Hey guys, Ive been lurking here for some time, finally figured I'd ask my most pressing question. I'm currently in my 3rd year at Drexel U for Computing Security Technology (Drexels rendition of IA/cyber security with a focus in risk and mitigation). I'm on the hunt right now for grad school to get my MS in IA. So far I have I have narrowed down my choices to Capitol College and Dakota State U. My reasoning for Capitol is their alignment with CISSP and Dakota for their name (not sure of their alignment). Also, both fit into my budget, I am not lookin to drastically add onto my loans. I am really tossed up between the two and have no idea which would be the better one in terms of knowledge gained and respectability when looking for a job. Any insight into this matter would be very beneficial to my search. In addition, I was wondering what the benefits would be to living on campus vs DL. Would their be more hands on and better experience? Because of the nature of IA I don't see this as being a big issue, but certainly it can be? WGU has also been putting sparkled into my eyes, but they aren't a CAE certified school yet.. I also fear the lack of value it's degree may be in the job market. Sincerly, Your stressed, confused, and anxious new member, ph34r
Phear, Since you have narrowed down two of these institutions. I would recommend Dakota State University, as my previous replies to other threads. Capitol College is totally remain unknown to most people, even though in the Washington D.C Metropolitan area. You don't need a college degree for CISSP; if you are in Washington D.C. I would recommend Georgetown University's MPS in Technology Management - Information Security, or Johns Hopkins University's MS in Information Security. The CISSP can be studied and taking the exam, which I am planning to take it this year (2011). The benefit of on campus vs distance learning is networking. Most people attend graduate school at campus for networking, especially in their job fields. You would not do much on campus vs distance learning for hand on experiences. It would be better for you to have a lab at home, and etc.
Thanks for the quick reply. I narrowed it down to these two choices because they seemed to give the biggest "bang for the buck." Although relatively unknown, I have heard nothing but good remarks on Capitols IA program. My reasoning for wanting to pick a program that was on track with the CISSP is because its almost a guarantee that the information taught will be relevant and up to date. I do know that DSU is a much more known name which is why I am curious to if the name really matters. Recent troubles finding an internship touch on my previous point and the next point as to why I want a program specifically labeled "Information Assurance" as opposed to programs with titles such as Cyber security, Security technology, etc. Although almost all identical, I have noticed that govt. agencies have a preference with the IA title. Once again, thanks for your input. I hope more people give their opinions
Well, if you look at those 10 domains of CISSP. I am sure you can self taught for the certificate. They don't have preference with the IA title, but they would love people have CISSP certification.
I suppose you're right. Oh yeah, forgot to explain myself on the preference thing. I had applied for an NSA internship and they didn't accept me because my major didn't have Information Assurance in the name (or concentration name) even though the course ware is comparable and my school is a CAE.
Columbus state university has it for $5,500.00; Capitol in the $16,000.00 range, and DSU about $9,500.00
One of the reasons for going distance learning is not having to pay for dorm etc. That would have to factor into the costs for attending a particular institution.
Here are a few things to consider: Capitol IA program is only available online (the last time I checked), but it's a program that you can finish faster due to their 8 week classes (a few classes in the IA program run for 16 weeks). That also means you don't have the option of living on-campus. DSU, on the other hand, runs a dual format program (on-campus and online), and the program is cheaper, and one that would provide the advantage of on-site hands-on lab, should you decide to live on campus in Madison or Sioux Falls, South Dakota. DSU's program will however take longer because classes are 16 weeks (taking four classes that run 16 weeks is harder than two 8 week classes), and not all courses are available every term. As you can see, both program have trade-offs. In terms of popularity within the federal government in the Maryland/DC area, Capitol's program is much more known. Their new Doctor of Science in IA is a sign of their proactive stance and quest to be a leader within the IA field. DSU will be advantageous should you decide to pursue a research-intensive doctoral degree from a public institution in the future. To narrow your choice, I would suggest choosing Capitol if you want a faster program and $18k plus in cost is not an issue (ie: the program is expensive, but faster). However, if you want a cheaper program that will take longer, then, DSU is a better choice (ie: the program is cheaper, but takes longer). By the way, did you know you can start DSU's Doctor of Science in Information Systems with your BS degree, and you can specialize in Information Assurance? Goodluck with deciding. FYI: Also consider the entry term for both programs. DSU admits once a year in the fall - admission documents are due June 15 . Capitol admits every term.
Thank you for the insightful comments. My main reason for choosing capitol as an option was because of their distance from DC. I have great hopes to work for a govt agency such as the NSA, DOD, or one of govt security contractors and figured that the close proximity would give them better a better stance. I am a little sad to hear that they only offer that program online, I think it would be really cool to use their cyber lab to get hands on experience in different things. I'm applying for a research based intership for the summer, If I end up getting picked I suppose it will help me decide if I reaaaly want to stick to that aspect of my future career or not.
It's probably best to call them directly and inquire regarding the availability of the IA graduate program on-site. The cyber lab would be cool for hands-on lab, but it says in this link that it's for students enrolled in their BS programs. Towson University is another good option.
Hey Tekman, can you post a link to CSU's program? I scanned their site but found no reference to an online IA program. Thanks.
All, When evaluating merits of a particular program, for instance, Dr Sci IS at DSU, check industry accomplishments and qualifications of faculty associated with the program. A good Google search may uncover the information that you need. While some professors may have published papers and perhaps co-authored books, their broad understanding of real life projects tends to be theoretical and little to no hands-on experience. Professional challenge is different from having the answer sheet in front of a class of students versus having to deal with project constraints, budget, deadlines and technology integration that can meet end-user expectation. Hope the above helps, there are schools out there where professors have solid experience. I am not sure about DSU staff/faculty. Kcore.
