Looking for a Masters in Information Assurance/Security

I'm currently enrolled in Regis University's BS program for Computer Networking. I should be done in the next year or so, and am starting to looking around for a Masters program. I'm aware that Regis has a pretty good IA program, but I would like to see what else is out there.

So far, I've been looking into Iowa State, Capitol College, Nova Southeastern, John Hopkins, and James Madison.

What are everyone's thought? I'd like some help to whittle down my choices.

 

Are you looking for school with reputation, or cost effective program?

 

In your list, I would choose Johns Hopkins University's program, simple the prestigious out of from your list. Most of the schools only teach you the theory not technical or practical. The only way you can do practical would be your own lab at home and books. However, if you are looking for cost effective would Western Governors University's Master of Science in Information Security & Assurance. Other prestigious school programs include:
Columbia University's Master of Science in Computer Science w/ Computer Security
New York University's Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Brandeis University's Master of Science in Information Security

 

I'm going to be using my MGIB/Post 9-11 to fund it. I would ideally like a middleground between cost-effective and prestigious.

How is Capitol's program?

 

Michael,

If you're looking for prestigious, then Capitol College's program is out of question. Especially, I believe CC uses synchronous mode; which means you have to attend live sessions via audio. I applied to Capitol College prior leaving Camp Pendleton in 2006, but withdrew and applied to SMU. The post 9/11 give you $17,000.00 per year for tuition plus $1,000.00 for books; and 50% of E-5 with dependent for housing allowance (Distance Learning at national rate).

I see that you are from San Diego. Do you intend to live in SoCal? And do you plan to take GRE exam? If so, I would recommend you to attend the University of Southern California's Master of Science in Computer Science with Computer Security. It is prestigious, local networking, and on campus resource accessibility.

 

Ouch. I sure hope that Capitol doesn't use the synchronous method; that wouldn't be very good at all. I was pleasantly surprised with their course lists, though.

I'm actually stationed in Maryland now; I'm at US Cyber Command/National Security Agency.

I'm actually using my MGIB right now. I'm just coming up on my first year mark; and I intend to finish my BS in the next year, and then use the rest of my MGIB and Post 9/11 to finish my Masters.

I wasn't particuarlly planning to take the GRE (I'm sort of intimidated by it, and my math skills aren't that great).

 

Yeah...Just confirmed the synchronous method for Capitol.

How about Georgia Tech/Florida Tech?

 

If you avoid GRE, which I was...then Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Georgia Tech are out. Brandeis University program looks very attractive. As far as Florida Tech is teaching by 3rd party, Alliance University through Florida Tech University.

Since you lives near Fort Meade, then Johns Hopkins program is awesome for...but GRE and Calculus. Which I do not believe you have any Calculus courses at Regis University, do you?

Other schools you might want to take a look:

Norwich University
Lewis University

If you want more Technical base while collecting GIAC certifications too:

San Institute of Technology's Master of Science in Information Security Engineering

 

Had I decided to go through Regis' Computer Science program, I would've been exposed to the amount of calculus I would need. The Computer Networking program only requires Algebra and Discrete Math.

I do like Norwich's program, and I was looking over Nova Southeastern's, and it seems appealing as well.

 

I think the degree from STI is very good in term of security; especially, you will have lot of labs (hand on experiences). It is regional accredited institution, and well known in the Information Security realm. Eric Conrad, the author of many security book, was STI graduate.

Tuition: $49,798 URL: Tuition and Fees | SANS Technology Institute
Admission: Minimal URL: Admissions Process: SANS Technology Institute

If you go to Nova Southeastern University, then we can do car-pool for residency. If the Master program has any....lol

 

Just looked it up; the Master's program doesn't require a residency. Haha. No need to carpool.

Also found this, which is quite interesting. University of Dallas College of Business | Concentration in Cybersecurity

 

I am bias with University of Dallas and Madison University for their MBA with Information Security. Business is blending with technical degree does not make sense to me.

To me, a CISSP certification is more valuable than a Master in Information Security/Assurance/Cybersecurity.

 

I agree about the sentiment about CISSP. I'm not in a place where I have the knowledge and experience to get it. I also want to pursue a Master's as a personal goal as well.

I think I'm narrowing my focus to Iowa State, Norwich, Nova Southeastern, And Dakota State.

 

Or just stick with Regis. Lol.

 

Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College, Information Security & Assurance

 

Way too much money for me. Haha.

 

And ideally I'd like to have to do a thesis (call me a glutton for punishment).

 

Michael,

How's about Southern Methodist University's Master of Science in Security Engineering?

Admission: No GRE
Tuition: Distance - Active Military $645 per credit (50% discount from regular)
US News Ranking: 58 National Tier 1

Best part, I am the Alumnus.. Master of Science in Telecommunications

 

That is a very appealing school. I'm a big fan of everything except the engineering focus.

 

Also found this. Thoughts? MS - Computer, Information and Network Security - Network - DePaul