Requesting Advice - need help finishing my MS

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by scubasteveiu, Mar 9, 2006.

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  1. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Ok, my DI friends. Please provide your opinion / help ...

    Situation: Capitol is renaming their MS in Network Security to MS in Information Assurance.

    Issue: the degree is changing from 30 hours to 36 hours, which is two more classes.

    Status: I will be graduating in May, finishing my 30 hours in April (with the MSNS).

    They will not grandfather me in, I will have a MSNS.

    I would have to take the two courses below for the MSIA;

    NS-675 Computer Forensics and Incident Handling

    NS-671 Legal Aspects of Computer Security and
    Information Privacy

    ... so, what do you think I should do?
    I would enjoy the classes and I would rather see MSIA on my wall, however, should I put that time toward something else? My PhD perhaps? Or maybe I should just go pass out, as I have been in School for almost Nine years straight!

    Also, I just had this odd thought – would I list both degrees on my CV?

    I appreciate your help.

    -Steve

    http://www.capitol-college.edu/academicprograms/graduateprograms/msns/msns.shtml
     
  2. Daniel Luechtefeld

    Daniel Luechtefeld New Member

    Take the classes and get the degree you'd rather have. It's only two classes.
     
  3. Mark Eakle

    Mark Eakle New Member

    I agree with Daniel, with all the work you've done and effort you've put into this, get the degree you want. I have regreted not making more effort earlier on and having to settle for less later in life. In my current shopping for a MS degree, I'm trying to hold my standard up higher, not settle for less than something I am truly happy with.

    And ... you make a great point, why wouldn't they grant you both degrees? I would think that would be the fair thing to do and many schools do advertise similar options. I can't recall which, but I know I've seen a few programs that indicate you can get an additional degree with just a couple more courses.

    Either way you go ... congrats!
     
  4. stock

    stock New Member

    Take the classes..
     
  5. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Hmm. You say, "They will not grandfather me in." But then you also say, "I will have the MSNS." If I read you right, the MSNS is the shorter 30-hour degree, as opposed to the MSIA, which is the longer 36-hour degree. Usually, at least at every school I've ever attended, the students have the right to graduate under the requirements set forth under the catalog of any year that they were in the program. I would think you would be entitled to your MSNS if you successfully make it to 30 hours and may then also be entitled to the MSIA for completing the two new classes.
     
  6. lspahn

    lspahn New Member

    I would take the classes. I have found that both areas, Incident Handleing and Legal Crapola is a big part of day to day life for me and even more so for people higher up the chain of command.

    That does suck, I know you are a big fan of the school and it doesnt speak well of them if they are jamming you up by changing the rules right at the end.
     
  7. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Question -- could you graduate with a MSNS, get your diploma and then take the two extra classes and also get a degree in MSIA? If you could, that's what I would do. Of course that's probably wishful thinking, but you could always ask.

    If you can't do that, personally I would do what everyone else is suggesting -- take the two extra classes and get the degree you want.
     
  8. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Hello JoAnn,
    To answer your question; Yes, I could grad this may with my MSNS and then take two more classes and grad again with the MSIA. Odd huh?

     
  9. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Re: Re: Requesting Advice - need help finishing my MS

    Hello Ted,
    I should clarify. If I had been one semester longer (really just take 8 more weeks) I do not think I would have been required to take the two extra classes. I think, if I understand things correctly, if you grad after May you are awarded the MSIA. I am just in an odd spot; I am not upset at the school.

    Your analysis is spot on. The MSIA is longer, by two classes. However, after this summer this MSNS will no longer exist (which is when the MSIA will be "born".)

    I thank you for comments.


     
  10. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Greetings Lou,
    They are not changing anything on me. I will still get the MSNS, which is what I signed up for. It is kind of funny as before I started the program I asked the director of the program why they didn't call it MSIA? ... hmm.

    Anyway, I am still very happy with the school, I simply think their transition process is a little off.

    In the end, I will most likely take the two additional classes, which are both very, very good.

    Ha - I just thought of something - I will have to pay for another diploma!



     
  11. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    But you will be be able to list two masters degrees (well two additional masters degrees) on your resume!. Sweet!
     
  12. lspahn

    lspahn New Member

    That is very sweet. Very nice resume candy...


    I feel like i missed the train, I have 3 DSST test before I start there...

    Anyway..Congrad either way dude. A single MS is great no matter what...a double makes it nice and shiney!!
     
  13. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Lou,
    FYI - I am taking the Sec+ exam this month on the 21st, then the CISSP in late June.

    I was interviewing for an infosec job at my current company, but of the 4 positions they had open only 1 made it through the budgeting process. . . . and I did not get it. Rumor is things are frozen for the next 12 months.

    In short, as soon as my MSNS grad occurs, I am going to try and go contract in the Infosec field. Time to cert up!

    Have you ever thought about the GSEC Gold?


     

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