Cybersecurity or Higher Ed?

I am considering another degree starting in Fall 2023. Initially, I was thinking of becoming an LPC or LSW, but the practicum and internship requirements of MSW and master's in counseling are too demanding. I gave up on that ambition when I spoke to a program director recently, and he shared, "I think it would be challenging to complete this degree if you are a full-time faculty member - especially if you have not yet earned tenure or promotion."

So, I began contemplating an Ed.D. in Higher Education. My #1 option is an R1 institution, followed by two R2 institutions, including the institution I'll be a faculty starting next month. I can take up to 9 credit hours each semester (three free, six reimbursed) at either of the three schools I am considering. I already have 9 doctoral credits in educational leadership from my program at Liberty.

However, recently, especially since visiting East Africa and learning that I.T. is one of the top fields of employment there, I have been thinking about an I.T.-related degree, primarily cybersecurity. I could see myself moving to Africa in the next five years. Ideally, I would like to be a criminology/criminal justice faculty there, but I also want options. I also saw this article:
https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/07/08/graduates-with-a-masters-degree-in-cybersecurity-are-landing-starting-pay-of-214000-and-up/

Austin Peay is the only Tennesseean public institution with an I.T. program that doesn't require a degree or work experience in the field. But my biggest concern is whether my brain can absorb this computer-related content.

Professional Science Masters (P.S.M.) in Computer Science and Quantitative Methods
(Information Assurance and Security Concentration)
http://catalog.apsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=44&poid=11133

They also have an M.S. option. The content of both programs is the same, but I would prefer PSM since I already have an M.S. Any suggestions or things to consider? Apart from counseling which I am very passionate about, I only want to pursue another degree because it will be tuition-free. However, if a particular discipline could be more valuable, I would like to go with that one.

 

That's really cool, Chris. I daydream about doing that a lot. There are whole universes of culture I could enjoy and learn from there. I won't go through with it, though - out of courtesy. The LAST thing Africa needs is one more (1) old, (2) white (3) male. We're triple-baggers in the "nuisance demographic" - everywhere.

And is there no end to your search for knowledge? Obviously not. Good for you!

 

Wait 20 years, Steve - you'll see.

 

There are many white people in Africa, those who exploit the continent, and those who genuinely love the continent. I am sure Africa welcomes the latter. When I was there, I saw more whites than Blacks when I did "touristy" stuff like the safari, elephant orphanage, and the Giraffe Center in Kenya. I reasoned that Africans out of the continent either do not take vacations enough, or Africa isn't their first choice. It may be the latter because people acted surprised when I told them I was going to Africa for vacation. Many people think of Dubai, France, and the likes as the ideal vacation destinations. I would love to visit those places too along with England and Scotland. But for now, I want to see more of Africa. I love the continent and am already planning a Christmas trip to Nigeria (hopefully, my finances agree). It should have been my first African destination, but the hassle of applying for a visa from the Virgin Islands was too much. You have to actually visit DC, NY, or another city where they have a consulate/embassy.

How could I forget Canada! I have a brother in Ontario. I was supposed to visit Toronto this past May, and the Airbnb canceled my stay. I was going to drive there from Pennsylvania (about 6+ hours). So instead of rebooking, I just let it go. Anyway, there will be a next time.

 

@SteveFoerster There are lots of articles - not all North American either - that talk about triple-baggers like me. It IS a thing. I get the worst stuff from being old - not white or male. People say stuff daily - and pointedly - that they wouldn't think of saying to younger people. Youngsters do it for fun - it's a hoot to scandalize an old fogey. Adult men up to about age 50-odd frequently talk very roughly to me nowadays - totally age-based and out of ignorance, disrespect and outright malice. As far as color - I've not had ANY problem, from people of color - at all. I have had a couple of nasty encounters, though, with racist whites - who don't like to see other whites, like me, keeping company with Blacks or getting along socially with them. That's not based on my age.

As for getting along with women, I think things have actually improved with age. Being old is like being gay, in one aspect: I think I'm perceived by most women as no-risk, the radar doesn't beep and everybody's comfortable. All I have to do is talk nice and behave. Gladly! That's not a problem. If I had as many good female friends as the average gay man does - that'd be great! Something nice to work on.

Alas, some other guys get it on all three fronts. Like this:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/104320484/i-shouldnt-have-to-shut-up-just-because-im-male-pale-and-stale

 

WGU has a master's in cybersecurity.

You can also gain experience in the field with relevant certifications and use these certifications to help land a job in cybersecurity.

This guy did the WGU Cybersecurity Master's Degree in under 2 weeks
https://www.youtube.com/c/JoshMadakor/videos

Answers for the Karen Statements I Know Are Coming

1. Two weeks, haha, what a joke of a degree!
   Ya, it's a real joke that he got a job making 6 figures with this degree.
   
   
2. STFU, an average person can NOT do this in 2 weeks retard!
   He did this in 2 weeks because he had lots of experience and certifications beforehand. That's why he did this so fast. A person that brings in certs can complete this within six months.
   
   
3. Someone says I got a song for you, buddy. "Don't know much about history. Don't know much biology..."
   Ok, submit your song lists if you want to.
   
   
4. Someone says whataboutism people getting a cybersecurity degree and then they go and shoot people at a school? Do you condone mass murderers?
   I prefer to stay on topic for this thread, ty.

That should about cover it.

 

I haven't started an Ed.D. I only took those three educational leadership courses as electives in my Ph.D. I am not sure I have the strength for two degrees lol. Guess I need to decide.

 

I am not looking to spend any money besides books and fees, which won't be covered in my employee benefits. So, I'm only considering Tennessee public universities. Additionally, I would never want a degree that doesn't take at least a year to complete. I completed my MBA at Don Bosco University (India) in 12 months. I knocked out one course per month. I felt I didn't grasp as much knowledge as I could if I had spent more time with each class. I don't just want a degree. I want the knowledge, and there's no way two weeks would be enough for me to feel competent and confident in cybersecurity.

 

Cybersecurity certifications are not easy to get.

Just getting one certification such as the CISSP might take you 2 months+ to get by itself. The knowledge is mostly in the certifications.

I would suggest dipping your toes in and getting your feet wet before diving into a long Master's program.

 

I probably wouldn't get the certification anyway because CISSP requires at least 5 years of experience in at least 2 cybersecurity domains. Maybe if I go with the master's and it's not a good fit, I would have nothing to lose really.

 

Congratulations on the engagement!

 

Engagement? Did I miss something?

 

Ya, you missed the red herring.

Hold up, I better update the Karen Statement list to save me from writing post responses.

5. Hey you don't know what this word means!
You think that you're the only one with access to a dictionary, got it.​

 

My turn, now, Steve F. This kinda takes the cake... yowie! "Cleanup in aisle 43!"

 

Ha, I read fiancé not finances in your earlier post! Regardless of which, YOLO!

 

I figured that was unintentional. You did have us all confused for a bit. No worries, mate.

 

Karen called. She's furious. She demands all her statements back.