Well, first of all thanks everyone in here had contributed to me for making the decision. I searched around about Capitol College for Master of Science in Network Security. I have been doing research on my next step after Troy University; and I decided to attend traditional college. The problem for traditional college is not really an opinion for me, I already applied to University of Texas at Dallas; however, it is more complicated than I thought. First of all, I need to take GRE prep class, and GRE exam. When I glanced through their courses, the school offers most of the classes during working hours. Therefore, I cannot attend full-time school by taking 3 classes; in that case, Department of Veteran Affair cannot give me full Montgomery G.I Bill. Because I bought the house in Dallas, Texas; therefore, I need a full time job to pay for the mortgage. So, that needs to cross out from the list….. next option, Distance Educational Systems again. I looked through M.S programs in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and etc. Then I searched on the school information, and its tuition as well as admission requirement. I realize that I want to work in IT industries and specialize in Networking. So, after reading at least 50 threads in this forum, JoAnnPeel’s site, GetEducated.com; so, finally I decided Capitol College for Master of Science in Network Security. In fact, I just sent the admission via online application, and it is FREE. Hopefully, I can enroll in first term of Fall 2006. Any further advice about Capitol College and learning methods are appreciated! Once again, thank you!!!!!
I don't think you will be disappointed. Also, they are changing the name to MS in Information Assurance. I think the name change will occur this summer. Also, the degree goes from 30 hours to 36. Apply for student membership to IEEE and get 10% off your Tuition. All of my classes, but one, have been excellent. The only two I have not taken are Law and Forensics. Those will come this summer. Everyone is very helpful, friendly and quick about their work. I am sure you will hear form them soon. Professors Carroll, Genovese, Christensen, and Hickey especially kick ass. Nestler is good too. Avoid Butler. Let me know if I can help with any questions.
Steve, Thank you for the reply. Actually, I do have some question for you. I really like to take NS621 Applied Wireless Network Security, but Professor Butler teaches that class. Should I avoid him by taking NS611 Wireless Network? Also, I realized most of the classes are 8 weeks long, and some 16 weeks long. I plan to take likes this, but I am not sure if I can do it. Fall 06 Semester 8 Weeks: 2 Classes 16 Weeks: 1 Class 8 Weeks; 2 Classes Fall 06: 5 Classes, Spring 07: 5 Classes, Summer 07: 2 Classes ? How do you plan to complete the degree? Also, how many classes is considered full-time student? I was thinking about Regis University; but 2 classes per term, 2 terms per semenster, 3 semester per year is considered as full-time. That is too much... I am looking for from 1 1/2 - 2 years to complete my Master degree. I really appreciate your help!
I would *not* do 5 classes in one semester unless you have nothing else to do but school work. 3 classes a semester is full time. Doing one 16 and two 8 week classes is a good way to do it. My Perimeter Protection class requires a ton of time. There are three major deliverables in it, each hitting about 25 to 40 hours each to complete. Risk class takes a lot of time as well. Malware will work you a little, but it isn't too bad. Others aren't as bad. The 621 class was so bad. It *could* be really cool, and it was for me. Thanks to a lot of extra work I learned to crack wep, mac spoof ... etc - but he didn't teach any of that, he was still trying to figure out knoppix (I used Whax, aka Whoppix). Maybe he cleaned things up, but I doubt it. The topics are great, but don't expect applied anything. Start researching what Wireless cards / chipsets are good for packet grabbing …. You will need one. You might even want to get a good external antenna with your pcmcia card.
Steve, Thank you for the information.... I think I am going to change to Master of Science in Computer Science because it requires only 4 classes in programming related; but the rest can be Networking field, and also I like doing research. As your advice, I'll take 3 classes per semester; and I'll done within 1 1/2 years. Here is the plan: Course Tittle Credits CS504 Theory of Computation 3 CS512 Computer Language Design 3 CS701 Designing Intelligent Systems 3 CS705 Mulithreaded and Distributed Programming 3 IA707 Wireless Computing Devices & PDAs 3 NS670 Network Systems Security Concepts 3 NS673 Secure Information Transfer & Storage 3 NS684 Complimentary Security 3 NS611 Wireless Network Security 3 SM567 Telecommunications & Computer Networking 3 CS712 Research Methods 3 CS714 Capstone Research Project 3
Actually I changed my mind again, after I spoke with Capitol College Graduated coordinator. The Computer Science portion requires Calculus I, Calcuus II, and Linear Algebra before I can take the Core Course for M.S in Computer Science. The problem that B.S Computer Science at Troy University doesn't have those. Therefore, I'll stay with M.S in Network Security (Information Assurance). Thanks....STEVE for the big help.
