I am currently half way finished with a MBA in Computer and Information Security at Northcentral University. I am wondering if I should just abandon this program all together and go for CIS or IA program at a different institution. Something just doesn't feel right. I am interested in the CNSS 4011 certificate, but does this certificate actually mean anything to potential employers and I know NCU is the not only school that has this certification? I have three years as a network security person and I thought this degree would help me, but now I am not so sure. Thoughts?
Hi, If you are interested in IA, I would go for a CISA or CIA certification. In security, you few recognized such as CISSP. For what I have seen, certifications are more recognized than master's degrees in IA and security. I completed an Advanced Computer Security certificate from Stanford University online a while ago but most companies were interested in a recognized certification rather than academic titles. The certificate was a nice addition to my resume but I felt that certifications were required for a higher impact. As for MBA from NCU, I am not qualified to comment on NCU but it is RA that makes it at least some how credible. However, if you are looking for high impact on your resume you might want to take a look at the Advanced Certificate Computer Security from Stanford and MS in IA from Boston University that have much better names in industry.
Having an MBA in general is a great thing to have on your resume regardless of specialization so I would say stick with it since you are half way done already. Do not think that this degree is going to be sufficient to launch a career in infosec however. You should have practical work experience or demonstrated job skills to back it up. The CISSP certificate is a great option but it requires 5 years of working experience in one of the 10 domains so it is not an entry level certification. WGU has a MS Info Assurance degree that is lower cost and exposes you to more of a traditional set of learning objectives than simply writing papers. I would consider doing both but even more important than the education is getting job skills in the industry. Entry level infosec jobs are out there and will help you to build a resume.
Isn't the NCU MBA 30 credits? If you are halfway through then you only have 5 classes left. If this will be your first Master's degree then just get it done then work on professional certs.
Sunk costs don't factor into an economic decision, right? I'd agree with RFValve on certifications carrying more weight in technical environs than academic credentials- from what I've seen in various departments at companies I've worked for. That being said, I'm not a technical person and I know virtually nothing about the IA space.
I would only give up on something I was part-way through if my heart was no longer in it, and I didn't think I could muster the enthusiasm to finish. And don't get me wrong - I was in that position several times with all my degrees! Somehow I finished them all. Good luck whatever you choose.
