer, but it's the logic I've been designing my plan around. I'll be interested to see what advice others have.

These are my thoughts exactly. Get a masters in security or information systems that should trump a bs in comp sci requirement.

linuxlover

This is just like deciding between a bunch of beginner certificates and one advanced certificate. I still believe it's better to be good at one thing rather than being average at many things.

Ivanjam

@the_hutch - After completing the BS-IT at WGU, I plan to get into this MS in CS program: M.S. Program in Computer Science . As the page says: "Admission Requirements: (1) Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university. (3) Have taken the following courses: two semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, two semesters of programming in high-level languages, one semester of programming in assembly language, and one semester in data structures."

I plan to do the "two semesters of calculus and one semester of linear algebra" here: https://is.lsu.edu/courselist.asp?cat=Mathematics&nid=102&pg= (it costs about $150 per credit by correspondence). the "two semesters of programming in high-level languages" I hope to get from WGU's Java course. the "one semester of programming in assembly language, and one semester in data structures" I plan to do here: SUNY Learning Network (it costs about $150 per credit for NY residents at a SUNY Community College).

N2IT

I like the idea of getting a mathematics degree (MSc) Just my two cents.

UnixGuy

I think it's not about the naming of the degree (BSc or MSc or..), you need to aim at what you want to actually learn, and for that you don't really 'need' a degree.

Want to learn cryptography? take courses in Algorithms, Coding theory, discreet maths, and then crypto courses. Check Khan Academy and Coursea. For this you don't need a degree. (PS: I ordered a cryptography book last week from amazon)

Degrees vary by content, so best bet is to search for the courses you want and get them. You can take individual courses separately at uni without enrolling in the entire degree. if you ask me, it's a waste to take a theoretical course on distributed system and coding theory when all you need is some coding skills in C++. I think a formal degree in Mathematics is very far from what you need, a CS degree will be much more relevant IMHO.


just my 2cents.