Which college is better for MS in Cybersecurity/Information Assurance?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by hellishlife, Jun 23, 2016.

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  1. hellishlife

    hellishlife New Member

    I am looking to do my Masters in Cyber-security or Information Assurance onsite.

    I was able to get into the following colleges:-

    1.University of Washington Cyber-security Program Bothell Campus
    2.Northeastern University Information Assurance Program,Boston Campus
    3.Delft University of Technology,4TU Cyber-security Program,Netherlands

    I will be an international student and look for a job after completing my MS,hence the preference of onsite campus based program.I am unable to decide which college to attend to.I have read mixed reviews for colleges 1 & 2 and am completely clueless for college 3 other than knowing that Delft ranks 50(for the last 3-4 years) in the QS top universities in the computer science field.

    List of Top Cyber Security Schools and Colleges in the U.S.

    Top 10 Universities for Cybersecurity | DSST | Get College Credit

    So, you want a Masters Degree in cybersecurity? | CSO Online

    http://www.ponemon.org/local/upload/file/2014%20Best%20Schools%20Report%20FINAL%202.pdf

    I hope you guys can shed some light on the above and help me with my decision.

    Note:please do not suggest colleges other than the above mentioned.
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I guess that I feel the need to point out that this is a distance learning forum and so coming here asking about on-campus programs is a bit of a stretch but I'm sure people will offer their opinions. The second thing is that this is a strongly US-centric board and so there will be virtually no one who can speak about Delft based on experience. I would suggest that the two deciding factors in your decision should be 1) where do you plan to live afterwards? If it's the US then a US degree gets the edge. 2) is one substantially less expensive than the others (including residential costs)? assuming they are roughly equivalent in training, prestige, etc. I see no point in paying more than necessary.
     
  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Honestly, a Master in Computer Science is still better than a Master in Information Security/Cyber Security or Information Assurance. However, with my experience my CISSP certification is outranked my Master degree in Information Security.
     
  4. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I agree with you, history shows that all those specific IT degrees such as Master of Ecommerce, Master of Game programming, Master of Social Media, etc eventually have no market or become so saturated that you cannot longer get a job in the area.

    I have been working in IT for more than 20 years and trends change very rapidly in IT, I have worked in networking, telecomm, health care, project management, E-commerce and now doing some work neuro marketing. Your never know where the jobs will be in the future. Luckly I have degrees in Electrical Engineering and Information Systems so I can always sell my skills for new technologies but I would have a hard time selling my self with specific degrees such as MAster of E-commerce.

    The way I see it, is that security is oversold in the market so eventually all the security degrees will have the same value as the E-commerce degrees which means no value. A computer science or engineering degree is more time resistant.
     
  5. hellishlife

    hellishlife New Member

    So is Master's in Information System,Information System Management,Data Management etc.For the past 5-1 years,people have flocking over to get these degree's.The market for Comp Science is already saturated.

    Please give suggestions if you have worked in DOD or private security firms.From the looks of it,you haven't worked in the security aspect and that is large field.

    According to you, Kaspersky and Norton that are famous for providing security all over the world would see a degree from Information Assurance that has been credited and approved from NSA and Homeland the same as E-commerce degrees that has no value.
     
  6. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    The vibe is this.

    The world doesn't need any more policy focused information assurance degrees or management curriculum. You can get this knowledge by going for an MBA and supplementing with tech credentials from SANS and have more credibility with industry.

    What the world needs is more folks with the ability to actually do something with coding and security infrastructure. Right now there are many fewer programs that focus on "hands on" and many fewer people that have the skills that are needed. So if you want to get some traction, look for those programs. (SANS again, comes to mind. There are others).

    NSA and Homeland Security accreditation is a little bit of an inside joke as every program I've seen from quality universities and schools (aside from SANS) has had the mark and I've seen more than a few of those programs (including one on your list) do things that are bogus (like passing infrastructure passwords of students via cleartext).

    Just two cents. I'll probably go back and hibernate away from DI for another two years now :)
     
  7. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member


    Surprised to see your name pop up.


    I agree with your assessment on the Security/"Information Assurance" side of things...way to oversold.
     
  8. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Yeah, I'm lurking as I'm still looking for the elusive doctoral program that makes sense. Good to see you're still about.
     
  9. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I agree, how many security specialists do you really in a company (2 or 3)? vs how many tech supports do need?

    I would only consider this degree if I was already holding a position in Information Assurance and just needed the title for more opportunities or self improvement. If you do it with the hope to get into the field, it is a risky proposition that might turn into a bad investment.
     
  10. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    It's not about how many you need for security vs. how many you need for support.

    It's more about where people live and what people expect vs. taking the program.

    If you live in an area with a lot of government contracts or you intend to career track within a consultancy or security services firm, then there's a return on investment. You'll make your money.

    The problem is a lot of folks taking these programs see them as an entry, but they're not willing to move or work in a firm that maximizes their chances for being a security person. So the degree gets saturated by people who aren't in field and it makes those who are, less appealing on paper.

    Just two cents.
     
  11. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member


    We, IT folks, are crediential chasers. Maybe more so in the past, but we do go after the elusive "one" certification to rule them all.
     
  12. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    Well said. This summarizes my feelings in the subject as well.
     
  13. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Same bunch of initials this year as it has in the last three. CRISC, CISM, CISSP, CISA, PMP, CCNP and it goes down the hill from there. The 100k plus survey came out yesterday.

    Seems like the reason we chase is at least partially supported by the market we work in.
     
  14. novadar

    novadar Member

    My OCP (Oracle Certified Professional / 10g DBA - I know a bit dated) does not quite have the "presence" it used to. From your list the only one I have is the PMP which frankly has never really shown me much value.
     
  15. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    If it's not showing value then I'd probably ask if your career matches the ideal alignment for that cert.

    Nearly every consultant that I do business with each day is making over 100k and when I ask them what the must have checkbox item is for their firm, it's the CAPM which leads to the PMP or the PMP itself, along with 5-10 years experience in their particular area of expertise.

    Mileage may vary, etc.
     
  16. novadar

    novadar Member

    Well, I'm already making well above that threshold in Sales Engineering where we do have "engagements" but rarely apply any PM Methodology since they are essentially "one engineer building a demo over one week" kinda deals.

    You are correct though that if I was in a pure IT Services role or in a PMO it would likely be a different story.

    At the time I earned the PMP (more than 12 years ago -- yikes) I was a consultant so..YMMV.. lol...
     
  17. jhp

    jhp Member

    Nobody ever asks for my 3COM Wizard creds. Wonder why?
     
  18. rootuser

    rootuser New Member

    Nobody cares about my GSM certifications either... guess they're a bit old with all the videos and datas and Pokemons on non-flp phones...
     
  19. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Truth is if you're in pre-sales you're throwing the market data off :) If I could stand the travel and the pressure anymore, I'd still be doing it. Hat's off to you.
     
  20. danders

    danders New Member

    It's been more than two years for me. I don't agree with everything you write, but I do agree that folks who can actually DO something are and will be in demand. :)
     

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