WGU and other universiites offering IT certs.

Hi All, I was curious if anyone knew of any other online schools (RA accredited, Non-Profit) that offer IT certifications while earning a Masters degree? Particularly a Masters degree. I would like to work in either Programming or Information Security and I would like to earn IT certs along the way. I know WGU implements IT certifications into its curriculum, but does anyone know of any other universities or colleges that do this as well? I believe it will save me a ton of money if I can enroll in a program that does. I would enroll in WGU but they only offer an MS in Information Assurance and I don't see many jobs out there for this particular specialization. My goal is to become certified as a CCNA. I contacted a CCNA training "boot camp" and they told me the cost would be around $5,000. I thought that was quite expensive, so I'd rather check into Masters degrees that offer IT certs besides WGU. Thanks for your help.

 

So here's the skinny.

WGU only offers degrees in areas where there are jobs in the economy. The catch is whether or not the degree matters over experience in getting those jobs. Information Security is a hot discipline right now in IT. However, those jobs tend to congregate around Washington DC, Texas, and other major consulting hubs.

I've also noted that the job descriptions will call out degree levels and certs but not necessarily MSIA or MSISA by name.

 

I actually just applied to the WGU MSISA program. One thing that sold me on it is that since I already have the CCNA, I get graduate-level credit which puts me one step closer to graduating.

I earned my CCNA on my own, and spent far less than $5000. A few hundred dollars on eBay got me a switch and router to play with. I also had the advantage of some on the job experience.

 

Just so you understand, Information Assurance = Information Security. The terms are used, for the most part, interchangibly, and a degree in Information Assurance would qualify you for jobs in Information Security.

Also, while certs are VERY important in the Information Security world, they carry very little value in the programming world. In the programming world, for a new hire, a degree matters more. Also, as more programming has moved into the web and mobile world, having a portfolio of projects online that you can show a perspective employer has become much more important.

 

Oh ok. Thanks for your feedback and yes I am well aware of the fact that Information Assurance and Security are basically the same thing. I am new the field of IT. My background consists of an AA degree in Business and I am currently employed as an Accountant. My goal is to change careers and enter the IT field. I enjoy programming and I also enjoy Network Security, so I think Information Assurance/Information Security would be an interesting field but I don't see many positions for this particular speciality. Its somewhat relieving to know that a degree is more beneficial than certs in the programming world as you stated. I am hoping to land an entry level position as a programmer with my Bachelors of Arts in Management Information Technology degree since I will be graduating next semester (hopefully). My degree consists of Intro to Visual Basic, Database Management Systems (Oracle SQL and Firefox), Mangement Information Systems (Relational Databases), Network Security and Digital Communications. With the above courses I mentioned plus a 5 month internship that I will be completing next month, is it possible that I can land an entry-level programming position? Thanks for all feedback because I am an IT amateur.