Online Masters in Computer Security

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by davide128, Aug 9, 2010.

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  1. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    Can anyone recommend any online masters degree in computer science .My preference is Security and information assurance. I found this list online and was looking for opinions. I'm looking to get a good education not just to get my masters by passing a bunch of lame courses. I easily get bored if the class is not challenging. I don't want to break the bank but looking for overall good solid program. Thank you

    http://www.geteducated.com/online-college-ratings-and-rankings/best-buy-lists/best-buy-masters-computer-science-and-information-technology
     
  2. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    Here's a list I compiled a few months ago of information security/assurance masters degrees available online, ordered by cost ... all of these are regionally accredited programs. As for which is best, no idea.

    Fort Hays State University
    Master of Liberal Studies, concentration in Information Assurance
    http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/conc/ia.shtml
    $6,975 31 hours

    Columbus State University
    Master of Science Applied Computer Science, concentration in Information Assurance
    http://academics.colstate.edu/catalogs/2009-2010/reqs/COS_MSapcompsci.htm
    $7,584 36 hours

    Western Governors University
    Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance
    http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_security_assurance_degree
    $11,560 (2 years tuition) - includes multiple certifications incuding A+

    Dakota State University
    Master of Science in Information Assurance
    http://www.dsu.edu/msia/
    $12,133.80 36 hours

    Davenport University
    Master of Science in Information Assurance
    http://www.davenport.edu/Default.aspx?TabId=235&sid=0&pid=177
    $15,655 31 hours (thesis REQUIRED)

    TUI University
    Master of Science in Information Technology Management (Information Security / Assurance and Digital Forensics)
    http://www.tuiu.edu/cis/p-msitm.html
    $16,560 40 hours (quarter credits)

    Nova Southeastern University
    Master of Science in Information Security
    http://www.scis.nova.edu/Masters/Academic_Programs/Academic_Programs_MSIS_info.html
    $18,000 31 hours

    University of Dallas
    Master of Science in Information Assurance
    http://www.udallas.edu/gsm/ia/ciaacademicprog.cfm
    $18,600 31 hours

    Charles Sturt University (AUS)
    Master of Information Systems Security
    http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/postgraduate/information_systems_security/index.html
    $19,098.71 96 "points"

    Capitol College
    Master of Science in Information Assurance
    http://www.capitol-college.edu/academics/graduate-academics/information-assurance
    $19,764

    University of Maryland University College
    Master of Science in Information Technology: Information Assurance
    http://www.umuc.edu/programs/grad/msit/information_systems_assurance.shtml
    $21,747 ($14,124 for Maryland residents) 33 hours

    Brandeis University
    Master of Science in Information Assurance
    http://www.brandeis.edu/rabbgrad/visitors/program.php?prog_id=31
    $22,050 30 hours

    Mercy College
    Master of Science in Information Assurance and Security
    https://www.mercy.edu/pages/892.asp
    $22,260 30 hours (capstone)

    University of Denver
    Master of Science in Information Systems Security
    http://universitycollege.du.edu/grad/ict/degreeplan.cfm?degreeID=402
    $24,672 48 hours (quarter credits)

    Penn State University
    Master of Professional Studies in Information Sciences (Information Assurance and Decision Support focus)
    http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/MasterinIS.shtml
    $27,225 33 hours

    American Intercontinental University
    Master of Information Technology (Information Security focus)
    http://www.aiuonline.edu/online-college-degrees/master-degree-in-information-technology-management/
    $30,870 48 hours (only 8 courses)
     
  3. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Do you currently work in information security? How many years of experience do you have in IT and in IA/IS?



     
  4. Cyber

    Cyber New Member

    As a word of caution: make sure the program that you eventually enroll in is accrediated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Central Security Service (CSS). To ensure this, I would start by looking at schools with programs that are already accredited and the level of their accreditation. That link is here.
     
