Accepted to three school, can't decide. Where would you go and why?

I can't decide which program I want to pursue. Any insight or advice would be great especially from those who may have completed one of these programs.

Boston Unviersity: Master of Science - Computer Information Systems Concentration in Security

Information Structures
Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
Business Data Communication and Networks
Database Design and Implementation for Business
Information Systems Analysis and Design
IT Strategy and Management
Security Policies and Procedures
Enterprise Information Security
Database Security
Digital Forensics and Investigations
Enterprise Architecture

University of Denver: Master Applied Science: Information and Communication Technology – Information Systems Security

ICT Industry Structures and Concepts
ICT Current Technologies and Trends
Enterprise Architecture
Web Enabled Information Systems
IS Security Principles
TCP/IP Networks
Computer and Physical Security
Computer Forensics with Lab
Application Security
Network Security with Lab
Graduate Research and Writing
Capstone Project


Capitol College: Master of Science – Information Assurance
Network Systems Security Concepts
Legal Aspects of Computer Security and Information Privacy
Secure Information Transfer and Storage
Security Risk Management
Computer Forensics and Incident Handling
Malicious Software
Perimeter Protection
Internal Protection
Wireless Network Security
Applied Wireless Network Security
Vulnerability Mitigation
Managing Information Security

 

When I applied to graduate schools, Capitol and Boston were both on my list as well. I ended up selecting Capitol based mainly on my experiences with the faculty and administration. When I was looking for schools, I emailed and asked a few questions with the dean eventually meeting with me and discussing the program. The personal attention was one of the main reasons I chose Capitol College. Boston has a great reputation and that was important to me. However, I really started getting the feeling they were indifferent as to my enrollment.

When I started the program, I also enjoyed the synchronous classes. Capitol uses a platform called Centra that allows for a very interactive online lecture. Some of the business courses are actually taught simultaneously in person and through Centra. I enjoyed the interactions with the classes and instructors. There was also no project or thesis required for completion of this program. Another plus, is that if you are an IEEE member you can receive 10% off tuition. The cost of the membership is made up very quickly! It's not widely advertised but really helped as I paid for my MS out of pocket. IEEE Discount Program | Capitol College.

If you have any more questions, feel free to send me a message.

 

Course titles only tell you so much (I'm not asking for more info). All three programs appear to be roughly identical. Macbeck's experience would seem to be relevant but I have to admit to a small level of suspiciousness that a newbie would appear out of nowhere to make his first post in favor of a specific school (sorry macbeck, it's a Moderator's bias - I've banned so many newbies that I lost count years ago). With that being said I think his point is valid. How do you get treated when you cal to ask questions, etc. Finally, I always want to add in the cost factor. If the programs are, in fact, virtually identical, why would you pay more? Reputation? Is there any reason to believe that a degree from BU will be better received in the marketplace than a degree from Denver or Capital?

Added comment - While synchronous classes may work for some, for others they are impossible.

 

Are the programs exam or writing focused?
If exams, are exams proctored? can you use ProctorU or equiv?
What is the cost differences?
Do you want synchronous or asynch classes?

Doesn't Capitol have an NSA designation for their IA program?

 

Kismet - I can understand your apprehensions but that was my experience. I've actually been reading DI for years but just lurking. . I just remembered having the same delema and wanted to share.

I will say that I had some trouble with synchronous classes too. Most were held around 6 or 7est and at that time I was traveling for work. When on the west coast it was sometimes difficult to make. Most professors were understanding of tardiness but some were sticklers. I don't recall the exact number, but you can technically only miss 2 or 3 of the 8 sessions for a course.

Asyou can tell, cost was a major factor for me too. I do remember boston was more and trying o decide if the name was worth it.

Jam - Capitol is a DHS/NSA center of excellence but I really he no idea if that's unique or not.

 

If you don't have any reference to the degree title and curriculum, then just stay with the most prestigious school. Well, sometimes staying with the most prestigious school does not mean a good option. The options are determined by affordability, time investment, flexibility, and etc. In my own opinion, I would stay with BOSTON UNIVERSITY program.

 

Are you saying stay with Boston because it is the most prestigous or you feel like their program is a notch above the other two schools?

 

Redlining52,

My opinion is Boston University for most prestigious out of three choices. Because I do not know if you want to concentrate in Information Security or general Information Technology as job wide.

 

Boston is the most prestigious and expensive (the last i looked, tuition was 3k or more per class), and also the most technical (Information Structures may require computer science background). Capitol is the least expensive program with a technical/management tilt, and it can be completed in one year (some classes are synchronous, which is very good). Denver will take a year and 6 months to complete, however, the classes you listed are not guaranteed (not all classes are offered every term - may need to augment with other courses). Also, bear in mind that with Denver (Boston may require prereqs also, not sure), if you bachelor is out-of-field, prereqs will be required, and that skew or increase the total cost of the program.

Overall, if money is not an issue and you want a more technical program that is also prestigious, go with Boston. If you intend to enroll in a doctoral program that require master thesis, Denver provides that option, as well as a more flexible program, as you can take course in non-info sec are. Capitol, on the other hand, offers the most value (in terms of cost, IA domain content, and program delivery). Goodluck with deciding...

 

I want to thank everybody for their opinions, after thinking about this for a while I decided to go with Capitol. I like the ability to take classes synchronous and like Cyber mentioned the value of the school can't be beat. It also helps that the school is local to my area so it would provide me with the best avenue for networking possible job's in the area.

 

I would also recommend Capitol's MSIA program. I started in January, taking (2) courses. To date, my observations:
-Instructors are experts in the field, employed/retired from governmental IT security positions
-I really enjoy attending the live classes...(I earned my first masters online without live classes)
-Profs add value to the lectures from extensive professional experience in security (mainly fed government, although I came from corporate Fortune 500 and they bring together public and private sectors very well).
-Peers have all been extremely professional and knowledgeable; most are employed by federal gov (some of them have amazing jobs) with a small mix of us in private. Everyone has something to bring to the table.
-Curriculum is taught from a technical, hands-on perspective with a slight managerial slant. This means you wont be theorizing concepts, you will be actually applying them in assignments. Less focus on research and more on learning and applying. I prefer this methodology and feel it works for me. I did not want to "research" security concepts, but understand, and use them. Managerial slant is expected at graduate level and profs currently hold/held senior level leadership positions.

I can answer additional questions if needed.
Best of luck to you!