How much does degree title matter?

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I can pretty much answer this question myself but would still like to know what some of you guys think because I have to make a decision.

I've just started my final year on a degree named Network Systems Management. Reality is for the first two years I did programming, web development, database design / implementation, system design methodologies and some low level networking. The final year offers two network units that are fairly intensive but nothing my self study hasn't prepared me well for and a third unit on Management In Computing. This third unit focuses on project management of software systems, risk management etc. The only thing I can take from that unit is project management theory which may help if I go for future management roles but realistically how much would that matter?

So I have the option of changing units, and I've noticed a unit named Information Assurance and Forensics. I've read through the content and it consists of corporate governance, national/international security, software tools, forensic investigation over digital networks, threat detection, digital evidence etc. This unit sounds far more up my street than the one I'm currently enrolled on, and if I have to any network security or auditing in future roles it will no doubt have given me a good base. Just seems far more of a natural unit to be studying for someone trying to enter the networking world.

The catch is if I change that unit I have to take Computing as a degree title. My CV is full of network stuff including my placement which was a networking role, my Cisco studies and my final year units and project (which is on routing), so I think the answer is obvious but after 3 years of considering my degree as one thing it’s proving a harder decision than it should be.

Welcome any thoughts

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Comments

tpatt100

Get what you will use right out of college. I have never seen an entry level security position though so having a degree in it now might not help much.

Neeko

tpatt100 wrote: »

Get what you will use right out of college. I have never seen an entry level security position though so having a degree in it now might not help much.

I wouldn't have a degree in it as such, it would be one of 3 units (4 including the project). The other two taught units are general networking. Routing, WANs, wireless, VPNs, design, management etc.

tpatt100

Neeko wrote: »

I wouldn't have a degree in it as such, it would be one of 3 units (4 including the project). The other two taught units are general networking. Routing, WANs, wireless, VPNs, design, management etc.

Aww I get it now, my reading comprehension skills failed me. So a degree with Networking in the title or Computing. I would probably take the Computing degree if the classes interest you more. The way I see it, if you go to school and have classes covering things you can actually use in your career then you might be more inclined to pay more attention/retain more of what you learned.

Also at least on your resume which I am assuming here your entry level, you will list classes you took on your resume so the other units would be helpful in your job search.

Neeko

tpatt100 wrote: »

Aww I get it now, my reading comprehension skills failed me. So a degree with Networking in the title or Computing. I would probably take the Computing degree if the classes interest you more. The way I see it, if you go to school and have classes covering things you can actually use in your career then you might be more inclined to pay more attention/retain more of what you learned.

Also at least on your resume which I am assuming here your entry level, you will list classes you took on your resume so the other units would be helpful in your job search.

Yeah, I have 1 years networking experience from my placement but being fresh out of uni I will list my final year classes on my CV.

My CV has plenty of info about my networking studying / skills / experience, and I guess the breakdown of my degree that will be on there when I hunt for my next job will pretty much eliminate any disadvantage having a more generic title could have.

I've just looked at a few job sites and whenever a degree is required the often say 'networking or computer science related' or something along those lines, so I don't think it matters much at all.