What are hiring managers looking for in a degree?

Comptia A+, Network+, i-net+
Microsoft MCP NT4.0, MCP 2000, MCSE NT4.0, MCSE 2000

I'm thinking about attaining my CEH, as well as Security+, Linux+, and CISSP since they all fall into my current position (Ethical Hacker / Security Consultant)
I've also thought about Project+ to supplement an MBA

Melbourne, FL (Space Coast) (Kennedy Space Center)

I do not have direct management experience. However, I was a team lead, and held leadership responsibilities as well as coordinated projects. These projects were mainly focused in IT Enterprise Security.

More information can be viewed here http://www.linkedin.com/pub/3/107/b59

 

Security+ was really easy. Project+ was great. Do you list MCP and MCSE on your resume? I always think of an MCP as a given if you have an MCSE.

 

While most people realize that MCP is part of the MCSE, I always like to list MCP just incase there is a position that requires MCP or higher. Sometimes HR reps who are filtering applications sometimes haven't had their pot of coffee in the morning and completely miss this.

I'm very happy with my progression thus far, working in a variety of IT positions that have given me a wide range of knowledge in both small, large, and enterprise level networks, the last few years focusing in Security. The natural progression from here is advancing my security skills while at work, and creating foundational business expertise while at school.

This is also why I think the AS in Disaster Services would be beneficial if I chose TESC, because the courses are based on Homeland Security, which could be considered a combination of IT Security and Emergency Management experience since I already have considerable training and first hand experience in Emergency Operations.

 

Great point - never thought of that.

 

Since you said Security+ was easy, I decided to take it today. You were right, thanks for the heads up.

 

Well...did you pass?

 

Yes, what's great is if I decide to enroll with Excelsior, its worth 2 Upper Level Credits.

 

Since I'm waiting on feedback from TESC on my evaluation, and I'm not sure if I'll pursue BSBA MIS or BSLA, I've decided to take the opportunity to tackle a few more certs.

I could take the upgrade path for my MCSE 2003, but if I take the 4 core 2003 exams, it will add 7 credits (5 upper level) if I decide to go with Excelsior.

Either way, those exams fulfil credit for both the BSBA MIS and the BSLA, while at the same time upgrading my MCSE, for the easy price of $500. I haven't checked but perhaps the MCSA would be fulfilled as well.

 

My co-worked is going for his MS from Charles Sturt University. He gets about 50% of the degree credits from his 2003 MCSE. He already has his Security+, MCSE NT 4.0 and 2000, CCDA, and CCNA. That might be something to consider.

 

This sounds interesting, but it still seems pretty expensive.

At maximum you would attain 6 subjects through certification, I wonder if it would be possible to get a graduate certificate this way, might be much less expensive.

 

Alright, I've been able to reach a distinction between TESC and Excelsior as far as if I decide to pursue a Business Degree. At this time, TESC accepts more IT credits towad the major than Excelsior (for me).

I have asked Excelsior evaluate my transcripts for the BSLS program next.

So its down to Excelsior BSLS vs. TESC BSBA (CIS)

 

Here is the approximate breakdown:

With little business requirements fulfilled currently, I would need to complete ~~50-55 credits (75% business oriented) to attain a BSBA MIS from either Excelsior or TESC.

With the addition of FEMA courses, I would need to complete ~~20-25 UL credits in Arts & Sciences / Applied Professional credit to attain a BSLS from Excelsior.

If I attain the BSLS, I will more than likely need to complete some prerequisites to enroll in an Accelerated MBA program. (completion in less than a year)

 

Not all MBA programs are going to have those prerequisites, have you considered which MBA program you will apply to? If there are no prerequisites than it's not a worry. If it's just a few specific courses you could still fit the prerequisites into the BSLS if you wished.

 

I've got a few calls into higher level executives in my area to see what the general consensus is on NA Accredited MBA programs for the Space Coast area.

The Space Coast is very well known for Technology, Defensive Contracting, and Government establishments.

IF the general consensus is that DETC MBAs fit the bill for what companies in this area are looking for towards management, then I'll pursue DETC.

Right now I'm looking at CCU and Aspen for DETC.

In the meantime, I am pursuing classes that fit BOTH the BSLS and BSBA programs at Excelsior and TESC. My Evaluations are not completed, and in the meantime, I've decided to pursue my MCSE 2003 Security Track. Not only will it help recertify my MCSE after March 2008, but 4/6 exams fulfill 11 Upper Level credits toward either degree.

After that, I will be looking into ECE Ethics, ECE Organizational Behavior, and 3 DSST courses that fill 15 Upper Level Arts and Sciences requirements for both degrees.

The combination of the above should be enough to fit almost all of the BSLS, and leave only foundational Business courses for the BSBA.

I figure by the time I fulfill the MCSE 2003 Track and the 5 Arts and Sciences courses, I'll be ready to make a better decision on my MBA path.

Until then, I encourage all of you to share your experience and reflections on the DETC NA vs DL RA for Professional Management track

 

Are credits from Charles Sturt transferable into an MBA program in the states?

 

I don't know.

 

Certainly. Sturt is a recognized unversity in Australia, and is considered comparable to an accredited school in the U.S.

Such a situation would likely involve a foreign credit evaluation first. Check with the receiving school for their process requirements. And remember, just like transferring credit from one U.S. school to another, each school is free to accept or reject your transfer credits, regardless of the status of the issuing school.

 

I've been doing some research into JSU's MBA program, it looks pretty promising.

http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=27657

 

I've been calling around to several businesses in the area, here is a comprehensive list.
http://www.ypcontact.org/employer/employer_industry.asp