Narrowing down Masters programs down (IA and Cybersecurity)

So I'm finishing up my bachelor's degree in Computer Networking with Regis University in the next several months, and am shopping around for a Master's degree. I'm sort of trying to accomplish a career shift. I'm in the Navy right now, currently an intelligence analyst (at US Cyber Command) and am planning on getting out in the next two years. I want to make the jump into IT security, and want a Master's program that'll help me get the hands-on, technical knowledge.

The following degrees are the ones I have my eyes set on now:

Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

Columbus State University: Grad - Program Details

MS - Computer, Information and Network Security - Network - DePaul

http://www.capitol-college.edu/files/file/PDFs/Academics/MS%20in%20Information%20Assurance%20Degree%20Flier.pdf

Information Assurance, MSIA | Davenport University

https://www.mercy.edu/academics/school-of-liberal-arts/department-of-mathematics-and-cis/ms-in-information-assurance-and-security/

MS - Information Assurance & Cybersecurity | Florida Institute of Technology

http://www.wgu.edu/wgu/prog_guide/MS_ISA.pdf

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I thought you have selected Capitol College as your Master degree.

 

Here is my analysis bases on reputation and costs.

REPUTATION:
1) DePaul University
2) Florida Insitute of Technology
3) Nova Southeastern University
4) Columbus State University
5) Depaul University
5) Mercy College
6) Capitol College
7) Western Governor University

COST EFFECTIVE:
1) Columbus State University ($10,476.00)
2) Western Governor University ($12,000.00 assume finishing in 2 years)
3) Capitol College ($19,944.00)
4) Nova Southeastern University ($22,500.00)
5) Daven Port University ($22,977.00)
6) Florida Insitute of Technology ($ 24,420.00)
7) Depaul University ($27,720.00)
--) Mercy College (Unknown)

 

I'm indecisive. Haha. I'm just really trying to find a program that'll give me a solid technical background as I have no actual IT job experience.

 

Bueller..?

 

Hi Michael - Please remember, it's a holiday weekend and most people are off doing vacation/family things, etc. As for me, if I was trying to make your decision I'd go cybersecurity. Best of luck.

 

My bad. Haha. I guess people don't have to work the holiday (and following weekend) like I do.

There isn't a difference between IA and Cybersecurity (aside from cybersecurity being a fancy marketing term, as far as I know).

 

I agree with TEKMAN, except instead of listing Depaul twice, I believe he meant to list Davenport as #5 on his first list on reputation.

If you can get TA to cover most of it, go with Depaul.

If cost is an issue, WGU would be most cost effective, as you should not take more than three terms, especially since you're still in the school groove right now.

Hope this helps!

 

I'm going to be using the MGIB/Post 9-11 to pay for it, since I'm active duty, and am trying to finish it before I get out of the military. I would like to do WGU, but it doesn't look like they're going to go through with getting the NSA's Center of Academic Excellence designation, so it's sort of a put-off for me.

 

Additionally, I'd prefer accelerated semesters. Prestige is not as paramount, but more the ability to get hands-on technical knowledge of the material (to make up the deficiency of not being an IT guy professionally).

 

Why can't you use tuition assistance if you're still on active duty?

Using the GI Bill isn't recommended if you're still on active duty.

Have you somehow exhausted the TA benefit? I thought it lasted your entire enlistment.

WGU is VERY inexpensive.

Unless this is the last degree you plan to get AND your TA is exhausted, I cannot see why you'd use the GI Bill.

I'd use the GI Bill on a school with the best name recognition possible, after the enlistment was over (get maximum bang for the buck).

But, I'll defer to other posters.

 

I'm using my GI Bill right now to knock out school as fast as possible. I'm finishg my undergrad with Regis right now, and I'll roll into a Master's program once I'm done. I could use TA, but it would only cover a few classes. I'm taking classes each and every semester. My plan is to have both degrees by the time I get out of the military in 2015.

 

LOL, What? No difference between IA and Cybersecurity? Marketing term? I'm in Cyber Command for the Air Force. I assure you we are very technical and very much working on the fore front of this new field of (daily) battle. And you work for Cyber Command? Good grief.

At the very least you would know that IA is more of a management and paperwork function while CyberSecurity is more technical in nature and here lately there is a lot of work on the offensive side (vs. the defensive aspects of IA).

There's a huge difference in the two when you drill down while certain aspects may be related.

Good luck in the degree search, you should stay in the Reserves, keep an active clearance and get fantastic training as well.

 

As far as a Master's degree goes, five years ago you would not see a degree labeled "cybersecurity". Also, I still would make the argument that it just depends on who you talk to. Specifically relating to Masters' degrees, I'd beg to differ that more of the "technical" degree programs were labeled as IA, rather than cybersecurity.

Also, there's a lot of paperwork on the offensive side as well (at least in the pentest/vulnerability assessment world), and trust me, I'm aware of what's going on on the offensive side.

 

Wgu has a very very hands on and technical curriculum which results in a bunch of relevant industry recognized certifications. I work with the technical and less technical it security professionals and this wgu program prepares one for both without glossing over the tech subjects. You can download their course info and see for yourself. You can also accelerate your studies and actually begin working on the course work right now prior to enrollment. This will give you a good idea of the rigor. Go buy a ccent study guide right now and read it prior to choosing a program. You may be surprised with just how technical the material is and this may inform your decision making process while learning something st the same time.

 

Is your Master degree will be your terminal degree? If so, choose the most reputable institute as possible. A college degree does not provide you technical enough for the workforce. If you ask most of IT professional, most of them learn on their own such as home labs, and etc...

 

I'm not sure. I don't want to rule out the possibility of going back and getting my doctorate.

 

The most technical in your list is Western Governors University's program. However, the most Technical degree in Information Security is this guy.

- SANS Institute of Technology's Master of Science in Information Security Engineer. It is a regional accredited school.

 

It's not a fully regionally-accredited school, yet. It's only a candidate for the Middle States region.

Additionally, it's only authorized by the State of Maryland to give the degree. I still feel leery of getting a Master's from a vendor.

 

I also agree with you but five years ago there was less issues with security systems even no one can easily hack systems but now a days it is demand of cyber security degree that is why mostly universities offer this subject as a degree strange but true