Iowa State University - MS Information Assurance

I got accepted in ISU's Master of Science in Information Assurance? Does anyone have any experience with their program or their Engineering Distance Education department? Thoughts, opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

--Sebastian

 

Any comments from non-attendees?

 

Iowa State

Yes, Iowa State University is located in Ames, IA. If you have to spend any time at all on campus then be sure to bring your blue jeans, flannel shirts and workboots.

 

This program doesn't have an on-campus requirement or residency.

 

iowa state

So what's wrong with blue jeans, flannel shirts and work boots?

 

Nothing, if you live in Iowa.

 

iowa state

I take it you dont wear such garb in Boston? Beneath you?

 

hawkdave,

May I ask what was so compelling about this thread that caused you to post (and twice) for the first time in over 5 years? I don't mean any offense, I was just wondering.

BTW, good luck to pr0xy upon being accepted into a fine program at a fine university.

 

pr0xy, I concur with Tom H. Congrats on acceptance to a fine program taught by a Big 12 university. As you may have read in other threads, I'm currently taking one course per semester through University of Dallas for an IA certificate. Aside from Capitol College, Iowa State also made my short list, but primarily for the name recognition. At the end of the day, I perhaps had a decent shot at becoming a virtual Cyclone. In my view, you will not regret the decision. ISU offers great programs and provides excellent support, from what I gather. Enjoy and learn!

 

Sure, when I'm shoveling my driveway.

Lighten up, Francis. We were just kidding around.

 

FLA Expatriate,

To be honest, I didn't think I was going to get into the program. I got my computer science degree from TUI and didn't think their curriculum would meet Iowa's Engineering departments standards, but I guess it did. I was looking at Capitol College and Eastern Carolina University Information Assurance programs also, but ultimately Iowa's curriculum won me over. I know they have a very respectable engineering program, and that's the home department of Information Assurance.

On another note, what were your deciding factors when you went for the University of Dallas IA certificate? Isn't it based on an MBA program (if I'm not mistaking)?

I just wanted to get some information from someone who has taken some classes or completed the program from Iowa State. Thanks for all your inputs.

--Sebastian

 

Bruce:

'We were just kidding around".

Fair enough.

 

Iowa State University is considered a Center of Academic Excellence for the NSA and Dept. of Homeland Security. Although, they only adhere to standards 4011 and 4013, which is two of the six standards, they are a good school and on the same level as the other 80 or so schools on the list. So take the opportunity and run with it.

Good Luck,

Sean

 

Based on my GRE scores, 18 hours of undergrad CS courses and 54+ hours of undergrad CIS credits, plus recommendations, certifications, and previous experience, the people I corresponded with at ISU indicated that I had a shot at acceptance into the program.

I chose University of Dallas because the school is relatively close to me. Another factor was, at the time, that the program had already received recognition for adherence to 5/6 standards that seanst mentions. Last summer during my first course, our instructor announced that UD had just received recognition for 4016. Moreover, weekend face-to-face classes are available too. UD is frequently associated with MBA programs. However, the school also offers an MS in IA as well as an IA grad certificate. I may complete the MSIA after finishing up at Duquesne. It all depends.

 

seanst,

Thanks for the reply. I tried to apply to Capitol, but to be honest, I didn't get any interest from their admission department. Iowa State and I exchanged various emails and telephone calls regarding my admission and I got my admission letter in about eight weeks. They also seem to be very military oriented and have a great VA department, and since I am using my MGIB to fund this degree it is a plus. I know Capitol is certified in all six IA training standards, while Iowa is only in two. I'm currenty an ISSO at CENTCOM, so I know how valuable those standards are.

Another program that I found that is very interesting is the Oklahoma State MS in Telecommunications/Certificate in IA program. They meet all six IA training standards. I spoke to the director, Mr. Boying and he says it is really a great program oriented to information security professionals. They have alot of Department of Defense and military students. Also, you can complete both programs with taking one extra class, so it is a super program. The Telecommunications management class is very IA focused.

From your past threads and signature you seem very IA/security focused. If I may ask, what do you do, and what sector do you work in? Also, what formal education have you undergone? I am very curious, because I have three years left in the military and want to prep myself for the public/private sector. I just got a special assignment to NORAD, so I'm very excited to get the extra experience and knowledge. I think my clearance will also help me with my job search in the contracting/civil service sector. I also plan on taking the CISSP within 6 months or so.

Thanks for all your inputs.

 

I didn't know that the University of Dallas had a MSIA program. What are you taking at Duquesne? Attending an institution that meets most or all of the IA standards is definitely a plus. I wish I looked at that more closely when I applied to Iowa State. I only knew that they are a CAEIAE and I got statements from intelligence officers recommending the program. Another thing that got me convinced about Iowa State's curriculum was that that the school was ranked as a top 100 schools by ARWU. I really don't know if I should press on with starting classes in the summer at Iowa State or apply to the other programs that meet most or all of the IA standards.

 

I'm also in the MS Leadership and Information Technology program through Duquesne. To make a long story short, here's how everything unfolded. Last summer, I enrolled in one course with Duquesne and another, the introductory IA class, through University of Dallas. The quality of instruction at DU is quite appealing. Additionally, Duquesne makes a significant tuition discount available to active duty military/veterans.

A thought came to mind. Why not earn the CIS degree through Tarleton State that I had considered for so long? I enrolled and successfully completed the fall 2007 semester through TSU, but felt something was missing. For me, Duquesne is similar to a first love, and that's the reason I'm back with that program. This semester has been especially brutal because I'm taking 9 grad hours (2 via Duquesne and one at Dallas) while working 50 hours per week. I've experienced a few occasions in which late night activities extend to early morning. Duquesne may implement 8-week semesters. Therefore, I plan to focus on Duquesne, which should result in an MS before summer of next year, if all goes according to plan. Then I'll pick back up at Dallas, hopefully.

You shouldn't take this personally, and please don't, but I detect a little buyer's remorse. Iowa State, I think, should be viewed as an outstanding opportunity. For one, ISU is highly ranked. Two, the IA program there offers considerable flexibility for learning possibilities outside the core. Three, if you ask 100 HR reps across the country about name recognition, ISU likely earns many more "hey, I've heard of them" points than University of Dallas. UD is not cheap; expect to pay $600 more per course than at ISU. Taking into account my present situation, reasonably affording each UD class without employer contributions is out of the question.

At the end of the day, school choice may heavily depend on your ultimate goals. While additional compliance with CNSS training standards represent a nice benefit, are these factors absolutely necessary? Considering that after a military career and short stint in Iraq, I should be looking at ISU. Because of my complete disdain for the overbearing egos often associated with federal work, I may have no real need for the extra standards, unless something changes. Indeed, I feel the freedom brought about by progressive American corporations! The workplace is fun again! Good luck on your choice, and again, congrats on acceptance to Iowa State.