Information Assurance degree vs. Cybersecurity degree

So I'm currently attending Regis University (great school for those who aren't aware) and am currently enrolled in the combined bachelors/masters program, going for computer networking and information assurance (for my masters).

My question is, given that I want to get into the cybersecurity sector (pen-testing, intrusion analysis, incident handling, etc), would it be more useful to have the IA masters, or after that, get a cybersecurity one? Given the cybersecurity programs that I've seen so far (UMUC and a few others) they don't seem all that technical (in my opinion), and am just wondering where my time and energy would be best served.

Thoughts?

 

A Master degree does not give you more technical. Master degree in Information Security, Information Assurance, or Cyber Security is not valuable as CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional). The certificate requires 5 years hand-on experiences. Most of these Master degrees covers 10 domains of CISSP certification. In the IT field requires you to have experiences and valuable IT certifications, a college degree just a check mark. If you want to be more technical, I would recommend you Certified Ethical Hacker and Forensic Investigator certifications, or GIAC certifications by SANS Institute.

 

There is a huge market for assurance careers but the CISA certification is almost mandatory and the degree is secondary.

Cybersecurity is one of those majors that do not seem to target specific careers but seem to target a range of security career options that are not so certain yet in a market that keeps changing.

I would go with assurance anytime rather than a trendy not very clear cybersecurity major.

 

I agree, I wouldnt bother with a MS in Information Security as in 10 years will not be so useful. The same thing that happened to the MS in Ecommerce, Computer Networking, Game programming, etc that now nobody cares.
If you want a master, just get one in either CS,EE, IT or MIS that are the most stable majors for IT.
IT is very dynamic so a certification is a lot more practical to get as you can get it in a very short period of time and wont hurt much once it becomes obsolete.
I have gotten at least 10 certifications in the last 20 years and they are all obsolete now. Unfortunately, the IT field keeps moving faster than your ability to earn certifications or degrees.

 

I am also planing on doing Regis University CPS online "Master of Science in Systems Engineering" degree program.

Can you share your experience as Core Courses for MS Information Assurance and MS Systems Engineering are same.

How is the work load? Professors/Instructors etc? Do they have course work option (No Thesis/No Practicum)?

Thank You

 

I can't speak for the pure MS in Information Security or Information Assurance; however, my Master degree at Georgetown University is in Technology Management with Information Security concentration. The following courses were taken as part of specialization:
- IT Security Compliance/Forensics
- Information Assurance and Risk Assessment
- Cryptography & Network Security
- Threats/Vulnerabilities

You see, they do not teach you technical side of information security, but only theory. They do not teach you how to configure a firewall nor installing an IDS or IPS. Just as RFValve have said, it is better in Computer Science with Information Security concentration.

 

So, back to your original post. Here is a sample of Information Assurance Engineer position requirement.

"Preferred Requirements: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential. Bachelors degree in an Engineering or IT technical field with at least 5 years of related experience. Working knowledge of AD, DNS, DHCP, IIS, MS SQL, Oracle, SFTP, Network Security, VoIP, Storage, Backup, Cisco network equipment, Linux/Unix OS. Background in DITSCAP, DIACAP, or FISMA experience working with a Federal agency client. Knowledge of systems engineering and development lifecycle."

URL: Job Openings

 

WGU is another option.

Online IT Degree | MS in Information Security and Assurance

 

The DSU Information Assurance degree is - in some courses - technical and hands on via VMware. I couldn't imagine doing an IT degree without that component. At DSU Cybersecurity can be done as a specialization of the Information Assurance MS. The Cybersecurity specialization is more technical and hand's on then the other specialization offered. DSU also teaches the 10 domains of the CISSP certification.

 

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EC-COUNCIL Provides Certificate Hacking Forensic Investigator.

EC council via an online program, it’s highly convenient with no travel and flexible schedules.
If anyone is looking for certifications do check http://www.eccouncil.org/certification/certified-ethical-hacker.
You can also contact [email protected]