Which field has more potential?

Hi guys,

I'm pretty new here I've only posted a couple of times. I found this website through researching WGU on google. The website it's self is a really nice resource for information, and the community is quite nice also. WGU also looks like a nice place and I'm going to go ahead and move forward with it. I have a couple of options in which path I'm going to take though. I've always been fascinated and really enjoyed programming things. When I was a kid I figured out how to script in mIRC and that was that, my decision was made. A couple of years ago (I think about 5 now) I went to ITT Tech and ended up going through their computer networking systems program. It hasn't really done much for me and I'm currently stuck in helpdesk lol.

At this point I'm really wanting to improve myself so that I can move up in my career. However I've been thinking a lot about this recently and I can't decide on either the security program or the software program. I enjoy them both but it really boils down to what do you guys think is the best field to jump into and specialize. I read that software developer has a potential growth rate of something like 300k jobs over the next 7 years. However not being active out in the field quite like some of you guys are my knowledge on this subject is minimal. What do y'all think?

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Comments

Jasiono

Depends on what you think is more interesting to you, it's your life.

Seeing you already have networking systems in your blood, it would compliment security, and seeing your interest in programming would compliment your "drive" when taking programming courses.

lordy

It doesn't have to be either or.

You could start with software development and that will teach you a lot about the mistakes that are made in it which are security relevant. I think to be a good security analyst you need to understand how software is designed and programmed you would have a solid foundation for that should you choose to pursue it.

I think going into Security first is more difficult as it requires an understanding of different technologies (network, software, databases) that you don't get without experience.

ptilsen

To be honest, I wouldn't go with WGU's software program. If you were a self-taught programmer and just needed a degree for your resume, it could be passable, but I don't think someone without significant programming knowledge is going to come out of that program with significant programming knowledge unless they're self-studying outside the curriculum. Plus, it comes with a bunch of certs that are basically worthless for a software developer. If you really want to be a professional programmer and a pursue a degree for that purpose, computer science is the way to go.

Now if you want to get into security, the security program is not bad. It would definitely be a step in the right direction, and you'd get some relevant certs along the way.

Jasiono

Whichever he chooses, WGU should prepare him with the knowledge.

The security program will teach you networking and SQL which go hand in hand with security.

Polynomial

Go look at the daily craigslist listings for software/qa/dba.

ptilsen

As far as which has more potential, six of one, half a dozen of the other. Both are high-demand fields. You can't go wrong with either. And, as Lordy said, they're not mutually exclusive. Many areas of security involve programming. The arguably most important areas -- vulnerability and malware development, secure software development, reverse malware engineering, etc. -- are all about software. Security isn't really a functional area in and of itself outside of policy. Any kind of technical security is just a focus of another area (programming, systems, networking, databases) or combination of areas.

MiikeB

I'm not sure how good the WGU program would be for software development.

In general people entering the network admin/IA etc BSIT tracks already have a good working knowledge of the field and want to further their knowledge and get a degree. In addition, the certifications you get while completing the program are very valuable when seeking an SA/NA type of job.

I think most programming jobs look for a degree in Computer Science because of all the math courses involved. WGU does not seem to offer these kinds of courses and I think not having a solid math background will hinder a programmers career. In addition it seems based around a lot of CIW certifications, which from my experience are both a joke of a test as far as knowledge required and hold no value in the workforce.

jibbajabba

I personally think you can say either / or. I don't know the WGU but at the end of the day, it takes years to finish (doesn't it?). It is a long time for the market to change. If #A is important now, it might not be by the time you finished.

ptilsen

With an existing two-year degree, I would expect OP to get through the WGU security program in less than two years at a slow or average pace. Someone could reasonably get through it in under a year at a face pace, with that many credits.

Either way, both fields are still going to be in huge demand for years to come. Technology changes fast, but I don't see technology changing such that we won't need people creating it and securing it any time soon.

Xyro

I may be a field nube, but I'm a job posting addict

Go for the programming. You enjoy it more plus it's easier to break into than security - not only this but starting salary is superior. Don't do it at WGU though. You will need more of a Computer Science background than what WGU can offer.

soap

Thanks for all of your replies guys. It's given me different perspectives. I think that the security course might be a better fit considering my background. Not to mention I enjoy Linux a little too much lol. Either way it's given me a lot to think about. You guys are awesome

Xyro wrote: »

I may be a field nube, but I'm a job posting addict

Go for the programming. You enjoy it more plus it's easier to break into than security - not only this but starting salary is superior. Don't do it at WGU though. You will need more of a Computer Science background than what WGU can offer.

Yeah, that's my preference. Unfortunately I'm stuck in a rural area so my schooling options are extremely limited at this point. I'll keep looking around for online programs.

Master Of Puppets

IMHO, programming is the better choice. You can always go from programming to security and like the others said there won't be this struggle to get into as with security. Very few people start with security for that reason - there is so much to it and it requires the knowledge from other fields. If you're a good developer and get into security things are looking pretty good, the way I see it.

ptilsen

I agree with that Master, but I wouldn't consider WGU for programming at all. You'll come out with barely enough Java to reinvent the wheel and a bunch of random entry-level knowledge. Computer science is the way to go, and OP would be lucky to get even 20 of those expensive ITT credits to transfer into a CS program, and would likely face 30-40 credits of generals and another 8-12 of math just to start the major. I will always recommend comp sci, but it's definitely the path of most resistance. If we're being practical, WGU BS with Security is probably a more attractive option for OP. Most of his credits should transfer, and he's looking at a year or two of part-time online education. Going the CS route, he's looking at four years of part-time, probably actually driving to local campuses on weeknights. I'm not saying there's no payout for the extra work, but I wouldn't be surprised if that option is simply a non-starter.

soap

I think also, as a long term plan, that the MS in Information Security and Assurance from WGU looks pretty nice. The subjects that would cover are really cool to me also. Is that a degree that could be respected? There's a certain stigma with online degrees among some people and it makes me cautious before taking any steps. This forum seems like the best resource of opinions regarding this school and technical education in general. So everyone's input is well appreciated

thanks

NetworkVeteran

> Is that a degree that could be respected?

soap, there are plenty of people on here with successful careers based on WGU degrees. Is that degree respected? Well, certainly more than no degree, and less than a Stanford or state university degree. This much seems clear.

> MS in Information Security and Assurance from WGU looks pretty nice.

It sounds like you're uncertain whether you prefer a future in programming or security. This would certainly commit to a direction, whereas a CS degree could open doors in programming, security, and other areas. Commiting to one direction isn't necessarily a bad choice if you're certain what you want; it's all about defining the future you desire for yourself.

Xyro

soap wrote: »

Yeah, that's my preference. Unfortunately I'm stuck in a rural area so my schooling options are extremely limited at this point. I'll keep looking around for online programs.

I relate; however, with so many good online programs now, this is no longer applicable.

Check this out:
Top 10 Best Online Schools for Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) |

Just be aware (if you aren't already) that most colleges & universities will not accept credits from ITT. Most likely, you will be completely starting over.