My 13 year old son is attending a CC full-time and is working toward his Associates in Sciene Degree in IT Security. He currently has 21 credits with a 4.0 gpa and plans on graduating next fall. He would have liked to finish up over the summer, but due to the difficulty of getting into classes probably won't be able to. He's interested in computer forensics and security. This summer we're going to visit some local colleges. He has taken a couple on-line classes but prefers a classroom setting. Due to his age, living on campus is not an option. One of the places we're considering visiting is an ITT Technical Institute. Any opinions on their programs? I can't find anything about cost online, but was surprsied that their BS of Science Degree in Information Systems Security requires 180 credit hours. Another local college offers a Bachelors in Applied Science Technology Management and still another a Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems. I would appreciate any suggestions or advice. I know what he's interested in and what he enjoys, but don't have a clue as to what type of program is the best. He's not really into programming or anything that requires a lot of math. Thanks for your help.
This may come across as obnoxious and elitist, but it must be asked. If your son is so advanced that he's in college at the age of 13, why aren't you looking at the top Computer Science departments in your region rather than the bottom feeders who advertise on daytime TV? I mean, look at their ads: "I was twenty-five, working in a dead end job as a busboy. Now I have a great job answering tech support calls on a help desk. Thanks ITT!" There's nothing strictly wrong with ITT. They may not even be regionally accredited, but I expect their programs do genuinely provide many people a better chance in life. But since your son is evidently a total genius, shouldn't he aim a little higher than that? -=Steve=-
That's the problem. I don't KNOW! Okay, I'll throw the ITT stuff away. I came across the info on the internet. Not being a big TV fan, I missed their advertisements. lol How do I go about finding the top computer science depts. in our region? The thing is...it's not just finding a good program, but I don't know if a Bachelors in Applied Science Technology Management or a Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems translates into anything security/forensics related. Things are always subject to change, but he wants to get a Masters in Leadership from a Christian University. He wants to go into youth ministry with a degree in a computer related field for financial support. While he knows what he wants, he leaves it to me to figure out how to get from point A to point B. For example, with his AS Degree he just wants me to tell him what classes he needs to take when to graduate by such and such a time.
That's the problem. I don't KNOW! Okay, I'll throw the ITT stuff away. I came across the info on the internet. Not being a big TV fan, I missed their advertisements. lol How do I go about finding the top computer science depts. in our region? In what city and state are you? There are a number of ways you can find out. 1. He could ask one of his instructors at the local community college. They ought to have some idea. 2. He could ask someone in the Computer Science department of your local state university. If you're not near a major city, this may actually be where he wants to go, and that would probably be just fine. 3. He could contact the Human Resources departments of companies where he'd like to work and ask them what they like to see in candidates for the kind of job he would want. 4. He could consult the U.S. News rankings and see if one of their highly ranked schools is in your area. The thing is...it's not just finding a good program, but I don't know if a Bachelors in Applied Science Technology Management or a Bachelors of Science in Management Information Systems translates into anything security/forensics related. The courses required and the content of those courses is more important than what the degree title is or even what the major is. Moreover, there are aspects to computer security that are part of networking, and aspects that are part of programming, and it's unlikely he'll find a program that's both. Having said that, a major in Computer Science (which more or less means programming) is probably more what he'd want. He needs to ask a lot of questions, though. Things are always subject to change, but he wants to get a Masters in Leadership from a Christian University. He wants to go into youth ministry with a degree in a computer related field for financial support. Okay, that's fine. As an aside, my sister is senior pastor at her church now, but she did youth ministry on the way. If your son feels called to the ministry, it can be decently paying without having to daylight as a computer guy. While he knows what he wants, he leaves it to me to figure out how to get from point A to point B. For example, with his AS Degree he just wants me to tell him what classes he needs to take when to graduate by such and such a time. Personally, I think if he can select a destination, he can chart the course to get there. I'm an Academic Advisor, and it's not that hard to select courses to meet degree requirements. If he were my kid, I'd coach him, but make him play the game himself. -=Steve=-
Im not to familiar with some of the BS/BA programs as much as MS programs (im 9 credits from a GenStudies BS), but alot of masters programs are NSA certified. Im not too familiar with the process a school goes through, but this is a hot industry so classes are poping up everywhere so watch out for that. Your son sounds very bright, I would encourage him to seek out some security clearance to open door to the big bucks. This is usually done through military service, but can be done through private industry in the right circumstances. Most "Security" programs have been Masters programs, and only recently have they grown down into the undergrad areas. I personally would avoid ITT, i have been told that their credits dont transfer well to most MS programs, but I cant verify that. I would also push some certifications on him. College is great, but alot of certs show hands on capability ( at least through some vendors). This is especially true in forensics. The first question in a depositen are going to be: 1) what tools do you use? 2) Have you had any training? 3) Are you certified? I am in phase 2 of getting my EnCase cert now. Also, alot of security certs require real world experience, so he should try to take any work he can, including volunteer work.
Distance Learning? Are you looking for distance learning programs? PS - I second the stay away from ITT
To answer questions.... He's not really interested in distance learning although he has and will be taking some internet classes. Until he started at the CC, he was homeschooled. He really enjoys the interaction with the other students and the professors. From my perspective, the online classes are easier--less driving and he can can consolidate the material into less time. Course, he's only taken two classes that way: Micro Apps and Computer Concepts. He would have finished both in about 3 weeks if the tests had been open. On the other hand, they're both basic courses and it might be different with more challenging material. He'll graduate at 14, not 13, with his AS. In our state, students can be dual enrolled for highschool and thus college tuition is free. According to one college, it's possible that he can also dual enroll for his Bachelors since he'll still be young and technically won't be old enough to graduate high school. I think MIT is out of his league although we know of a 14 year old, almost 15, that has been accepted there for a graduate program. He has two bachelor degrees and is definitely MIT material! Ispahn, I know he mentioned something about security clearance before. Hmm, maybe it was in context with the military. All I heard was the word military and nixed it before he went any further since his older brother is in the Airforce. He does need to get some 'real' work experience as you mentioned. Currently he's working toward his Eagle, but once that done....Speaking of security, I found out the other day that he knows how to bypass the passwords on computers. Steve, thanks for a plan! I'm going to print it out as suggestions for him although if he can truly get into a Bachelor's program free as a dual enrolled student (and I would want it in writing), it would be pretty hard to pass on. Also, you wrote, "Personally, I think if he can select a destination, he can chart the course to get there. I'm an Academic Advisor, and it's not that hard to select courses to meet degree requirements. If he were my kid, I'd coach him, but make him play the game himself." Thanks for laying it on the line. You're right. He's perfectly capable of doing it and for several years has been responsible for dealing with different situations: tech support, RMA's, ordering things, his own checking acct, and other aspects of 'life.' This past year he's been transitioning from homeschool to full-time college and hasn't taken as much ownership as I would like to see. A few weeks ago I asked him about it and he laughed and said, "All in good time." Hmm, maybe the time has come for mom to back out. It's hard because sometimes he just wants to be a kid and I can't fault him for that. As long as he gets some game time, he's pretty satisfied with his life. lol
www.champlain.edu - offers a Associates and Bachelor degree in Computer Forensics - however they are far from cheap.
