Degree for job in IT security

[Saint Nick]

Also, keep in mind the MIS path for IT Security will be different than the CS path for IT security. If you take the MIS path, you'll probably just be responsible for managing access lists of enterprise applications or applications developed internally. Which is truthfully boring.

The CS path will allow you to actually code these security algorithms.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

The CS path will allow you to actually code these security algorithms.

^double crazy boring all the way across the sky

 

[RedString]

@brad, I am interested in SQL. It just seems like a very fundamental language to know. I'll definitely be taking a class focusing on it.

I'm dreading the math classes. I'm very logically oriented, and some math is great - but some types is just a huge pain in my ass. I wouldn't doubt if some of the math they're going to have me taking will fall under this category. Nothing worse than taking a class I know is pointless. It just makes it that much more difficult for me to memorize things.

I really don't care about the money. Grew up my whole life under the poverty line - material things aren't that huge on my list. I just want a career I'll be interested in, and something that keeps evolving so I don't get stuck doing same thing for 20 years. If I can get a decent job pen testing for a outsourcing company and make enough to live decently, I'll be happy.

 

[brad310]

@brad, I am interested in SQL. It just seems like a very fundamental language to know. I'll definitely be taking a class focusing on it.

FWIW I find computer based training from either Trainsignal or CBT Nuggets to be a much more cost effective and efficient way to learn.

If you go to college, the experience there is worthwhile...so will all the contacts you meet. I got my first job through a college friend.

 

[TheSlamma]

Get a degree in Chinese language

 

[pwnagesarus]

If you are in the DC area, I would look into Capitol College and George Mason University.

Capitol College has a Bachelors and Masters for Information Assurance. An old professor of mine is in InfoSec and got his Masters from there. They offer online classes at scheduled times as well (none of that self-study crap that's typical of many online classes). The NSA seems to approve of Capitol College, if that means anything to you.

George Mason offers a Masters program in Information Security Assurance and it looks like they strongly emphasize having a Computer Science undergraduate background. Even if you apply without a Comp Sci background, they still require you to take several courses before enrolling in core courses.