Advice: Can't decide on Online Grad School

I'm trying to find a good Information Security (Assurance) program offered online for a masters degree and potentially a PHD after that. I would like to teach one day at the university level. I want the degree to be NSA certified for security. Do you think most schools care where you get a PhD or Masters degree? Meaning, I don't want to get a degree from some school that looks like a joke degree from faculty at a university years to come. Here are some of the choices that I've got: Boston University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Maryland University College. I haven't takent the GRE yet (and rather not take it if possible) so that leaves out James Madison University and a couple of others. I do have another question. I've thought about taking some remedial classes and getting into either Columbia Univeristy's, Stanford's, or USC's Masters of Computer Science degree program. Not having a BS in Computer Science is a concern for getting into these programs. DO you think it is worth while to take the remedial classes and go to one of these schools?

Thanks,
David

 

You eliminate a lot of schools with your criteria of "not a joke" and "would rather not take the GRE." This is not to say that there aren't some good schools that don't require the GRE. However, I imagine you will have to take the GRE in order to get into such high-prestige schools as Columbia, Southern Cal, or Stanford.

 

Yeah, I'm not against taking the GRE. I just haven't taken it yet.. and I'm not sure if I can get it done before I would need to apply for admission to the schools. What's the concensus on most online schools such as Nova Southeastern? From speaking with company recruiters (several different recruiters), most say that they are not at all impressed with schools like University of Phoenix (sorry to those that maybe reading this that are alumni). Do you think most other schools have a decent reputation?

Thanks,
David

 

If you have a few years of professional work experience behind you, some schools are willing to waive the GRE.

Don't leave any stone unturned...check to see if some of the schools you are interested in will waive the GRE.

 

David,
When you say "certified" by the nsa are you talking about the centers of academic excellence?

As for getting your MS in CS from Columbia University, Stanford, or USC - go take your GRE. Also prepare to take some undergrad classes to make up the slack as you do not have your BSCS.

Also note; of the three you listed (Boston, Nova Southeastern, University of Maryland University College) only one is a full MSIA program, the others just offer a concentrations in IA.

I would not consider any CAE / NSA schools as "joke" schools. They all play their own role and fill needed areas. Some are more management based, some hard sciences, some engineering and others more IT skill based.

Find the program that rounds you out the best.

If I may ask, do you teach now and are you in infosec now?

Let us know which you choose.

-Steve

 

Yes, I mean centers of academic excellence when I said NSA certified. Which one of the schools is the MSIA program? At the moment, I'm the INFOSEC officer for my company; so I want to get a degree in that field. Boston University was my first choice but I'm concerned about the actual concentration classes. I don't see accounting and statistics being required in a concentration in security (I have taken both during under grad school). Another concern is the lack of concentration such as cryptography being one of many subjects in one class. From other difficult schools such as Columbia and even schools like UMUC, cryptography is a class by itself just like intrusion detection. I don't see how Boston is giving a strong fondation when covering two very important topics in just one class... maybe I'm missing something. I'm concerned with what I would score on the GRE to be honest; I haven't taken a math class in several years (Calculus being the highest level). Do you feel that Boston University's program is a quality program?

Thanks again,
David

 

Boston would be a fine program. They obviously carry a good name, anyone is going to know Boston U.

There are, in my opinion, a couple of drawbacks to their program.
1. You are getting a MS in CIS with a concentration in IA. In short, you only get a taste of IA. The other classes give more of a broad look at IS as a whole.
2. Cost. If I remember correctly there classes are 4 credits and $600 a credit. That makes for an expensive MS.

At an officer level, do you want more of a tool / skill based education or more of a managerial focus?

I am currently taking a Crypto class (NS 673 - Capitol), I love it. We are reading "The Code Book", quite a fascinating look at the history of Crypto.

Nova is the full MS
http://tinyurl.com/8s42q

My picks for all around quality, in no order.

Nova (some prereqs needed, rolls into PHD)
Capitol (Live lectures online, All five NSA levels)
Norwich (Great Professors - 18 months)
James Madison (GRE Needed, superb program)
U of Dallas (All five NSA Levels)
Walsh (Great Program Director)

 

Do you know if any of your recommended schools are nationally ranked like Boston University. I agree with both your thoughts on the drawbacks with BU... I don't really have an issue with the tuition for a quality education, reputable schools, etc. At an officer level, then obviously you want more of the tool sets... However, I would like to move up the corporate ladder toward something like Chief Information Officer (CIO) or something like that... so I'm not sure which is better to move toward. I did like Nova Southeastern's PhD qualifications. That was pretty great especially because I plan to obtain a PhD some time in the future.

Thanks everyone for your commments.

David