BS in Information Technology

[NotQuiteAPCGuru]

I need to start planning out my route to get my bachelors degree in IT. I would really like to move into information security, and I am not sure what core classes I should take. I know many of you are extremely intelligent and computer savvy business professionals. Essentially, the curriculum requires that I have set classes dealing with IT; then I must choose several "core electives" that are a bit more specialized.

Since I am interested in information security, not just technology, which classes would you recommend to ease my transition to IS? I know about the CompTIA cert's I can get later, but I would like to know, on a professional standpoint, what classes you recommend.

Here is a list:

Visual Basic
Advanced Visual Basic
Introduction to Multimedia
Graphics for Multimedia and the WWW
Desktop Video Production
Multimedia Authoring Software: Macromedia Director
Instructional Design for Interactive Media
Website Development: FrontPage/Windows
Multimedia Scripting with Director's Lingo
Advanced Web Authoring: Flash
Developing IT Training for the Web
E-Commerce on the Web
C++ Programming
Advanced C++ Programming
Visual C++
Introduction to HTML
Introduction to Java Programming
Java Programming
JavaScript
Advanced Java Programming
Introduction to Perl
Introduction to UNIX
UNIX Shell Programming
Introduction to the Application & Development of Intranets
Intranet Applications for the Organization
Web-Enabled Database Development
Introduction to Data Structures
Problem Solving with C
LAN/WAN Technologies
TCP/IP & Network Architecture
Network Management
Relational Database Concepts
Project-Based Information Systems (6 credits)
Exploring the Internet
Introduction to Mathematica

Thank you for all your assistance.

J.

 

[skace]

I understand you want to get into IS, but what are your likes/dislikes. Do you plan to do any scripting? Do you even like scripting? Programming?

I'm not in IS but I'm going to bet you want all the networking classes they offer.

 

[alkemyst]

start with those and get back to us.

 

[2Xtreme21]

I'm going for a BSIS as well, and my school requires us take 5 core classes (Intro, Java, Telecom, Database Mgmt. Systems, Human Factors & Systems) and then 5 more specializing in whatever you want to do. You should check to make sure you are able to specialize from the getgo, which I doubt you are.

Edit: And in looking through your course list they seem to be mostly CS-type programming courses. I only see a few that relate to network security or, rather, DON'T relate to programming / scripting.

 

[Fritzo]

Take the class that tells people to reboot their computer. I took that and use what I leared every FRICKIN' DAY :|

 

[wyvrn]

It depends on what you want to do with your degree once you graduate. There are programming classes, database classes, networking classes, OS classes, application (such as Access, Excel, HTML, etc..), ERP, and systems application and development classes in your typical IS loadset.

If you want to program, take the programming classes. If you want to administrate then take ERP/OS/scripting. If you want to audit/consult, take a general library of them to cover your bases. Take at look at job boards to see what is required, then talk to your counselor at school. Go attend a job fair and talk to the recruiters. Make sure you understand what you'll need for your choice position, and then plan accordingly.

Myself, I started in IT Support/Network and then went into consulting. So I did a Unix AAS degree, then an MIS degree for consulting. I had CCNA and Microsoft certifications, which I don't use now in consulting. In tech support/networking I had to have specific certs and technologies, whereas in consulting I have more general knowledge and train in everything from ERP to programming to data analytics to operating systems.

If you want to program, then a CIS program would be better for you.

 

[Nightfall]

Really, it all depends on your likes and dislikes. I can say you should take "class x" and "class y" but if you don't like the material, then it won't do you any good. IMO, it isn't the classes you take anyway. Its how you apply yourself. I worked on campus as a network technician/administrator for 4 years of college. I had to work my way up like any job, but that job helped me get the job that I have today which is systems/network administrator.

In order to be successful, you have to apply yourself outside of your classes in college. I would put more emphasis on that.

 

[fallenangel99]

That degree is easy, just don't major in Computer Science. I majored in Computer Science and I thnk it is one the hardest majors at Rutgers besides Engineering. I should have done IT or IS (Info. Systems). Those classes require to design a WEB PAGE (no joke) while I'm coding Java and learning about theory that I never ever use.

Get your 3.5 GPA in IT and you'll get a job easy once you graduate. Then you can move up the ladder.

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
That degree is easy, just don't major in Computer Science. I majored in Computer Science and I thnk it is one the hardest majors at Rutgers besides Engineering. I should have done IT or IS (Info. Systems). Those classes require to design a WEB PAGE (no joke) while I'm coding Java and learning about theory that I never ever use.

Get your 3.5 GPA in IT and you'll get a job easy once you graduate. Then you can move up the ladder.

Same here. I'll probably never use anything I learned from my CS degree.

 

[Chunkee]

turn away and run as fast as you can. do something else. learn a trade, become an apprentice and make money, in the four years that you would have to pay for college, become a licensed master plumber, or journeyman, or general contractor etc.....

jC

 

[wyvrn]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
turn away and run as fast as you can. do something else. learn a trade, become an apprentice and make money, in the four years that you would have to pay for college, become a licensed master plumber, or journeyman, or general contractor etc.....

jC

Not a bad idea if you like to work for yourself. Though IT degrees are still very much in demand. CS is in higher demand though.

 

[Apathetic]

Originally posted by: deerslayer

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
That degree is easy, just don't major in Computer Science. I majored in Computer Science and I thnk it is one the hardest majors at Rutgers besides Engineering. I should have done IT or IS (Info. Systems). Those classes require to design a WEB PAGE (no joke) while I'm coding Java and learning about theory that I never ever use.

Get your 3.5 GPA in IT and you'll get a job easy once you graduate. Then you can move up the ladder.

Same here. I'll probably never use anything I learned from my CS degree.

That depends. Are you planning on getting a job as a programmer or computer scientist? If you are, you'll use quite a bit of what you learned.

Dave