  5. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    I have 10 years of experience in IT but not so much in Security.. I have a BS in CS but been working primarily with UNIX and web development since out of college
     
  6. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Information Security & Assurance : Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Norwich University Master of Science in Information Assurance Online Masters Degree Program

    Norwich University

    The rest (in my opinion) are programs pretending to be IA when compared to the above two. That stated, all programs have their merits.
    You should also consider what you mean by saying Computer Science with preference to IA. They are two separate but very complimentary disciplines.

    ITJD
     
  7. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    so it seems like if I want a good degree I'm gonna have to pay like 35-40K
     
  8. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    think I thinking more along the lines of Computer and Network Security. although I'll have to do some research on IA and what what their job duties really are..anyone care to share some insight?
     
  9. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    I'm looking to spend like 20-25K
     
  10. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    I don't believe that at all.. while Carnegie and Norwich are excellent universities, they are not the end-all-be-all. The list provided by emmzee is a great start for you... also the link to the geteducated.com's Masters degrees coupled with the link to the NSA should give you the options you desire.

    Were I in your shoes, I would likely take DSU and place it high on my list :)
     
  11. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Each program is very different. Those listed below are apples and dump trucks. One is more CS based while the other is more audit / CISO in flavor.

     
  12. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    If you are doing web \ sys admin work now, then reach out to your information security department and talk to them for a bit. Also, get involved with your local CitySec, Infraguard, or ISSA chapter (forget 2600).

    IA / computer security can be very wide and very deep. There are many specialties within the career field.

     
  13. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    .. and how is the apples and dump trucks comparison any different from any other two programs pulled out of the ether in an all encompassing listing?

    Not knowing which way the OP wanted to go, I posted apples and dump trucks. They just happen to be two of the better/best programs in the country for the IA discipline.

    Now back to the OP. The difference between 20-25 and 30-35 is minimal in the grand scheme of things. You wouldn't be thinking about the difference 10 years after completion when in a better position.

    Of course the here and now may force a different set of criteria..
     
  14. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    I agree with this assessment. A good degree doesnt' need to cost a lot of money. In my recommendations I assume that you want a degree that will contain a good amount of rigor AND be widely recognized as such without a lot of explaining to do. That, does cost money.

    DSU is a good program, but outside of the midwest/online circles it's not widely recognized. Doesn't make it any less of a program, except in conversation.
     
  15. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    How about the fact that you picked them as the "best" without first understanding the best option for the person asking the question?

    So why not ask rather than assume? You note yourself as an "IT services guru" so you should know about requirements gathering. Said another way - don't shoot before you aim.

    Example: If he said he was a route / switch guy, then I would not recommend Norwich unless he said he wanted to take on audit, risk, or management duties (I do love their program by the way. I had a wonderful chat with Mich Kabay, their program director, while hunting for schools).




     
  16. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    1. I don't ask people for requirements when they ask for a bottle of ketchup or a roll of toilet paper (either) just because I'm in IT and do services management. :)

    2. The OP stated he was computer sciency with a focus on security. That leaves open a whole array of possibilities that I'm not going to go into on a message board. I point to the two programs I know are good, know will give someone a grounding in either management or coding/network crunch and let the OP figure it out for himself.

    3. I don't appreciate the commentary about my line of work and how I should not assume but rather ask for requirements. That's not my job if I'm giving an opinion and clearly state things as such. It's also not my professional opinion unless I state things as such. I'm a guy on a message board that does IT stuff and thinks Norwich and Carnegie Mellon are the best programs around for IA.

    On a brighter note, I hope you found the program that was right for you.

    Thanks,
    ITJD.
     
  17. davide128

    davide128 New Member

    Thanks to all for replies..I appreciate ..I'll have to do some research and speak to local folks
     
  18. dmiller7

    dmiller7 New Member

  19. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    So what was your criteria for best in IA? What was your research? Norwich and Carnegie Mellon are good schools but they might not be "best" for the OP.

    It's not about what you appreciate. There are times when we should all listen more than we speak. You never sought clarification. Why not learn a bit about the new guy before firing off a response?


     
  20. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

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